Quote Originally Posted by StevenSurprenant View Post
I was really excited when I first got my surround system but after living with it for a long time, I find myself less and less interested in it.
If I had a poorly set up surround system, pooly(if not at all) calibrated, and in a room where modes and reflections are so loud that it affect dialog intelligibility, I would be less interested in listening to that system as well.

Fortunately for me, I don't have any of these issues - hence why I can listen to both my dedicated HT and dedicated multichannel music room systems all day and all night.


It's my opinion, but I think surround for movies is a bust too. It's not a total bust but for what it costs, the money would be better spent on better speakers and equipment for 2 channel. Of course, if money or room isn't an issue then why not.
And just what praytell would you base your opinion that surround for movies is a bust? Another comment pulled out of your bum? Here is the problem. You are on the wrong website for discussing anything multichannel. Most folks here emphasis is on two channel, which is probably why you are here. Go to AVSforum, Bluray.com, and Hometheater.com and these folks have already moved to immersive audio systems(11-1 and 14-1). The only time I listen to stereo is on Netflix.


What I like about 2 channel (with music) is that it sounds real. It has depth and the images are placed in a 3D soundstage.
Sorry, but poor choice of words. It is impossible for stereo to sound like 3D audio, there is not enough channels for that. 3D audio comes in the form of Dolby Atmos, DTS NEO:X, and Auro surround. These are object based encoders and decoders that allows a mixer to mix a signal anywhere within the room, and is object based not channel based. 3D audio requires at least 7 discrete channels, and AT LEAST two discrete height channels(depending on the size of the room). 3D audio is immersive(sound from everywhere), stereo is a purely front loaded format incapable of 3D immersion.


What I like about surround ( with movies) is that the back channels add information that a 2 channel cannot duplicate. 2 channel can give the impression of surround and even produce images behind the listener, but not to the extent of surround. So for that aspect of it I give it a thumbs up.
The only way stereo can place images behind the listener is if the two channels are processed with a out of phase enhancer such as QS processing. Otherwise, all you are hearing is just a bunch of room borne reflections that have nothing to do with the recording.


I think the biggest drawback of surround is the software. I have heard some pretty good sound from movies, but most of the time, it sounds way over done and less real than music on a 2 channel system.
What a airheaded comparison. Music is a documentary of an live event. A movie soundtrack supports a picture. The two cannot be compared without evoking laughter at the person trying to do so.

There is nothing more exciting than a low rumble permeating the room during a scary scene in a movie. It really hits to the heart of a persons emotional state. However, it seems that those that make these movies have the mindset that it takes an extended amount of time of loud crash bangs and such to achieve this effect. It has the opposite effect, it's fun when first experienced, but after many movies of the same thing, all it does is give me a headache.
Steve, you still do not understand just what a movie soundtrack is supposed to do. It supports the visuals. If the visuals do not have explosion, then the soundtrack has no need for it as well.

It's the sudden increase in sound that startles, but a constant drone at loud volumes is irritating. Thankfully, there are some audio engineers that know what they're doing and every so often a truly enjoyable movie (sound wise) comes along.
Sounds to me like this statement once again blames the software as if the posters systems is perfect. The drone you hear is more likely a room mode, and has nothing to do with the soundtracks. I would also suggest you watch more types of movies. Not all soundtracks are created equal, but it could sound that way if you only watch one type of genre of movie. Just like every movie has different visuals, it will also have a different soundtrack to support those visuals.

Underexposure leads to ignorance.


At this point I don't know what to think. I quit listening to surround (for the most part) because of the software, but with a good recording, it's very entertaining.
Steve, here is your problem. You are always blaming the software for every problem you hear. Did it ever occur to you that your system is the issue, not the software? Probably not, your system is of reference quality, so it could not possibly be your system(sarcasm off). If a person has as many issues as you do with software, it is probably in their best interest to revisited the quality of your system, your room, and how well your system is calibrated. We don't have dialog issues on the dubbing stage, I have not heard it in a professional theater, and I have not heard this problem on none of the 7 systems I own. Based on that, the problem MUST be in your room, your speakers, or the synergy between your components.

Is it worth keeping for those times when a good recording comes along? Perhaps since it's already paid for, but if I had it to do over again, I don't think I would buy another surround system.
Since you don't seem to know how to properly put together a surround system, you should probably stick with a 2 channel system. A monkey can put one together without much of a problem.


A funny thing... rarely do I hear anyone comment about the sound of a movie. As important as sound is to a movie, it's the plot and acting that people comment about.
Once again, you are on the wrong website for talking about movie soundtracks. This site is mostly audio, not movies. You can look at the forums and tell that. Go to more movie oriented sites like Bluray.com, AVSforum, Hometheater.com where movie sound is talked about all of the time.

Its hard to get exposed to things when you live in a anechoic chamber.


I have also heard people speak about not being able to understand the dialog because of all the noise in the soundtrack.
That "noise" you speak of is sound effects and music. They are as integral to a soundtracks as the dialog. Ever listening to a movie with no sound effects and music? Pretty boring.

When a person has dialog intelligibility issues, the problem lies in the speakers, amps, or room. The software is created in an environment that is pristine, and on equipment FAR, FAR better than yours.

I've also heard people wanting to watch movies at the theater because of the “big” screen. It seems we are making a lot talk about sound, right now, but why don't people mention it? Is it because people don't care about it or is it because it's not that note worthy?
Maybe its because you are talking to yourself in a vacuum. If all there was to movies is the big screen, then why are folks flocking to Dolby Atmos, and Auro based surround equipt theaters? Why has most of the technological advances in movies occurred in the audio?

Steve, stick to what you know - which means it will only take you seconds to tell it all.