A brief discussion outside this forum prompted me to ask those who can examine both sides of this issue.
It was mentioned that discrete surround recordings that create the "musicians all around me" effect were superior to the "surrounds as ambient enhancement" methodology. I proposed that we hear almost all live music performed from the perspective that we "look at the stage" and that we almost never attend a live concert where the musical instruments are discretely surrounding us (Pink Floyd, etc. with use of surround effects noted).
I stated that only Elvis Costello has Diana Krall sitting on his lap when she sings, and the rest of us have to listen to her from the audience's vantage point!
While music may be enjoyed when either perspective of presentation is used, which do you feel is more satisfying? Do you find that the audience vantage point method provides the extra "illusion" that you are looking at the live performance, while the "musicians around me" perspective is so artificial because you would not hear a live performance that way?
Lee
It was mentioned that discrete surround recordings that create the "musicians all around me" effect were superior to the "surrounds as ambient enhancement" methodology. I proposed that we hear almost all live music performed from the perspective that we "look at the stage" and that we almost never attend a live concert where the musical instruments are discretely surrounding us (Pink Floyd, etc. with use of surround effects noted).
I stated that only Elvis Costello has Diana Krall sitting on his lap when she sings, and the rest of us have to listen to her from the audience's vantage point!
While music may be enjoyed when either perspective of presentation is used, which do you feel is more satisfying? Do you find that the audience vantage point method provides the extra "illusion" that you are looking at the live performance, while the "musicians around me" perspective is so artificial because you would not hear a live performance that way?
Lee