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 5 responses by psychicanimal

psychicanimal
1,738 posts
 
Is anyone out there using the PANPOT? Is it worth to use an extra amplifier and a second set of speakers to send the (L-R) signal?
psychicanimal
1,738 posts
 
"Certainly not audiophile class."

What are you talking about, man? Proper component selection and matching is what makes a system "audiophile class". If you know what you're doing, get your electricity properly filtered and your speakers and room acoustics setup right, you'll have "audiophile class" without having to spend outrageous money.

More than a few people have expensive systems that are not musical. A total waste of resources, I would say.

Musicality is the name of the game.

Take it from one of the kings of bargains...
psychicanimal
1,738 posts
 
My 2-channel HT is starting to sound *really* good. The Swans have finally broken in and dynamics have increased tremendously...

I've had a couple people listen to movies on my JVC XV-45 DVD player and they don't feel any need for surround speakers. The DVD is sitting on four Vibrapods which in turn rest on an MDF board coupled to the TV table with Blue Tack. The digital signal is sent via a 50' coaxial run to my Soundstream/Krell DAC-1 and the sound is really something! Pretty amazing for so little money...
psychicanimal
1,738 posts
 
My current 2 channel set up does not compromise stereo imaging. I have a near field rig with a 27" Sony WEGA on which I attach a RPG Pro Foam panel when listening to music. It really works.

Avideo's got a point regarding all those formats...crazy, to say the least. Did someone mention 10.2?
psychicanimal
1,738 posts
 
Excellent post, Perkadin. You've wrapped up this thread.

If you read my Bose 901 thread, you'll see that's what I proposed with creating a makeshift "spatializer" for the Bose 901's I was given. By directing most of the sound towards the center a "virtual" center channel would be created with a 2 channel system. Then I would not have to worry about Pro Logic, Dolby Digital, DTS, 5.1, 7.1, 10.2, etc.
More to discover