Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Stereo SADC

Jason, it doesn't matter if it's a "majority opinion", since this is a question of audio technology which isn't decided by vote. Listening to 2-channel sources in correctly implemented surround is simply a little more realistic, regardless of whether an individual listener doesn't think so.

Hey John, fair enough. I just wondered if you felt your opinion was common or uncommon. I'm definitely not arguing which sounds more realistic (as I have no idea). I haven't listened to much 2-channel music in PLII surround, but I will definitely give it a try to see what I prefer.

Jason

Jason, it's pretty common; for example, Alan has made the point here several times in articles and individual posts. What the majority actually is, I have no idea. I do note that at least some who spout a "purist" dogma don't understand the technology involved and think that something "artificial" is being introduced.

I think the room and setup has as much to do with how the system sounds playing PLII as anything else. I am not getting anywhere near as nice a sound field as I did during the demo at Axiom.

I suspect that at least part of it is because my room is so reflective.

I suspect a lot of people form opinions based on systems that are not set up for optimal performance.

In my case, using a Dire Straits live cd, I noticed a huge difference between two channel and matrixed when demoing at Axiom. At home, with the same speaker set, that difference is mostly gone.

(The purpose of this response was just to fix the title. Please carry on.)

Oh! I though it was supposed to be ACDC.

But not on i-Tunes.

He he he.
There's a Wall*Mart nearby!

Well, some interesting responses. The PLII suggestion was helpfull, will have to play around with that. Now if My SACD's would arrive,the fun would really begin. Does anybody use DVD-Audio? My Player is capable of that also.


Gary

DVD-A? You bet. I've really only got a couple of SACDs, but quite a few DVD-As. Even with my modest gear I find a huge difference vs standard CDs. Of course there differences in the master of the recordings, distinct 5.1 vs. virtual-style 5.1 like PLII, Neo, circle-surround, etc., but the big difference between the DVD-A and SACD formats I enjoy are the potential for video content in addition to the hi-res audio.

That, and the fact that I can loan DVD-As to friends who only have DTS decoding available (which sound pretty good in and of itself - not quite MLP lossless but still - arguably - better than CD ) and get them hooked on surround mastered music too.