How can you not have multichannel system

Bojack wrote:

I see your point, Kal. What I was getting at was that most live shows do not have dedicated surround channels via speaker banks behind and around the audience.

That is true but, at home, you need those dedicated surround channels to reproduce the proper ambiance from that live show.

Kal

I have operated a four speaker stereo system
for years (2 Mcintosh amps, four speakers, one sub
Meridian cd player).

I have had so many people listen to a multi-channel sytem,
then listen to mine and always ask why music sounded so much better on mine.

IT"S FOR MUSIC and not just a couple of cd's.

i believe that listening to a symphony orchestra is a mon mode experience rather than a multi-channel experience.

listening to small ensemble music is also in mono mode.

in many cases the music is perceived as being in front of you not behind you. the enhanced spatial effects from more than two channels may be pleasant but it probably does not represent most live music where instruments are unamplified.

I agree with MrT that the psychoacoustics of a mch system at even a low level of performance can be addictive-- particularly to unsophisticated listeners. Many years ago I had a good 2ch system set for party-mode, with a second set of L/R speakers across the back wall powered by a receiver. All non-audiophile visitors said this was the best effect they had ever heard. This had nothing to do with realism.

Try listening to Black Eyed Peas Live DVD from Sydney to Vegas on a surround system - the Sydney concert is a good demonstration of what can be achieved. Like two channel listening - what is out there is a mixed bag, however, done well, multi-channel can be immersive and convincing - bringing you one step closer to "being there".