Multi Channel SACD

Hi junzhand10,

I find it tough to find titles that aren’t mastered to produce completely unnatural sound effects in the rear channels.

Can you recommend some titles that use the additional channels correctly for ambient reproduction?

Hi Erik,

I sold my center channel years ago (Martin Logan Stage with Marantz MA700 mono amp) after discovering that movies and multi-channel music sound much more realistic through just front L/R speakers (and rears of course) with my processor set to "Phantom Center". The perception of correct image placement and coherent horizontal and vertical motion actually improves.

Best to you both,
Dave

http://www.sa-cd.net/showtitle/3190

I am using an  Oppo-95 annalog  multi-channel out direct. to a Bryston 9B-ST, speakers L/R Thiel 2.2, Center Martin Logan Cinema, Rear PSB Alpha. Follow the SD-CD.net FAQ speakeNeed to adjust to match the volume. A larger listening room would be ideal. Though it is hard to get everything perfect, but the remastered SACD sounds amazing with the multichannel setup. In addition, the Oppo also served as movie theater player. The ideal setup would be same L/C/R speaker, Rear L/R not critical. If I would like  serious duel channel listening, I would add a pair of XLR balanced cable between Oppo 95 and Bryston.But with SACD multi-channel audio , I would choose multi-channel over duel channel. The lack of center channel is the main short coming thought added real channel let me more envolve into the music. 

Hi junzhang10,

Thanks for the recommendation. I will order soon.

I too am a Thiel lover. Just sold my 2 2s to my best friend. Great speakers.

The later Oppos (model 95 and 105) are really good universal players. I just bought a ModWright/Sony 5400ES which transmits multi-channel SACD in DSD via its HDMI output. Looking forward to hearing this SACD on it.

Re: the center channel, when I first converted my 2 channel setup to do dual duty as a HT, I bought a Thiel MCS-1 center channel to use with my 5i’s for front L/R and the 2 2s for the rears. I never liked the sound of the MCS-1 and sold it, replacing it with a Martin Logan Stage center. Much better, but one day I had to move the Stage to install my TT and tried my processor in the "Phantom Center" mode (no center channel, the processor sends center channel information to the front L/R speakers). The 5i’s sounded much better without the center channel on both movies and multi-channel music. Image height is perfect for my 120" diagonal screen and motion is much more contiguous, realistic, and natural. You might try this with your 2 2s and see if this works for you.

Best to you junzhang10,
Dave

Dave,

What does ModWright bring to the party with HDMI where the DAC process is outsourced?

I tend to agree with you about phantom center, although I've invested nearly $4K for a used Parasound JC 1 monoblock and KEF Reference 204/2C center.  I can always set my processor to phantom mode.

db

phantom center if don't have a matching center speaker. The problem with typical center speakers is they sit horizontal position rather than stand and they usually have dual speakers. They are designed for movie theater (won't block the drop off screen) usage. A true center should be a identical to L/R and stand vertical with height at your ear level. Of course, no one will sell you a single speaker. The rear is not that critical because we tend to listen forward. So at min a L/C/R setup is essential for a music listen room and add rear ambient would be ideal.