Hi Gang,

I propose this topic "Setup Options for Listening to Music in Multi-Channel Mode" for discussion.

Background: Some of our group enjoys "The GE Sound" in a two-channel stereo listening mode, while other members enjoy "The GE Sound" in a multi-channel listening mode. I have extensively tried both modes and I have concluded that I prefer the multi-channel mode. Wayne has frequently commented favorably upon his multi-channel listening experiences, as have others.

My preference for multi-channel listening is significantly influenced by my particular approach - which is to drive my Surround and Surround-Back GE speakers with a separate Cambridge CXR120 7.2 channel amplifier, while my front Triton Ones are driven by my Cambridge 851A integrated stereo amplifier. This approach allows me to independently adjust the "presence level" volume of the surround speakers, which allows me to easily control the depth and presence of the surround-sound portion of the presentation.

My goal is always to hear the sound come from the front, but also be aware of the presence and depth pf the sound, in accordance with the nature and content of the musical material to which I am listening. In the past, I have used a multi-channel receiver to drive all speakers, but I was never happy with a single-adjustment approach to setting the volume levels of the surround speakers.

So far, I am not aware of anyone else in our group who uses a multi-channel amplifier solely to drive the surround speakers. So, I am interested in comments from the group about their listening preferences when experiencing multi-channel music. What about main versus surround speaker balance? How much surround presence is preferred? How does overall room volume level affect these choices? Other considerations?

Looking forward to comments.

Art

Bro Art, still looking forward to more on how Sheryl (and you) are doing these days?
I have another thread, an old one now on whether people like to listen in stereo or surround sound and whether or not they like to watch? Meaning, do they prefer video too, like blu ray concerts, as I do.
As to listening to music in surround sound, as you stated I am a huge, total fan of my music in surround sound and I use all the normal codecs DTS HD MA 7.1 and Dolby Digital True HD 7.1.
And those are set up just as intended by those two companies, played back with the distances set for delay to my MLP and the volumes set by test signals, etc. just the way people would set up a home theater for surround sound.

I think you might want to mention that this is NOT what you are talking about, want to discuss. IF I understand correctly.
I THINK, from other conversations we have had, you are talking about making a multi speaker, surround sound of your own FROM 2 channel or even mono source music. IF I am correct, that is a whole nuther fish of a different color.
The only time I allow 2 channel sources to get morphed into "surround sound" is when I watch TV and have the sound play back through my home theater system turned into a synthesized surround by DTS Neo6 Cinema or Music. This again follows all the rules of setup by DTS or DOLBY, I am not creating anything new here.

I believe you are creating something new and suspect (correct me if I am wrong) that this is what you wish to discuss.

Happy Listening,
God Bless,
Wayne

Hi Wayne,

Thanks for your thoughtful and detailed reply. When I started the topic, I did not consider the difference between surround-sound from 2 channel signals and true surround sound derived from multi-channel signal sources. Your reply serves to focus the issue and makes clear the distinctions between the two situations.

You are correct -- I was thinking more about listening to 2-channel sources either in 2-channel or derived multi-channel surround modes. I have just a couple of Blue-Ray Musical DVDs. so my listening experiences are all built around 2-channel music sources.

I like the added dimension of having sound come at me from more than just the front speakers. My question has been whether I prefer being surrounded by 2-channel sound or having 2-channel sound in front and derived surround-sound in the rear. Lately, I am leaning toward the latter approach.

So, I wondered what other folks are doing and what their thoughts are regarding these two approaches. Your reply introduces an additional element to the conversation.

Regarding Sheryl: She had her 1st chemo two weeks ago. She has handled it pretty well overall. But, over this past weekend, she had a delayed reaction to one of the chemicals, resulting in two visits to urgent care and a regimen of steroids to counteract the rash and itching. She will probably have a different chemical when she has her 2nd treatment next Thursday. We're just taking things as they come along and dealing with issues as they arise. Overall plan is the same -- shrink the Thymoma, then have it surgically removed.

Best,

Art

Thanks for the update Bro Art, still praying, but know how to pray better now.
Tell her we are praying and supporting her and wish her the BEST!!!!! And you too my friend!!!! I know this is not easy on you either.
God Bless,
Wayne

Thanks, Wayne.