Two channel or to multi-channel, that is the ???


After reading many sources of material about the debate over DVD-A vs. SACD, and Hybrid discs vs. 2 channel SACD only recordings (Sony).

I still have more questions. Are there any record labels that produce multi-channel only recordings? If I purchase an SCD-1 will it be obsolete because record companies are producing multi-channel only recordings?

Thanks for your input.
Dave
davewavaolcom
While it's allowed within the dvd spec to author discs for multichannel only (that is, with downmix to 2 channels forbidden), there are few recordings made that way, since it obviously restricts the usefulness and hence number of sales. Presumably the same thing goes for SACD, since SACD has only recently emerged from a 2-channel existence, and Sony/Philips make every effort to keep compatibility with existing systems.
You certainly shouldn't let that issue keep you from getting into hi-rez.
Best of luck.
Try Sony SCD-XA777ES for ultimate two channel Red Book CD and multichannel SACD playback.
Who said you can't have it all?

Ki
I think hi-rez two-channel is the way to go. Multichannel!? Come on, this seems like nothing more than a souped-up modern version of the embarassingly awful quadrophonic scheme from the 70's.

I think that multi-channel audio will be used by the "early adopters" with deep pockets, but I do not believe that the general public will go for it. Thus, I'd be surprised if in five years multichannel is little more than a faded memory.

If john q. consumer doesn't buy it, recording labels won't create the software.

I'm sure there will always be a few titles available from specialty audiophile labels, but I wouldn't want to sink big bucks into a system that will ultimately support such a limited number of recordings.
audioholics.com has an interesting piece on both (DVD-SACD)if you have not already read it.
CK