🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <1992Dec31.174951.1054@cmkrnl.com>, jeh@cmkrnl.com writes:
> 
> In article <1992Dec31.143637.8584@lmpsbbs.comm.mot.com>, A10035@email.mot.com (Scott Lindsey) writes:
> > It is very important to be able to control the relative volume of the
> > surround speakers from the listening position. I placed the tiny 7's on
> > the floor on one side and very low on a book shelf on the other side.
> > The result was generally a more diffuse surround sound, but they needed to be 
> > turned up a little more loudly. The surround sound effect is dramatic and
> > a welcome change. The most annoying thing about surround sound is that when
> > the broadcast signal doesn't support surround sound, it's almost unlistenable!
> 
> Are you sure you aren't just being fooled by the "louder is better" effect?
> 
> In many cases most or all of the perceived benefit of the "surround sound" is
> that the surround speakers are turned up high enough to add additional volume. 
> 
> I've ruined the day of many a SS sales dweeb by insisting on comparing the
> SS with non-surround, but with the latter being adjusted to a volume similar
> to what you get with the SS speakers working.  
> 
> 	--- Jamie Hanrahan, Kernel Mode Consulting, San Diego CA
> Internet:  jeh@cmkrnl.com, hanrahan@eisner.decus.org, or jeh@crash.cts.com
> Uucp:  ...{crash,eisner,uunet}!cmkrnl!jeh
> 
Just like there were lots of holdouts for LP's over CD's, so there will be
with surround sound. You're point about the loudness trickery is certainly a
valid one, but the fact is, you can have a great soundstage in front with
excellent imaging, but will not get the effect of a jet zipping over your head
without rear speakers. The "total Surround" setup I'm sure could sound
great with an ideal setup. However, I find that runing the front speakers
in normal stereo mode (without spacial eq.) does a much better job of
providing imaging in the front  (at least without a center speaker). I still
run the rear speakers which provides the front to back imaging. And the 
Radio Shack Minimus 7's (the old David speakers) do an excellent job. In
fact, I'm sure the setup is much more forgiving by using one's already
purchased two channel stereo system to provide an excellent front sound
and only using the decoder to generate the rear sound. The theatrical
surround effect needs the center channel distinguished much more than a
quality home system. BUT YOU MUST TURN OFF THE FRONT SURROUND EQ. If you
don't, all the voices and center sounds go to crap. Anyone who owns a 
quality stereo system knows that a voice can be imaged anywhere in front of
you ==> IMHO, Center channel not necessary in home systems.