Is it wrong to listen to music in All Channel Stereo?

I have a 5.1 Aperion Speaker system composed of bookshelf speakers with 5 1/4" mids. When I listen to music I notice that I get much more soundstaging/separation and 3-d imaging when in All Channel Stereo mode on my Onkyo receiver vs when I'm playing the music through 2.1 channel. When in all channel the insturments surround me and feel like they are perfectly placed. The vocals sound like they are right in front of me. It sounds awesome. In 2.1 channel the front mains have good imaging but just don't give me close to the same 3-d imaging i get from all channel stereo. They just don't extend all the way across the room enough for me.

However, I have read that for true music 2.1 is the way to go. So maybe I have something setup wrong if my 5.1 sounds better than my 2.1?

Thanks,
Newbie

Is it wrong to listen to music in All Channel Stereo?

I have read that for true music 2.1 is the way to go. So maybe I have something setup wrong if my 5.1 sounds better than my 2.1?
If it sounds better to you, then enjoy. Some people prefer stereo. Others prefer multichannel. Neither is "right" or "wrong".

I am not familiar with the All Channel setting on an Onkyo, but 5 or 7 channel stereo settings usually just duplicate the fronts into the surrounds and matrix them into the center, which I find disconcerting since nothing is localized. Have you tried Dolby PLII Music, which produces surround more intelligently from a two channel source? Also, if you haven't had a chance, give a listen to a 5.1 mix on SACD or DVD-Audio. That's as good as it gets.

If it sounds better to you, then enjoy. Some people prefer stereo. Others prefer multichannel. Neither is "right" or "wrong".

I am not familiar with the All Channel setting on an Onkyo, but 5 or 7 channel stereo settings usually just duplicate the fronts into the surrounds and matrix them into the center, which I find disconcerting since nothing is localized. Have you tried Dolby PLII Music, which produces surround more intelligently from a two channel source? Also, if you haven't had a chance, give a listen to a 5.1 mix on SACD or DVD-Audio. That's as good as it gets.

Thanks. I really want to get into some SACD, I've never heard it...does that pass through Optical or do I need HDMI for that? I will try the other ones to, but i will be purschasing a Marnatz 4001 or 5001 shortly so I will have some more playing around to do. But i definately feel like I enjoy 5.1 channel listening better, considering that I employ smaller bookshelves in my system. Just envelops me more.

SACD and DVD-Audio won't pass over optical. DVD-Audio is supported over HDMI 1.1 and SACD requires HDMI 1.2. But, many people do the decoding and digital-analog conversion in the player and use the player's multichannel analog outputs. Running six cables and doing the required speaker setup/bass management in the player is a bit of pain, unfortunately. But, you only have to do it once. And, it sure is worth it, in my opinion.

SACD and DVD-Audio won't pass over optical. DVD-Audio is supported over HDMI 1.1 and SACD requires HDMI 1.2. But, many people do the decoding and digital-analog conversion in the player and use the player's multichannel analog outputs. Running six cables and doing the required speaker setup/bass management in the player is a bit of pain, unfortunately. But, you only have to do it once. And, it sure is worth it, in my opinion.

I figured. I don't think the PS3 supports the Digital analog conversion? Anyway, I'm in the market for a new receiver anyway that will support the HDMI digital LPCM passthrough.

I'm looking at the Marantz SR 4001, the Yamahas 663 and 661. Just need to save some pennies until I pull the trigger. Stuff is expensive. $2500 for a TV, $1000 for a 5.0 set of speakers, $600 for a sub and now another $300-$400 for a refurbed receiver. And my system isn't even considered top of the line. Anyway, can't wait though. Thanks for your comments

If your receiver can access the internet via your home computer network/router, try Neural Music at www.neuralmusicdirect.com, It broadcasts in surround sound.

Bill

I agree with BIslander. My friend & I have been listening to music in all channel forever. I find it fills the room like you said (3D).

There's no right or wrong. You do what you enjoy best. Personally, I feel all-channel stereo is ridiculous, you completely destroy the soundstage you get with playback in 2-channel, but that's just me and my tastes. Others like to use PL or the like to create a surround playback environment, etc. Do what leads to the best enjoyment of your music, as that's what the hobby is about.

I like to listen to CD music in either the All Channel mode or the PLII Movie/Music mode, even the CBL Studio Mix sounds good at times depending on what I am listening to.

I like to listen to CD music in either the All Channel mode or the PLII Movie/Music mode, even the CBL Studio Mix sounds good at times depending on what I am listening to.

Sometimes when I am watching a Dolby 2.0 channel, the All Channel mode seems to send a more significant signal to the surrounds.

Sometimes when I am watching a Dolby 2.0 channel, the All Channel mode seems to send a more significant signal to the surrounds.Yes, that's quite likely. All channel is simply duplicating the stereo signal to all the speakers without regard for the content. Multichannel mixes direct most the audio to the front stage and only use the surrounds for specific sounds or enhancements. ProLogicII processing takes stereo sources and tries to duplicate what happens with multichannel mixes.

Sometimes when I am watching a Dolby 2.0 channel, the All Channel mode seems to send a more significant signal to the surrounds.

It suddenly occurs to me that the receiver manufacturers are missing a trick. Why stop at the "all-channel stereo" mode?

Me thinks there would be some people out there who would like a "surround stereo" mode - sending everything to the surround speakers only. :D