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Why did HT (multichannel audio) never click with me?

Apreggiator said:
I'm curious if we can dig a bit deeper into the perceived effect of stereo versus surround. Does either approach 'feel' more or less natural (when set up equally well)?
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I have two main systems and both are used for music and video content. One is a 2.0 system and the other is a 5.1 system. Also, the 2.0 system is in a room where my wife doesn't want a multi speaker HT system as it really isn't a space that would accommodate it. This said, I find that it is more than a match when compared to a 3.0 HT setup. It has great detail, separation, imaging, etc. which gives it a better sound stage than an actual 3.0 system, IMO. The 5.1 system is in a room that works well with a multichannel sound system. It also is a little better at stereo sound due mostly to its subwoofer integration. When watching a movie with a well engineered soundtrack the 5.1 system is hands down the best for this use case. A well done 2.0 system can give a very good "front wall" of sound with imaging as good, and maybe better, than a 3.0 system. Make the well spec'ed 2.0 system a 2.1 system and it performs even better than a 3.1 system, IME.
 
MuchoReverbo said:
Definitely true. Setup is everything!

When I first got my Pioneer Elite SC-09TX AVR it took me several months before I finally figured out how to get the most out of it as far as multi-channel home theater. It's a very complicated and sophisticated piece of equipment. But once I got it set up right, there was no turning back. I still listen to music in stereo (with 4 speakers up front), but when watching TV and movies I am in full 10.2 surround and it raises the viewing experience to an entire new level. Movies are equal to professional theater environments with audio intricacies you can only achieve through modern multi-channel Dolby audio. Like being at the theater in my living room.
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Over the years I have found the auto configuration software in receivers and pre-amps are not the best at giving the best multichannel sound quality. I use it as an initial first attempt and then spend weeks to months refining the settings to dial them in to work with the bulk of the listening positions. HT is not like music where there is a very small "sweet spot" to be considered. HT in our house usually involves multiple people in several listening places. My goal in this scenario is to make each listening space good even if some places aren't as good as they could be. The nice thing about HT is that it can convert to a 2.1, or even a 2.0, system and sound is nearly as good as a dedicated 2.0 system.
 
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One thing I found is true, you cannot just go out and buy a HT set up and not expect that you can just plug and play. It's a tinkering sport (so to speak) and often learn as you go. Many reviewers all have nice elegant set ups and proper HT rooms, but MOST folks do not. And this is especially true in my circumstance. ALL brick and mortar store systems sound completely different in your home then they did at the store. Many systems can cause fatigue and thus, the listener becomes over whelmed and gives up. Market place is flooded with abandoned HT systems and you can tell why just by looking at the speakers.

One thing I learned early one, all the speakers need to share the same signature. Early on, I tried 3 different Center Channel speakers and none of them delivered. Same was true with Surround Backs, although I didn't waist time and money on experimenting. I use vintage speakers that did not have Center Speakers, so .... I built one using parts.

Back story here is that I dismantled the room to paint, and install a return air vent behind my system to help dissipate the heat. The system you see here is me putting some of the pieces up front before I re-assembled the room and straightened it up. When my wife retires, I'll occupy her office and install 7.1.2 adding atmos later on.

Fronts ADS L1530's, Rears are L1230's Custom Center and Sides are all ADS L810 parts.

 
Apreggiator said:
I'm curious if we can dig a bit deeper into the perceived effect of stereo versus surround. Does either approach 'feel' more or less natural (when set up equally well)?
Click to expand...
I find, for the most part, that surround music is a bit distracting and that oddly enough, 2 channel seems more realistic in most cases. There are so few surround mixes that I find compelling- most seem overly processed and compressed, so I don't bother with it. .
 
I'm just kind of riffing on other people's takes here, but I think this comes down heavily to setup and source (aside from personal priorities).

I have a nice 5.1 system, but I know it will never be perfect simply because my house is not compatible with the speaker placement. Nothing to be done about it, it's a house from the 80s. The acoustics and room layouts are just wrong for it. I think a lot of people are that way. There is a minimum level of money, setup, and luck that you need for it to be worth it.

And for source, tbh the place where I really value 5.1 is in video games. Some movies do cool stuff with it, and I like the overall feel of 5.1 even if I'm not noticing it specifically, but video games give such a better wow factor. A great example is stealth games which turn off the HUD at higher difficulties; surround makes a huge difference in these cases, and is much more immersive. Racing games and shooters can also do great stuff with the positional audio, which you will notice.

So I'd say, I wouldn't knock surround unless you've heard a good setup with the right source, but I also think that for a multitude of reasons it is not practical or preferreable for everybody.
 
Lately I have been enjoying Dolby Surround cd's with Dolby processors and 4 matching speakers. The processors are from the VHS/Betamax era and do not have a center channel output, just 4 channels. Ever since I acquired the playback gear for Dolby Surround, Dolby cd's suddenly began appearing at thrift stores, yard sales, estate sales etc. Weird how that works out. Tomita is one of the best.
 
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