Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems 2 Channel Stereo vs 5.1 DD and DTS

Picking up this important debate from other threads, I have had Meridian processors of various types for a long time and (like most people with lots of presets) have tried listening to sources with various processing to see what they sound like.

I have ended up by listening to standard CDs in 2 channel "stereo" as I think this sounds best (and this is what was intended by their producers and mixers). I am not wholly convinced by Trifield even though this produces good results on some material.

I listen to music on DVD which has been mixed for 5.1 in either DD or DTS and I believe that this shows up the sonic superiority of DTS more clearly than any film. Unfortunately, DVD music seems to fall into one of two categories:

- mixed so that the listener is sitting in the band (interesting but unnatural)
- mixed so that the listener is in the audience watching the act.

I prefer the latter but in these mixes, the principal front image seems to be created by the main L and R pair anyway with the C not doing a lot!

Yes, DTS can appear to be louder than DD by about 4dB but after adjusting for this and listening to music DVDs with both DD and DTS options I still think DTS sounds better.

One part of Meridian processing that I think is very good is the "listening position control". This is far superior to any balance control and produces an excellent stereo image for off centre listening positions.

Bob Stuart made a very wise decision when he settled on a lossless compression scheme - the creation of MLP was purely a speculative play on Meridian's part, almost basic research!

The fact that MLP ended up as the standard codec for DVD-A is a bit like the 1-5 defeat that England dished out to Germany in the World Cup qualifier (Football), those North American's on the board may not understand how momentous this is (maybe you do). Needless to say this is a BIG DEAL.

There is a really interesting interview with Bob Stuart in the September issue of Hi-Fi News (uk mag) if you can get this in the USA and elsewhere I would recommend this issue. The interview is very interesting as it charts the birth of MLP and Bob's views on SACD.

Martin.

It is only unnatural if you have not played in the band. I hear it is the best seat in the house. (no pun intended.)

Multichannel gives the artist the ability to put you in the band. Many feel it is really best seat in the house.

Artists will have to feel this out and we will have to re-learn to listen to music. think about the way music is delivered in your car. It comes from all around you and at times can be a moving experience. (again, no pun intended.)

Stacey,

Very interesting point, having never played in a band I have never considered this view point or should I say listening point!

Being very very simplistic here and I have no knowledge at all on how recording of live performances are made. Would it not be a good idea to have an array of speakers, say six to record the performance?

I think the problem that I have with the multi channel stuff that I have heard to date is that you are not so much sitting in the middle if the band, but have it flying around you!

Martin.

Martin,

I think the first couple of years of multi-channel music will be a learning experience for all. (starting from now) It will take time for artists to experiment and find the sound they are looking for. It seems that every format must go through the ping-pong stage.

i listen to all my music in music logic and could never go back to 2 channel only.

>>It is only unnatural if you have not played in the band. I hear it is the best seat in the house. (no pun intended.)

Multichannel gives the artist the ability to put you in the band. Many feel it is really best seat in the house.

Artists will have to feel this out and we will have to re-learn to listen to music. think about the way music is delivered in your car. It comes from all around you and at times can be a moving experience. (again, no pun intended.) <<

That's certainly the point of view that we heard from Jazz musician Herbie Hancock this year at CES.

He referred to the middle of the band surround mixes as "immersive" and said he strongly preferred that type of surround mix vs. an ambient one.

Hancock also argued that the middle of the band seat was indeed the best seat in the house.

As the surround titles appear, I suspect we'll end up with both immersive and ambient mixes - depending on the artist and type of music.

I have the Foreigner DVD Audio disk. I also have the original LP. Even though I can only hear the music in DD 5.1 it is awesome. I look forward to being able to hear this disc and others as they come out (if they come out ) in multi channel 96/24

Bill,

I have several DVD-Audio discs (including the Foreigner disc), the stand out for me is the Fleetwood Mac Rumours DVD-A. I also have "The Dance" on DVD, both are in DD yet the Rumours disc (DVD-A) has a better top end and overall just sounds better to me and my wife. I have not heard DD sound this good before.