Two-channel is inferior to multi-channel, no?


I think that 2 channel is inferior, though, of course, my ears and reason may be mistaken.

Feedback please!

The obvious reason, I am thinking, it is that two channels are less representative of infinity (live music) than 3, 5 or 7, etc. This is the case even if the transducers, amps & speakers, and room acoustics, are perfect (dream on...) in the 2-channel mode.

In my own system, two Revel M-20s as center channel, vertically arrayed, with Revel M-50s on either side, there is the occasional CD (jazz is my thing) that sounds better in stereo, than with 5.1 processed sound, but this is rare. Most sound better with the center channel prominent (either in Dolby Standard or Music modes).

It's possible that I simply need better equipment.

But then why do I find that the best sound (in my system) is from digital sources, e.g. DVD, Blu-Ray, SACD, whether the sound reproduces music or movies. Would better equipment neutralize (and even flip) this negative comparison of stereo to multi-channel reproduction? If so, what is the explanation?

What I find in particular (for music and movies) that is that digital sources in multi-channel mode give full breath and focus to the center channel, placing this important sound component exactly where it should be: precisely in the center of the room. And giving the other channels 'room' to shine (though, in my system, given the amplification available, this should not problem).

What am I missing in theory?
pmcneil
05-25-11: Isochronism
I will go multi channel when I grow more ears! :)

This requires growing another brain...get it? ;-)
Ok I've been reading hear for sometime, I tend to not get into opinionated threads. I've read most of this one and there are great arguments for both sides. It is hard (but not impossible) to create a solid sound field with multi channel systems. First off my main concern is lossless movie playback and a well placed 5.1 system will smoke a poorly placed 7 or 9.1. I'm sure we can all agree more speakers just means you have more speakers not more authentic sound. Do I genuinely believe multi is superior for everything, NO. I also have discovered the joys of solid stereo imaging, and yes dare I say 2.1, so it all comes down to personal taste,content,and what I am trying to achieve with my system. I got started on this adventure in the mid 90's when surround was really catching on so I'm much more familiar with it. I also spend far, far to much time reading about the subject. So I'm no noob. Like I said normally I try to stay away from opinionated threads but this one caught my attention and I just couldn't help myself.
Anyone that thinks that music sounds better in multi-channel than stereo has not heard a decent 2-ch setup yet.
Audiofreak32,

I assume you're trying to revive a dead horse, otherwise a mere restatement of one of the positions in this thread makes no sense. Unless you imagine you're the arbiter of all things true, and thus spake the truth . . .

db