Jonboi
Because Music Matters
This is a conundrum that I faced back in the day when I had a Naim 2-channel stereo system and started 'adding on' to get surround sound.
In those days, most audiophile thinking, and certainly many stereo manufacturers' claims, was that multi-channel setups compromised the 2 channel sound.
In part, and in my experience, this was mainly due to an understandable reluctance to spend the money on matching speakers and amplification all around for a multichannel setup, by audiophiles, who then understandably decried the result with 'mixing and matching' of amps and speakers inferior to the main 2 channel pair, as being a waste of time.
Similarly, almost in a rearguard action, many stereo manufacturers decried multi-channel setups, - but in most observations, only until such time as they had their own products ready to compete in the marketplace.
Personally, if I am spending considerable sums on an A/V system, I expect it to be able to reproduce either stereo, with ping pong balls, and steam trains moving from one side of the room to the other (mono is so old hat), whilst in multi-channel mode, moving flying helicopters and jet aircraft around the room with equal aplomb.
As to music, be it in two-channel stereo, or a modern-day multi-channel surround sound mix, I expect the same level of engagement, enjoyment, and authenticity to the source.
Unfortunately, that does mean matching speakers and amplification all around - at least as far as possible. One can compromise, but the results will always be a compromise as well.
I achieved a very good result with my then mix of Naim amps/front speakers, and a Sony amp/processor for Tannoy bookshelf rears, but when I eventually replaced it all with a B&O TV (which has an onboard processor and fully active speaker array doubling as the center channel in movie mode) and B&O fully active speakers, there really was a performance jump that ten years later still thrills, and gives me equal results no matter whether the source material is two-channel or multi-channel.
Yes, it is an expensive route - no question - but the results are absolutely worth it if you enjoy and are passionate about both music and movies in the home reproduced to the same very high level.
In those days, most audiophile thinking, and certainly many stereo manufacturers' claims, was that multi-channel setups compromised the 2 channel sound.
In part, and in my experience, this was mainly due to an understandable reluctance to spend the money on matching speakers and amplification all around for a multichannel setup, by audiophiles, who then understandably decried the result with 'mixing and matching' of amps and speakers inferior to the main 2 channel pair, as being a waste of time.
Similarly, almost in a rearguard action, many stereo manufacturers decried multi-channel setups, - but in most observations, only until such time as they had their own products ready to compete in the marketplace.
Personally, if I am spending considerable sums on an A/V system, I expect it to be able to reproduce either stereo, with ping pong balls, and steam trains moving from one side of the room to the other (mono is so old hat), whilst in multi-channel mode, moving flying helicopters and jet aircraft around the room with equal aplomb.
As to music, be it in two-channel stereo, or a modern-day multi-channel surround sound mix, I expect the same level of engagement, enjoyment, and authenticity to the source.
Unfortunately, that does mean matching speakers and amplification all around - at least as far as possible. One can compromise, but the results will always be a compromise as well.
I achieved a very good result with my then mix of Naim amps/front speakers, and a Sony amp/processor for Tannoy bookshelf rears, but when I eventually replaced it all with a B&O TV (which has an onboard processor and fully active speaker array doubling as the center channel in movie mode) and B&O fully active speakers, there really was a performance jump that ten years later still thrills, and gives me equal results no matter whether the source material is two-channel or multi-channel.
Yes, it is an expensive route - no question - but the results are absolutely worth it if you enjoy and are passionate about both music and movies in the home reproduced to the same very high level.
. To me 2 channel Hifi is more important than a fully fledged av home theatre setup. It took a while for me to realise that!!!! Number of expensive buys and mistakes later, I’ve downsized 2 yrs ago from an av system that doubled as a Hifi system to just 2 channel Hifi that occasionally supports a 65 inch 4k tv with sound. I’m happy now.
