Auro 3d MCH gives a much higher 3d feel than any 2-ch system I have heard. There is a different realism caused by a high end 2ch system that comes from better tone. But for things like chorals and orchestra, the imaging, concert hall depth, 3d sound, and low noise (caused mainly by the room corrections) is higher than that of 2-ch. In 2-ch, you will always know the distance from the speakers to your seats. Better systems will make it seem a bit deeper, but not as realistic as Auro 3d.
But then MCH will never be able to compete with the tone of a good 2-ch system, and if one further likes specific tones of horns or asymmetrical panels, the choice is between going that route or MCH. However basic MCH systems usually sound good unlike 2-ch systems, which, despite a lot of spend, take a lot of years and effort to get sounding right. MCH also corrects for the room easily, while most analog systems, despite expenses, are usually in poor rooms (only few people have really invested in a good room). That keeps many 2-ch systems lagging. Also MCH systems get into "complete" mode pretty fast, while 2-ch systems are usually in "transitory" mode at any point - just the nature of the hobby I guess.
The bass in an Auro 3d systems with 4 corrected subs will also outdo most except the best 2-ch speakers. Again, since most 2-ch guys don't believe in DRC (to keep the tonal purity), those who don't have good rooms (most) will not have that bass.
I would love to have opinions from experts on that; members here who have witness both some of the best stereo and multichannel music setups in the world.
Be it from the best 3-D holographic stereo speakers dispersion pattern and from the best Auro-3D immersive multichannel setups.
My own theory: You can achieve the intended 3-Dimensional sound goal from both. Plus Live in some of the best concert halls.
To bring our favorite music played by our favorite musicians and singers in the comfort of our own rooms, and with the ultimate highest fidelity possible, is to live stress-free in a three-dimensional world short of being there. :b
When we assist to a great live jazz music band @ our local jazz club; we see the band playing and we dance to the music, and use our own body language to sensualize our gentle touches with our feminine partner. Short of hiring the band @ home; we'll always be missing 'everything is important' ingredients of real life. We'll remain inside an incomplete illusion of our imagination. Our brain will only have some of the fundamentals from music reproduction, 3D or not.
We are so preconditioned with only two speakers music listening since the first time stereo hi-fi came to our lives that our brain are frying in a pan trying to picture the unseen.
We never mention the picture/video of the music band/orchestra playing with our listening. We let our own imagination picture them. None wrong with that; some audiophiles close their eyes @ live music concerts, to let only the music immerse them in a 3D space...from the entire room and the front soundstage.
Another thing: DSP Room correction EQ. Purists dissent it with a grand passion, as it alters the perception through inferior and unnecessary 'pumping' processing.
Our brain and our room acoustic treatment is all we truly need to let our perfect audio electronics and mechanical electric loudspeakers to live our illusion untouched, virgin.
If we can do that fine, but how many can do?
Methinks that no matter how pure and how low the distortion of our gear (amplification of the audio signals) and speakers and sources; if not acoustically balanced in our rooms it won't cut the mustard. We are severely more affected by room's deficiencies than by audio component's flaws. IMO
That MBL 101 X-Treme sound reproduction system; I'd love to be able to afford.
The entire system with amplification, pre-amplification, and the best music sources (+ quality cables) is roughly half million dollars. ...And the room to go with it, of course.
And, I'd love to experiment with the new BANG & OLUFSEN's BeoLab 90 loudspeaker system. I am waiting to read Kal's own analysis.
They are much much more affordable too. They come with all the amplification built into them, plus plus plus.
_______
Regarding multichannel music/movie setup (Auro-3D, etc.); a state-of-the art home theater room hides all the speakers very elegantly.
And that same room can equally excel @ both movies projection (picture & sound) and music reproduction...all in a very 3-Dimensional quality sound.
There are many great ultra hi-end multichannel sound systems out there...TRINNOV and all that sort of jazz.
Question (1):
In a perfectly acoustically balanced/treated room, can we still gain from state-of-the-art room EQ?
...Like those MBL 101 X-Treme with their subwoofer towers. Or would it be a sacrilege? :b
Number 2:
Do we truly need two separate rooms for 3D music immersion...movies and music.
I know the answer here: Yes. :b
, delivered a standard that said audio, in raw form, was getting interesting - slight issues, but the 3D aspect was well done.
