Recording engineers tell it like it is

[kingofgrills]

Given the choice, I have always preferred a great 2 channel mix over the 5.1 multichannel mix. Too many 5.1 channel mixed SACDs have sounded artificial and gimmicky to me, especially the ones that place me, as the listener, in the center of the orchestra or band.

By the way, Norah Jones' Come Away with Me, which was mentioned as best engineered CD in the article on loss of dynamic range, is one of my favorite reference SACDs for both stereo and 5.1 channel mixes.