Two-channel is inferior to multi-channel, no?


I think that 2 channel is inferior, though, of course, my ears and reason may be mistaken.

Feedback please!

The obvious reason, I am thinking, it is that two channels are less representative of infinity (live music) than 3, 5 or 7, etc. This is the case even if the transducers, amps & speakers, and room acoustics, are perfect (dream on...) in the 2-channel mode.

In my own system, two Revel M-20s as center channel, vertically arrayed, with Revel M-50s on either side, there is the occasional CD (jazz is my thing) that sounds better in stereo, than with 5.1 processed sound, but this is rare. Most sound better with the center channel prominent (either in Dolby Standard or Music modes).

It's possible that I simply need better equipment.

But then why do I find that the best sound (in my system) is from digital sources, e.g. DVD, Blu-Ray, SACD, whether the sound reproduces music or movies. Would better equipment neutralize (and even flip) this negative comparison of stereo to multi-channel reproduction? If so, what is the explanation?

What I find in particular (for music and movies) that is that digital sources in multi-channel mode give full breath and focus to the center channel, placing this important sound component exactly where it should be: precisely in the center of the room. And giving the other channels 'room' to shine (though, in my system, given the amplification available, this should not problem).

What am I missing in theory?
pmcneil
Certainly different....I find myself using 5.1 more since I have a better system, but the big system initiates a "wow"
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Again, much more high quality 2 ch content, music-wise, and most can't barely (if at all) maximize and properly setup 2 loudspeaker channels to allow for accurate high quality sound reproduction playback in the first place, let alone 5 or more channels! (If you don't think so, simply play dedicated high quality signal and/or also frequency sweep through all the channels in your system independently, and see what level of quality you get from each! I think most using multi channel setup will find significant flaws in frequency response and overall sound quality from their seating position(s), loudspeaker to loudspeaker??!
So I'd simply ask myself if it's better to get the all you can eat volume meal at your local buffet, or rather to eat at a 5 star restaurant!?!
I say, quality over quantity, every time, should probably get the vote, IMO
NO NO NO NO!!! LET'S KEEP THIS CHEESE GOING!!!
I dont think we've come to a decisive conclusion yet! Sooooooo.. Kinda like Republican vs Democrate view points. Theres still questions n debates to be settled!?!
Bunch o quitters!!! Come oonnnn! lets argue!! :-)