Pick your poison...2-channel or multi?

Very well elucidated thread...I would have to vote for MC although mine's a bit above the budget number quoted earlier...it can way out do my previous Krell 2 channel set up...Sounds better on music...surround recorded music and of course anything to do with video....But it does take some fussing...about a year in my case to get the HTS where I really am happy with it

Jefff1,

What's your system bro? That was the whole point of this thread to find people who have managed to get their multichannel system to outperform their two channel system.

I see there is contention over the idea of multiple drivers. I don;t want to get too involved in this thead as i'm more interested in the one about full range/not so full range comparisons/benifits/compromises.
But my 2 cents is that I;'ve yet to hear and like a muti-driver speaker. From the mid 70's through the new modern reto-muti driver speaker of today, the Legacy Whispers come to mind. one word YUCK.

Phil... thanks for your opinion. You've thoroughly explained you methodology behind your set. No need to explain any further! Supprisingly, my magic chipmunk understand completely where your coming from and has designed a system based on your opinions. Unfortunately, just like what you claim to be hearing from your "holistic" system, my magic chipmunk just doesn't exist!

Maybe in another 50 years, techonology would have reverted back to outdated techonolgy and I'll get it then.

D_Edwards...in response to your question about how I got my system to sound better....Up front I use 3 Merlin TSM-MMs...one shielded for the center channel..Merlin stands are custom built and sand filled with 4 point stand supports...The rear channel speakers are Source Technology which are designed for surround use and beat out a number of other speakers for rear channel use..They are also mounted at the right height in my room on the rear wall which took a bunch of experimentation....Speaker cables and interconnects are Anti Cables from Paul Speltz and have whopped up on a bunch of other cable/IC combos..Monster AVS2000 works well here where we have large voltage swings.....Amplification is Butler 5 channel tube amplifier....Sub is the new Velodyne DD 15...setting atop an ASC sub trap 18" by 18"..DVD player is a Verastarr Stage 2 modified Denon 3910..Power cords for all components are also custom but not overly expensive....My listening room has undergone extensive acoustic treatment from the corners...to the walls...floor and window treatments...It has become a much more involving and fun system than any combo of components I've had in the past 33 years..I couldn't have come up with this quality of system without the help of longtime Agon member David99...His recommendations ...suggestions..and patience to help me work through this new maze has been tremendous..and I really owe the results to him...I just forked over the dough.....My wife and I are very pleased to say the least....