Surround sound

[Froddan]

What is the ultimate album to get, to really show off a new surround sound system?

[RobM77]

I'm not sure that I know of an album recorded in surround sound - it never really took off for music. I have a few live concerts in surround on DVD, but then you just get the crowd on the side and rear speakers. On a music CD you'll just be using the sub woofer, centre and front speakers. Personally, I'd stick to a film to demonstrate a surround sound system at its best - the beach landing at the start of Saving Private Ryan is always a good one

[Froddan]

A bit of a shame that the audio surround sound never got anywhere, it would have been impressive to listen to Pink Floyd etc

[RobM77]

Froddan said:

A bit of a shame that the audio surround sound never got anywhere, it would have been impressive to listen to Pink Floyd etc

Yes, or an orchestra! I can't see it working too well to be honest as the balance of the levels of each instrument (i.e. the mix) that reaches your ear are critical to the enjoyment of the music, and with speakers all round you it'd be hard to get the balance perfect unless you were sat dead centre. Plus of course it would be artificial, as most live music comes from in front of you, with only echoes etc coming from behind.

[tribbles]

I bought Jean Michel Jarre's Aero album on DVD - and then bought a surround DVD system to listen to it.

It's not everyone's cup of tea, but it does have sound bouncing from all four corners of the room.

[RobM77]

tribbles said:

I bought Jean Michel Jarre's Aero album on DVD - and then bought a surround DVD system to listen to it.

It's not everyone's cup of tea, but it does have sound bouncing from all four corners of the room.

Sounds pretty cool!

[Ultraviolet]

You can buy REMs best of in 5.1 on DVD, and also some Orbital stuff. REM is superb, with the Orchestra playing behind you and Michael Stipe's voice bang in the centre of the room.

I thought some 'modern' CDs (e.g. Madonna) were recorded in Pro Logic on CD, or at least encoded with effects that work well through a PLII processor?

UV

[AngryS3Owner]

Pink Floyd Pulse the DVD is rather good as it happens... there's a high bit rate DD track which is even better than the bog standard one. If not that some of the Clapton live music doesn't really show off surround sound but the DTS tracks are very well done.

If you really want to show off a decent surround system I'd recommend sticking on Monsters Inc. or sitting through the 10 odd hours of lord of the rings!

[RobM77]

Ultraviolet said:

You can buy REMs best of in 5.1 on DVD, and also some Orbital stuff. REM is superb, with the Orchestra playing behind you and Michael Stipe's voice bang in the centre of the room.

wow! I'm looking on Amazon straight away!!

[Froddan]

Thanks guys, I'll be buying some new music soon

[Gylen]

Did they not remaster Queen's 'Night at the Opera' for 5.1 a couple of years ago? Seem to remember reading an article on Sound on Sound about it. Not my brand of vodka to be honest with you but could be worth a listen?

[SteveO...]

If your system supports SACD then Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon (30th Anniv' Edition) is fabulous. Also the recent Jeff Wayne War of the Worlds reissue.

On DVD and DVD-Audio the recent Porcupine Tree albums In Absentia and Deadwing are both superb.

SteveO...

[tribbles]

SteveO... said:

Also the recent Jeff Wayne War of the Worlds reissue.

Ooh - I forgot that one!

[Froddan]

Thanks again guys, I will be checking them all up