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2+2+2 Multichannel

I just bought two DVD-A discs put out by a German Audiophile recording outfit called MDGD. They use the six available channels differently.

They use the Left and Right, Front and Rear channels in the usual way. But then they call for two additional front speakers, located above and outside the regular front speakers. These are driven by the Center and Subwoofer channels. It is all supposed to produce a "3-dimensional" sound field, with no particular "sweet spot" for listener location.

I have not yet had the time to jury-rig this setup. The printed material that came with the discs does not provide much in the way of description of this 2+2+2 scheme. Does anyone out there have any info?
eldartford
sogood51
2,157 posts
 
The Telarc web site has some info. on this type of setup on their web site under surround sound setup.

Dave
kr4's avatar
kr4
3,689 posts
 
Chesky has also offered and promoted 2+2+2 recordings.
pbb
1,140 posts
 
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.
flex
292 posts
 
Chesky's version is different though. The two height channels are at the sides of the room, between the listener and the main channels, whereas the European 2+2+2 has the height channels in the front of the room. The two formats aren't strictly interchangeable, since the microphone placement and mixing was done assuming one speaker configuration or the other.
kr4's avatar
kr4
3,689 posts
 
You are right about the differences between the Chesky and MDG setups. The Telarc, too, is different in that it has a single height channel multiplexed with the LFE channel. I also agree with PBB that it was unfortunate that compatibility with HT 5.1 took precedence over considerations for optimum music reproduction.
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