Why this web site on surround sound?
18 years ago I bought my first stereo receiver that included surround sound capabilities. Like many people, I assumed the surround sound mode would be used only for movies and TV programs that incorporated "Dolby Surround". I was amazed and astounded when I discovered what surround sound could do for regular stereo FM broadcasts, tapes, CDs, and any other stereo source. The improvement that surround sound gives in ambiance, tonality, and overall realism must be heard to be appreciated! I was also surprised to learn how easily I could have added surround sound to existing systems without going thru the expense of getting new equipment.  Indeed, surround sound can easily be added to nearly any two channel stereo with just some speaker wire and two additional speakers. (No internal modifications are needed!)

If you've got an old 2 channel receiver or amplifier that you'd like to incorporate into a surround sound system, then read on.  Much of the information provided is written in a sort of FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) format. I also provide information on other surround sound technologies with a few links to other web pages on surround sound.

Surround Sound Topics

Some of the major topics addressed on subsequent pages include:

• What's wrong with two speaker stereo?
• So what can surround sound do for me?
• The types of music that most benefit from surround sound
• Other surround sound benefits
• How surround sound works
• Advantages of "matrix" surround sound systems
  • Realistic, natural ambiance
  • No special source material needed
  • Inexpensive, relatively easy to implement
• What all surround sound systems require
• How to easily upgrade two channel systems for surround sound
  • passive matrix decoder utilizing a phantom center channel
    • Obtaining a potentiometer
    • Rear speaker selection
    • Rear speaker placement
    • Calibrating the system
    • Adjusting your surround (rear channel) volume
    • Room acoustics
  • passive matrix decoder utilizing a center speaker
  • 4 channel passive matrix system with phantom center channel
  • For those buying a new receiver...
• Miscellaneous surround sound information and audio links
  • Dolby Surround
  • Dolby Pro-Logic
  • Dolby Digital
  • Virtual Surround Sound Technologies
    • QSound
    • SRS (Sound Retrieval System)
  • Binaural Recordings
  • Ambisonics
• History of matrix surround sound
• Review of the Dynaco QD-1

I hope you enjoy perusing this information. You may email me (Chris) with any questions on the material covered in this site. Just click on the email icon below or write me at: ckantack@yahoo.com

This web page was last updated on: 01/25/20 11:58 AM Pacific Time.