I Love Surround Sound!!!

[radiation8]

Just thought I would start a thread seeing if anyone likes it as much as I do, 5.1 and/or Pro Logic IMO put a whole new meaning to music, and movies.

You will hear things you dont normally hear on regular stereo, for example, I have a couple Classic Songs that I used to play on my Fisher 170 and I didnt even know there were Violins in the music!! aside from the flutes, and sax'es.

Sometimes it will even make me jump by hearing things in movies and TV, SOUNDS SO REAL like someone opening/or closing a door, or metal clanging.

I started a thread about ambient/nature. http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=182380
Now that I have a decent surround sound sys, I will be working on making my own 5.1 mixes with DD5.1 DVDs/DTS CDS, cant wait to hear some of my creations remixed into 5.1.

[starcycle]

hey - what a coincidence. friday night I had insomnia and had this idea to listen to this ocean waves CD I put together a year or so ago. As I was laying there listening to the sound of the waves fill the room (in surround sound - seemed like I was there :)), I had the thought of taking a microphone outside and recording some nature sounds -- birds, thunderstorms/rain, or even maybe just the wind when it's really windy and there's an intense windstorm going on. The crickets go nuts here in the summer, that might also be a good one. If they were good enough, they might even be sellable, like on ebay or something. make a cover for it, and sell it as relaxation CDs or whatever.

about surround specifically, I find that I like ProLogic II best for movies/TV, but for music it's strictly real stereo mode for me. I don't like the decoders, etc. with music.

[willyrover]

Movies in DD5.1 or better, DTS, is a no brainer and Prologic II or DTS: Neo-6 is great for TV. I haven't had the chance to hear any 5.1 mixed SACD's but Roy Orbison's Black and White Night DVD sounds AMAZING in 5.1.

With 2 channel music, the surround modes and the DSP modes are way too distracting for my taste.

[Hifirob2]

Dolby surround (of any type) is the best for movies and TV. For stereo sources - like records - I use the 'studio' surround mode on my AV receiver - it has the most realistic sound in the rear channels. Makes the music really come alive - there are times I jump.....

Also, my receiver has the most convincing 'simulated surround' mode I've ever heard. Most are WAY over the top in their effects, but this one makes all my mono pressings sound frighteningly stereo-like - if I want them to.

One of my silver vintage receivers has a 'matrix' option on the speaker selector for a pair of rear speakers that extract a sort of surround effect. I believe it is a Hafler circuit - and it puts out music as though you were standing in the back of the soundstage (facing forward). The drums are right there, but vocals sound as though they are in front of you going outwards. A very cool effect - puts you IN the music.

Rob

[uofmtiger]

I really like surround sound, too. Movies are incredible in 5.1 whether it is coming from DD5.1, DTS, or any of the new "HD" audio codecs on Bluray. Also, music that is mixed for SACDs and DVD-A in surround can be incredible or at least a whole new artistic achievement in some cases.

While I have tried a few of the pro-logic type of mixing modes on my receiver, I still prefer my two channel sources in two channels (or 2.1 channels). However, I do understand how some would prefer the surround mixing from their receiver because it engulfs the room in sound. I guess I am more of a traditionalist in that sense.

[emoxley]

I'm so spoiled by surround sound. I don't know how I ever got along without it. I've had it about 10 yrs., starting with pro logic system, and upgrading to Dolby Digital 5.1 about 4 yrs. ago. I now have 6.1 system. I haven't listened to stereo in years either, except for radio in vehicles. Stereo just seems to be missing something now.

I have the ability to play sacd and dvd-a discs, but don't have many discs of either. Would love to have more though. The Dark Side of the Moon sacd is incredible. It's like hearing it for the first time...........again. :)