I find it annoying when a duophonic song (for example on Beach Boys Endless Summer) is replaced with a mono version. It's like duophonic is illegal now.
You're certainly entitled to your opinion. My preference is to listen to multichannel (surprise!) Stereo is obviously multi, although much less than four or six. I've always HATED electronically rechanneled or Duophonic. It's simply two channels of slop. Neither channel is full-range. It SHOULD be illegal. IMHO, mono is preferable to phony stereo. Where stereo masters don't exist, I rejoiced when CD's were released in mono.
Although I've bought many mono reissues and used LP's in recent years, the stereo and surround (where available) release has always been my choice, despite being $1 more. Mixes with less channels (mono, stereo) are things I regard as a novelty. Sometimes they're a different take, or things are added or more prominent in the mono mix. Some mono mixes have a more "solid" feel, i.e. the mono early Beatles. Still, I prefer listening to them in estereo.
QQ is the ONLY audio forum I belong to. I don't have time for the others. Lately, I've opted out of many physical groups I belong to. Several of those I ran. Too much drama. Plus, they often took me away from Joe. I visited one yesterday. It was nice to simply be another participant for a change. QQ is also the only thing I help to run today. After over 25 years of running not-for-profits and physical groups, it's nice to concentrate on me and my relationship for a change.
My heart has always been in surround sound. With one or two exceptions, everyone here has been welcoming, polite and friendly to me. My opinion and knowledge have been both utilized and respected, unlike many mechanics who automatically think I'm stupid, simply because I'm a woman. And, I've learned a whole lot from other QQ members!
Having sold high-end hi-fi for many years, I get where the 2 channel heads are coming from. Surroundaholic that I am, I would prefer listening to a quality stereo system to "Quadracrap." IF your budget is meager, a QUALITY 2 channel system sounds so much better than a Quad "crumpack" with a crappy SQ (Sorta Quadraphonic) decoder. Still, there is no greater audio thrill than listening to a "discrete" surround mix. It's the most fun you can have with your clothes on! And, if you're a musician, it is so much easier to crank up an individual musician to better hear what he/she is playing. Mono gives no hope of doing that. Stereo is nearly as limited.
SACD 5.1 and DVD-A have not caught on because they lacked true visibility and confused consumers with competing formats (shades of Quad.) Still, multichannel music is alive and well. Blu-Ray-A holds much promise, and we may finally have an end to "format wars." Although an uphill battle, I'm optimistic about surround's future, as well as QQ's future. Thanks to all here for simply being your wonderful selves.
:51banana: