Quote:

There is more to it than just multi-channel. Because of dynamic range limitation on a CD, studios are using dynamic compression to logarithmically reduce the highest peaks without having to reduce low levels.

Actually, it's a listener preference thing. Dynamic range on a CD is somewhere around 90dB - much higher than reel-to-reel, vinyl, cassette, or 8-track. Pop/rock audio engineers all mix for "da wall o' sound" now. It's sad, but that's the way of the world.

Bren R.