But I still have my doubts about multichannel music taking over stereo. I dont think everyone would prefer to listen to each and every music in multi channel format
Rikhav, Ajinkya, at the outset, my statements were meant to be humorous, but I really like the way both of you have taken the points forward.
Regarding, multi-channel music, Rikhav, believe me, you have to hear it to enjoy it and understand what we have been missing with 2 channel stereo. I have a couple of DVD-A and a SACDs of Western Classical. You feel as if you are sitting inside the orchestra. In addition since the music dies not all come of just two speakers, a well mixed number brings astonishing clarity to the voice and instruments. Even when the violins are playing at full blast, you can hear the gentle tinkle of a accompanying bell, or the soft note of a piano that starts to take over from the violins
I understand one can argue that in real life you are sitting in front of a stage and all music is coming from front of you. So why have surround music? Well, how about the artists themselves? They are sitting right in between the performance. Take the case of Sivamani for example. He plays a number of percussion instruments which surround him in a full 360 degrees. I always wondered how wonderful it will be feel you are Sivamani and hear all his drumming from around you.
The same is the case of the Western Classical. There are so many instruments and so many players, that if well recorded and well mixed, a DVD-A/SACD can really immerse you in the music.
Though I love 2 channel stereo, I did listen to a few of these multichannel music, and love listening to them too. Some of the popular albums such as The Wall by Pink Floyd, Fleetwood Mac, some numbers of Beatles, Moody Blues, America, and other artists are being remixed. And they can really do this as the original tapes will be in 4 or 6 channels.
Even in simple Carnatic music, I have seen recordists use a minimum of 4 mikes and record each input separately. These are then mixed in the studio into two channel.
Cheers