surround processor?

So what are the compromises multichannel processors make that undermine achieving that end?

Surround processing is exceptionally suspectible to EMI and it is not all uncommon to see huge transformers so close they contaminate the process.

The best solution is separate power supplies, but that's an impossibility that'll never happen.

How do you find the Audyssey? Mine sounds best when I limit correction to below 500Hz on all channels.

I have an open floorplan so there are no walls between the living area and kitchen, with a large opening into a transition space to the other side of the house. The acoustic space is tall (12 feet) and large counting the kitchen. The rear surround speaker placement is limited to specific locations. The Audyssey system has made it possible to tune the surround system for better surround sound. It is far more balanced than it was with a previous surround processor that did not have that function. Compared to no Audyssey processing, there is an easily identified audible improvement.

Sure, but you can also have an even more satisfying system that gives you the best of both worlds in one system, if only you knew what you were doing.

Admittedly, I obviously have no idea what I’m doing. However, I’m satisfied with the results of my ignorance since I can’t hear the difference in fuse direction, am not concerned about the "blackness" of my system (whatever that is). I’m also convinced that people who use music to listen to their components in the belief they can buy and confect a system that will give them "realistic" sound reproduction are delusional...

So what are the compromises multichannel processors make that undermine achieving that end?

Where to start? Ok, noise is a good one. Having the delicate stereo signal in the same proximity to all the noisy digital processing, etc. going on in an AVP is to say the least suboptimal. Then there’s cost. If you’re selling a $6k AVP, how much of the parts cost goes to the stereo preamp and how much to the processing, other channels, etc.? Answer: not much. Of course, this includes the pivotal power supply that if not shared with the AVP is usually specified to meet a price point rather than for better sound. So, putting a good stereo preamp in an AVP would raise the cost to the point where most people looking for a multipurpose system would balk. There are some very good AVPs out there, but now you’re looking at >$10k, and what are the odds the preamp section in those AVPs is a good match for both your tastes and the rest of your other prized stereo components? Good luck with that one. Speaking of power supplies...

The best solution is separate power supplies, but that’s an impossibility that’ll never happen.

Which brings us back to “if you only knew what you were doing.” Given your arrogance I’m not inclined to waste the time explaining it here (maybe another more charitable member will), but it’s absolutely possible.

Admittedly, I obviously have no idea what I’m doing. However, I’m satisfied with the results of my ignorance...people who use music to listen to their components in the belief they can buy and confect a system that will give them "realistic" sound reproduction are delusional...

I agree wholeheartedly you obviously have no idea what you’re doing, and that’s absolutely fine if you’re “satisfied” with your results. You are the reason I included “If you’re happy with the stereo performance of an AVP or AVR then rock on and it’s all good” in my prior post. But if you think “realistic” sound is a pipe dream then it’s you who are delusional and you really need to go listen to what a really good 2-channel system is capable of because a truly good one can drop your jaw to the ground. But ignorance can be bliss — I’ll give you that.

Subaudible background noise? Now that sounds like an ASR obsession, which is obsessively pedantic and has virtually nothing to do with sound quality.

The sound from all channels must arrive with perfect timing. If not... Well I'm sure it doesn't take much imagination... (Perhaps this failing is the reason they have been systematically labelled as crap. If timing is out, they do sound like crap.)

Disregard automatically determined speaker distances and correctly set them. Ideally use a laser range finder to get precise measurements.

Naturally it goes without saying levels must be accurately set by fine tuning the automatically calculated assumptions.

Is it just me, or do others physically laugh out loud when when they read a comment by a narrow minded foolish biggot who makes rediculous assumptions regarding knowledge and experience to prove they must be superior?