2+2+2 Multichannel

Eldartford,
I've heard the 2+2+2 setup several times in Europe, and it has sounded very good in the large convention rooms I've heard it in. Your description is accurate; the two front height channels have been set up about 8-10 feet above the front mains, using smaller bookshelf sized speakers. There are some who think height channels are most effective in large high-ceiling rooms but less effective in domestic rooms. If you try it, please post your results, it would be very interesting.

This is the reference on the MDG site. Click on the menu item for 2+2+2 room setup. I saw only the German version; if there isn't a translator on the URL and you can't readit, you can copy it and run it through a translator.

Good luck.
http://www.mdg.de/frame2.htm

Flex...Thankyou...I have enough amps and small but decent speakers to try this out. Alas, my room does not have a high ceiling. Someday I will build a large room with cathedral ceiling where my Magneplanar speakers can be suspended well off the floor: a setup that I have always liked.

If this kind of 6-channel speaker configuration were to become common my bigest problem would be figuring out how to switch back and forth between normal 5.1 multichannel and 2+2+2.

The Telarc web site has some info. on this type of setup on their web site under surround sound setup.

Dave

Chesky has also offered and promoted 2+2+2 recordings.

That's what Chesky proposed, but seems will not be delivering in SACD. I used a JVC ambiance processor for years with a six speaker set-up. Seems the most logical way to me when dealing with music. The speakers at the front, behind and outside of the main pair, are the way to go to recreate the early reflections around the stage and open up the sound to a very great extent. Unfortunately, since the software and hardware manufacturers want MC audio to piggyback unto HT, we wind up with this centre channel + sub at the front affair. Too bad.