June 27, 2005

I see the terms "surround sound," "home theater" and "multichannel" used to describe audio systems that use more than a stereo set of speakers. Q: How do surround-sound, home-theater and multichannel audio systems differ?

Jerry J.

A: "Surround sound," "home theater" and "multichannel" are terms are used to describe the same sort of system configuration -- usually two front speakers, a center-channel speaker, a pair of surround speakers and a subwoofer connected to multiple channels of amplification and a preamp or processor that can handle multiple discrete channels of sound. However, there are slight distinctions. "Surround sound" and "home theater" refer to audio systems used in conjunction with video systems for viewing mainly DVDs at home, while "multichannel" is sometimes used to describe a music-only system with multiple channels. In most cases, a writer will rely on one term based on the audience he or she is writing for, even though all of the terms can refer to the same system -- one that can be used for watching movies and listening to music.

...Marc Mickelson