IMHO: 5.1+ is best suited for movie entertainment. I began upgrding my system over four years ago and went into HT. I found the 5.1 special effects from the satellite or DVD entertaining to some degree. However, I also found myself listening to music in the two channel mode. HT/surround sound in music is not conducive to the live music experience, unless you're sitting in the middle of the stage with the musicians all around you. I found it distracting and unrealistic. Sold all the HT gear, and am happily ever after, a digital and analogue two channel aficionado.
Is 2 channel dead?
I keep reading about SACD and DVD-A and I wonder about the modest 2 channel system I am trying to build. Am I wasting my time? Am I throwing away money on something that won't last past next year? If so, what the heck am I going to do with all these CDs? Will 2 channel and 5,6, and 7.1 exist together?