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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 chucknms

chucknms
4 posts
 
true...I should have been more specific and said multi-channel music, not necessarily 5.1 discrete as you mention. I would never recommend anyone not include the center channel for SACD or DVD-A playback.
chucknms
4 posts
 
I agree with the notion that not having identical speakers does somewhat diminish sound reproduction. I have experimented quite a bit with my settings and found a few things that I believe enhances multi-channel music. I use a B&K reference 30 pre/pro and previously owned a Denon 2802 receiver. The B&K gave me the ability to select specific channels with each listening mode(an option I never had with my Denon). Through trial and error, I learned that listening in 4 channel-mode(no center channel)improved the sound quality of music. I am assuming that this is simply due to the fact that the center channel speaker, a Paradigm Studio CC, doesn't quite match the Studio 80 front speakers. Furthermore, i noticed an audible difference when I set my rear speakers (Studio 40's) to "large" in the speaker setup menu. Since then, I always listen to music in 4 channel mode with all 4 speakers set at "large" and have been much happier with multi-channel reproduction.
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