recording method vs sound reproduction

[r_w]

I don't have a centre speaker, never felt the need for one, I've got surrounds (ATC 20 ASL Pro) for TV and film, but with 2 subs in stereo I guess I've got 4.0 cinema setup (which is as decoupled as possible from the 2ch music playback, using HT bypass on Jeff Rowland Capri S2 Pre).

 

The soft dome mids of ATC's L/R (50 ASL) seem to completely fill the centre space, without the need for a dedicated centre speaker, I've always like their 'spread in this respect', but maybe if I had one (centre) I would realise what I was missing (but don't expect so)?

 

Anyway George, as a fellow, recordist / producer (sorry, I'm predominantly electronic / synth, but really do care a great deal about SQ) I have much empathy with your musings.

 

;-)

 

 

If the center channels were disabled, then it would no longer be 5.1, now would it? And if it was a 5.1 recording that the center channel was disabled for then it would be doubly wrong because one would then have a huge hole-in-the-middle!

[r_w]

Hi,

 

I've generally found that the larger active ATCs (50s & above in a domestic listening situation) sound better when not toed in. I have never toed them in even 0.5cm... I know plenty of others who also have them set absolute straight.

 

Perhaps our theory is if you can paint a beautiful soundstage this way, it ought to sound better for others in the room, not just the (selfish) perfect place to sit.

 

Maybe it's the ATC mid that allows this, I'm not really sure.

 

;-)

 

Are you saying that stereo speakers at +- 30 degrees from the sweet spot is always wrong, since that is what the diagram says, after subtracting all the other channels for Mch? It seems to me that it depends on the speakers and the room. Also, many hi fi guide books recommend the equilateral triangle setup, which is the same as this, as a starting point for stereo.

 

Hey, if it actually produces a hole in the middle in a specific setup, I would be all in favor of moving the front pair closer to one another. But, it ain't necessarily so in all rooms with all speakers.