2. home-theater
  3. 1014610053

Why is 2 Channel better than multi-channel?

I hear that the music fidelity of a multi-channel AV Receiver/Integrated amp can never match the sounds produced by a 2 channel system. Can someone clearly explain why this is so?

I'm planning to upgrade my HT system to try and achieve the best of both worlds, I currently have a 3 channel amp driving my SL, SR, C and a 2 channel amp driving my L and R.
I have a Denon 3801 acting as my pre. Is there any Pre/Proc out there that can merge both worlds with out breaking my bank? Looking for recommendations on what my next logical steps should be? Thanks in advance.
springowl

Showing 2 responses by asin

asin
26 posts
 
Many recording has been optimized for 2 channel.
I have 5.1 set up with Nautilus 801 and Levison gear.
On some recording such as 1812 SACD, I do find the multi-channel provides deeper soundstage however, it is not as forward or details perhaps due to the loss of resolution on multichannel format. I heard that the two channels is 24bit/192KHz but multi channel is 24bit/96KHz.
asin
26 posts
 
In my system, the two channel SACD has better sound quality (resolution, dynamic) than its multichannel.
It may be due to higher resolution encoding on the two channel layers.
However, we could not hear the difference on my friend's lower end systems.
I am using B&W 801N with Levinson; his system is Polk Audio with Pioneer Elite receiver.
More to discover