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Multichannel sounds better than stereo

I’ve found that upmixing stereo music to 5 channel via software actually sounds better than just 2 speakers.

This is especially true for the center speaker, I’ve found no situations in which stereo sounds better . The center speaker always makes it sound fuller, more immersive, better.

The back surrounds on the other hand are more of a trade off, they add vast amount of immersiveness but can make things sound more blurry. Generally I prefer them than without.

Note I’m not time aligned them, and they are different speakers, so this is a poor match, but even then, wow multichannel sounds so much better....
coli
don_c55
1,025 posts
 
I prefer stereo over 5.1.

5.1 sound seems fake. 

There is no BACK in movies and TV. Everything is in front!

Weird sound effects abound in 5.1 IMO.

What is the reason for the front center channel?  Stereo has a center.
don_c55
1,025 posts
 
Also 5.1 systems do not have depth.

Stereo does, as do movies and TV!

Not all audio on movies and TV is good, but in the last few years there is more realistic audio.

jafant's avatar
jafant
19,601 posts
 
It only moves or mixes the music around.
coli OP
291 posts
 
What I’ve found so far is that depth mainly come from room reflections. A closed rectangular room will sound way better than an open irregular room in this regard.

Majority of recording do not have depth, a few have room reverb in them, but most elements are recorded mono and mixed in (some mix are done badly). Also, if a record uses real piano instead of electronic piano, then you can hear more depth.

Surround back speakers helps at a lot at creating depth when positioned properly. Incorrectly positioned, and you are better without them. A few records doesn't work with them at all, but most do.
don_c55
1,025 posts
 
Video does have depth, and so does the included audio. If you want the video depth to match the audio depth, do not mount the screen on the wall. Mount the screen away from the wall on a stand, and the speakers even further from the front wall. Stereo speakers work best IMO.
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