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3 channel
Colleagues,
I have been enamored with 3 channel audio (L,C,R) for some time now. It started when I purchased a McIntosh C-26 which had a center channel out. I was also aware of the Klipsch derived center channel, which was part of the Klipsch Wide Stage stereo system. I tried the center channel of the C 26, and I have never gone back to 2 channel. Of course in those days, (before the earth cooled ) 2 channel was the only stereo available. but then we got Quadraphonic for good or ill, which never found favor with the masses. As a classically trained musician, I thought the 2 of the 4 quadraphonic channels were misused. As a performer, I am surrounded by other players, but as a listener the orchestra is in front of me and the venue surrounds me, and I do listen to the hall. 90d% or more of my listening to recorded music is classical, and I have become to prefer minimalist micing tecniques, as practiced by Mercury, the older RCA Red Seal, Decca, Telarc and more recently Reference and Delos. These labels used the Decca Tree, or some variant. No matter how recorded however, the Violins are always jammend in to the left speaker and violas and cellos in the right. If I use a center channel of either Dolby PLxII or Harman Logic 7. it helps fill the hole in the center. Recently I've been able to find 3 channel sacd's and blu-ray discs that have the missing center channel, and am now closer to audio perfection than before. It makes me wonder why we don't see more 3 channel recordings? Market I guess. I know most high end systems are 2 channel, and the sweet spot is occupied by an Eames chair. My question then is this: why? If any of you have an answer to this I'd like to hear your response. Also what kind of music you listen to would be helpful, and do you listen to 2 channel. Last edited by Petronius; 11-02-2020 at 11:49 PM. |
#2
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#3
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3 channel
I listen mostly to 2 channel, occasionally to 5.3. 3 channel doesn’t seem to me to add much value over a well set up 2 channel system. I suspect most people who go beyond 2 channel, do so in combination with a home theater surround system - in which case, why stop at 3? I listen to lots of classical and jazz, but also rock, folk, bluegrass, blues, country, Cajun, world, and so on.
FYI, if your two channel has all the instruments jammed to right or left, you may want to spend some time experimenting with speaker placement. A well-set-up 2 channel system should produce good soundstage and imaging with good center fill.
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Tony D'Agostino Momentum S250 MxV & HD pre; Linn Klimax Organik DSM, SonicTransporter, EtherRegen; Acoustic Signature Typhoon Neo, Koetsu RSP, Boulder 1108; Sf Il Cremonese; Shunyata Everest, Altaira, Sigma & Alpha v2 |
#4
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This just not seem right. Without getting into a debate about the potential benefits of 3-channel, a properly configured two-channel system is certainly capable of a convincing soundstage.
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Primary sources: VPI TNT III/SDS turntable, SME-V arm; Bryston BDP-3 digital player; Bryston BDA-3 DAC; McIntosh MVP-881 disc player; McIntosh MR-80 tuner. Preamplifier Audio Research Ref 5SE; Audio Research Ref Phono 2SE; Moon 430 HA. Amplifiers Conrad Johnson Premier 1B; Audio Research D-300; Bryston 4B. Speakers Infinity IRS Beta. Recorders Tandberg TD20A; Crown SX-822; Nakamichi 670ZX; Alesis Masterlink ML-9600. Power Tice Power Block/Titan (x2); McIntosh MPC1500; API Ultra II-20; multiple 20A derated dedicated lines. |
#5
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Thank you for your responses.
Perhaps I used the wrong term when I said "jammed". I agree that two channel is or can be very rewarding, and can give a convincing sound stage. When I do listen to a two channel source (ie. vinyl or reel tape) my system can give a satisfying sound stage. I do have an sacd that has a two channel performance of Scheherezade and and a 3 channel, direct from the original 3 channel RCA recording, and BAM! there it was! There it was the violins ( remember there are about 36 players in a large romantic orchestra) were spread in a much more convincing manner, center instruments, violas, woodwinds were right there. Also the sweet spot was greatly enlarged. In response to Kal, I do listen to 3,5 and 7 in discrete when Available, and use PLx II when not. It can be pretty convincing. Like many I have to share my listening space with a scandinavian style living room that's filled with plants so it's not perfect, but it works. Someday my dedicated room, filled with fabulous gear I can't afford. Last edited by Petronius; 11-03-2020 at 12:36 PM. Reason: clarity |
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#7
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There is an interesting interview with Keith Johnson (the professor) Stereophile (Volume 7 No4) on this and other subjects. Prof. Johnson is one of the finest audio engineers extant. I highly recommend it.
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#8
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Very interesting discussion so far.
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#9
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So Colleagues I'm wondering, how many of you (besides Kal and myself) have experienced discrete 3 channel audio.? and did you find it compelling?
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#10
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Apparently not too many it would seem.
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