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 1 response by jimmy2615

It's better on average (take a bunch of peoples' systems) because most of us don't have the room for a true, well set up multichannel system (with all the aforementioned identical speakers and amplification). If you take a good 5 channel setup (with or without sub, as needed), and perhaps no TV in the middle, it's a great thing, and obviously you can switch between 2 channel and multichannel recordings and enjoy both. So usually it's the room that is the culprit. Most rooms are really only big enough (or have too much other stuff in them) to really maximize a multichannel system. And of course MC software is limited compared to 2 channel. If it's done right, it's worth it.