A multi channel audio system including first combining circuitry, for combining a first spectral band of a first plurality of channels to provide a first bass audio signal stream; second combining circuitry, for combining the first spectral band of a second plurality of channels to provide a second bass audio signal stream, and third combining circuitry, for combining a second spectral band, the second spectral band including lower frequencies than the first spectral band, of the first plurality of channels and the second plurality of channels to provide a third bass audio signal stream.