I am continuing to experiment with various arrangements of my 3 pairs of GE Speakers and my collection of audio gear. My latest setup is described below:

1. Speaker placement and connections:
1.1. Triton Ones Front L/R. Connected as Speaker "A" to my Cambridge Azur 851A 2-channel amp. Sitting about 10 feet from my PLP and spaced about 8 feet apart and 3 feet from all walls.

1.2. SuperSat 3Cs connected as Speaker "B" to my Cambridge and sitting high on shelves on either side of the room. About 8 feet from my PLP and about 12 feet apart.

1.3. Triton 7s connected to a Sony STR DE 885 Receiver as Fronts. Speakers placed toe each side of my PLP, about 7 feet from my PLP. STR DE 885 adjusted to 2-channel audio direct.

The Triton Ones and the SuperSat 3Cs are well matched and respond well to being controlled by a common volume control in the Cambridge Amp. The effect is to widen the sound stage and slightly brighten the sound.

The Triton Sevens are now being driven by the separate Sony AV Receiver, operating in a 2-channel stereo direct mode. Sitting to each sider of my PLP and closer than either the Ones or the SuperSats, but connected to a separate amp, permit me to control their volume settings independently.

The overall effect of this arrangement is to widen the stereo sound stage, while keeping the primary sound focused more or less in front of my PLP.

This new arrangement is a part of my overall effort to duplicate what I think an orchestral conductor hears at the podium. I am pleased with this arrangement and, especially, with the ability to control the volume setting of the Sevens independently to blend them in to the SuperSats and the Ones.

My Chase RLC controller is still in the mix, providing separate line-level control to the signal inputs to the Ones LFE connectors for augmented bass when I think it is needed. As I type this post, I am listening to Haydn's "The Seasons". The overall volume level fills the room, although the Cambridge is set to "-34 db" (slightly over 50% volume). The Sony is set to blend the Sevens into the overall sound without calling attention to their presence.

While I would dearly love to have a pair of Triton Reference speakers, I will be content with my current 3 pairs of GE speakers.

Happy listening to all,

Art

Dear Bro Art,
I think you are a closet surround sound lover in a two channel den.
Hope you wrestle it to the ground and it says Uncle for you!!!!
Wishing you all the best in your efforts.
IF it is any consolation, I find just normal stereo the way most people listen not so satisfying either, I think the more you are comparing what you hear to real live concert music, 2 channel is NOT real sounding enough.
God bless,
Wayne

Hi Wayne,

For years, I listened to music and watched videos, using a multi-channel sound format, via a succession of speaker pairs and AV receivers. "Surround Sound" has always impressed me when viewing movies with multi-channel soundtracks. However, I was never really satisfied with the surround sound effects when listening to music. Nor have I been happy with the various simulations for music which have been available through the use of AV receivers. To me, all of them imparted an artificial quality to the music.

So, over time, I began to experiment with two-channel sound, but presented via more than one amplifier and more than one pair of speakers. In an ideal world, I would have a large room (mini concert hall) with no restrictions imposed by furniture or the need to seat people anywhere other than in my PLP location. My ideal world would also allow me sufficient funds to acquire several high-quality 2-channel amps and, of course, multiple pairs of Triton Reference speakers.

I would place these speakers in an array around the room such that they formed a 180 degree arc around my PLP. Each pair would be driven by a separate amplifier so that the sound could be balanced to provide what I will call "forward 2-channel surround sound". The room would provide its own spatial sound characteristics, rather than me trying to electronically simulate reverb, rear sound, and other such characteristics.

But, my situation is what it is and will not change. So, I have applied my concepts with what I have available. If I really like this arrangement, I might acquire another Cambridge 851 Amp to drive my Triton Sevens (currently using a Sony STR DE 885 AV Receiver running in 2-channel direct mode).

I have the 2-channel version of the "Rhapsodies" RCA Living Stereo recording by Leopold Stokowski. I have both the original LP and the CD reissue. Did you know that Stokowski was the conductor for the Disney "Fantasia" movie? If you have never seen Fantasia, you have missed an audio and visual treat - especially considering that it was made in 1939 or 1940.

Here is another audio spectacular for you to enjoy - find a copy of the Stokowski recording with the Houston Symphony of the Shostakovich Symphony Number 11. The original was a Capital 2 LP set and it has been reissued.on EMI CD. I don't know if there is a Hi Res version available.

Happy listening.

Art

Thanks Bro Art,
What you did not address and what I LOVE is surround sound on Blu ray discs, classical concerts.
I find the surround VERY convincing and wonderful, the BEST!!!!!
Do you have experience with those? Course the system must be set up right with the right time delays to the sides and rear channels. Then SACDs and DVD-Audio in surround. Marvelous stuff!!!!
Yes, I have enjoyed Fantasia and knew the Stowkowski connection.
Shostakovich has never been my cup of tea, but I am learning all the time, so IF I run into it......
Happy listening,
God Bless,
Wayne

Hi Wayne and Everybody.

Wayne, you might be pleased to learn that I have made yet another alteration to my "2-channel" listening approach. After extensive listening to my 3 sets of GE speakers in a true 2-channel mode, I have decided to try a multi-channel approach. To do so, I moved my SuperSats to the rear of my room, while leaving the Ones in front and the Sevens on each side of my PLP.

My ones remain connected to my Cambridge 2-channel amp, but my Sevens and my SuperSats are now connected to an older Denon 7-channel AV Receiver. The Sevens are connected to the Denon Surround terminals and the SuperSats are connected to the Surround Back terminals on the Denon.

The Denon is being fed audio via a line-out connection from the Cambridge, via my Chase line-level controller. This connection permits me to continue to also feed a controllable line-level signal to the LFE inputs on my Ones.

With this arrangement, I can experiment with the different surround-sound simulations available in the Denon. And, I can independently control the level of the surround volume via the Denon.

I am enjoying this iteration and the adventure of listening to a combined 2-channel / surround-sound reproduction of music. My Home Theater system remains untouched and is a separate system.

Happy Listening to all,

Art

Yeah, Bro Art, that sounds like more the kind of setup I am used to and love to listen to. Do you have any center channel in that setup, in case you wanted to listen to one of the TACET discs that puts you in the middle of all the instruments? Or for listening to SACDs or Blu-ray music?

Anyway, I have no doubt you will keep fine tuning until you get exactly the kind of setup you love, perhaps this one is IT!!!
It is a fun journey to audio nirvana after all.
Happy listening,
God Bless,
Wayne