How can you not have multichannel system

I have just read this thread and appreciative for the cogent thoughtful comments on many sides of the issue emerged and how they were expressed.

The realm of the blog does not accommodate one of the most important aspects of interpersonal relations, that of face to face contact, wherein participants can read body language, facial expressions, and important information that tempers individual response to what is being said.

What is said as a form of comedy or sarcasm is interpreted as personal insult, eventually leading to real personal insult.

I learned much from this thread for which I thank all the posters. It is just sad to me that it seemed to fizzle so bitterly.

The take away for me is that although multi channel CAN be an wonderful expansion on stereo, it is not so for everyone.

But more importantly what format will be supported in an ongoing fashion with manufactures? Will consumers brought up on cheap MC all of a sudden decide to switch to stereo? Or will the development of Bluray foment a higher quality MC experience that could lead to more audiophile inclusion of MC?

I heard the most incredible outdoor live MC performance last year at Coachella. Roger Waters and band performed the entire Dark Side of the Moon. There were immense towers of speakers in a large circular array surrounding the audience. Several numbers incorporated the array by sending signal to various parts of the array individually or by using a vortex effect making the sound circulate around the audience before returning to center stage. Truly an incredible effect, and wonderful. Trickery? Well yeah. The instruments were not actually around the audience. But a GREAT performance non the less. If I could repeat that in surround sound, I would in a heartbeat, notwithstanding the wonderful stage presence of my trusty Vandersteen 2 channel setup.

Roger Waters and band performed the entire Dark Side of the Moon.

Do you have Roger Water's Amused to Death done on his home studio using Q sound and ATC's? It is two channel but fun.

As the originator of this thread I appreciate your thoughtful criticisms and comments. The ending although it may seem bitter, was not, as it was somewhat out of order, and basically, representing two tired voices. I believe the debate died a natural death with both sides admirably articulating their respective positions until there was nothing more to say. I also believe you are correct as to the insertion of sarcasm in a debate online when the parties involved do not face each other.

I have gone both ways, and with pretty well set up 5.1 channel systems (all Wison, BMW, Totem speakers - obviously at different times - all speakers same brand). Various amps (all Krell, Theta Dreadnaught II [aweful for 2 channel], Contrad Johnson and others). Good pre/pros (latest Krell, McIntosh, others). Always REL subs. I guess I am saying that I really gave it an honest effort.

Sometimes, but rarely it was great, most the time it felt artificial. This probably has a lot to do with two things: the material/mixing/peformance and secondly my room. Movies were certainly entertaining, more so than with 2-channel movies.

But in the end, I decided to go back to 2-channel for a more pleasureable music listening experience - when I want to sit down and be immersed in the music.

I now have 2-channel in one room and 5.1 in the TV room (via inwall Polk Speakers, Pioneer Elite receiver and Oppos DVD player). The room looks a lot better, the performance is not as good, but I still enjoy it immensely for movies (which are few and infrequent by me, more common by the family).

Surround is great, occassionally, when it is set up right, but too often I found it less pleasing than with 2-channel.

So I see both points, but to me the greatest weakness in surround is still the lack of quality media.

I think 5.1/7.1 is great for movies and for hearing the audience clapping on concert DVD's. But for music, it is 2 channel more all the way. In addtion, I am in the camp that preaches do you prefer blondes, brunetts or redheads, who cares, I love them all.