tomp wrote:
After a relatively short time comparing the BACCH implementation and my normal stereo implementation I have come to the following conclusions. The best way to consider BACCH is not in the light of a system whose primary function is to increase stage width. Many of the demo pieces for BACCH are designed to place sound far to the left and right of the speakers. That’s great for demo purposes but doesn’t translate directly to music enjoyment. I just got back from listening to the Philadelphia Orchestra playing Pictures From An Exhibition. This orchestra is definitely first rate and the production was amazing. It reaffirms my feeling that no music reproduction system will ever totally match a live performance. My reasons for that conclusion is a subject for another discussion.
The best you can get with a playback system is what I call “a reasonable facsimile” of live. All of the fundamental parameters of the music including broad and flat frequency response, low distortion, wide dynamic range, good transient behavior and stage width and depth must be present for a somewhat believable result. The degree to which these are accomplished impact the reasonableness of the presentation of the music.
Beyond this is what I call “texture”. When listening in the concert hall, there is a great sense of the individual instruments and performers. Small details in the differences of the sounds of individual instruments and voices lend a sense of what the performers are trying to communicate, not just a bunch of musical notes. There is an overall sense of “air” that lets you know you are at a live performance. My article on the Danville Signal dspNexus 2/8 in the November and December 2025 issues of audioXpress noted some of the things that can destroy the sense of realism in playback systems.
The best thing about BACCH is that it does no damage to the important parameters of the music. It only eliminates artifacts of crosstalk that interfere with the sense of air and realism in the performance. If the original recording did not have a sense of air or width, it does not add any. I have been disappointed with many examples of surround sound and Atmos playbacks that, although creating a sense of immersion, damaged the sense of reality in the image. So at this point I am very satisfies of what BACCH accomplishes in regards to my requirements. There will be lots more after extended listening that I will put into an article for audioXpress.
To add to Tom's findings -- During my past audio endeavors I recorded live events as an extension of the hobby. Small Jazz groups -- chorus -- large orchestra -- and Baroque groups. Being there in person, right behind the microphones, I never experienced the exaggerated effects that the BACCH system creates. Actually -- based on my experience with he BACCH system I felt it put me on the stage sitting among the musicians performing. That can be fun, but is worth $$$ thousands? As anal as I am about sound reproduction it is not for me. Not recommended.
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