Why is 2 Channel better than multi-channel?

06: Dave_b...Mass production of DVD players has caused great improvement, and cost reduction, of D/A electronics. DVD players all benefit from this newer technology, even when playing CDs. Some years ago there was a quadraphonic LP system that required phono pickups to perform in the 20-40 KHz range. The quadraphonic system died, but the related improvements to phono pickups remain today.

Thanks Eldartford...I have read that the DVD spinner is different than a CD-ROM spinner/reader!

It's better on average (take a bunch of peoples' systems) because most of us don't have the room for a true, well set up multichannel system (with all the aforementioned identical speakers and amplification). If you take a good 5 channel setup (with or without sub, as needed), and perhaps no TV in the middle, it's a great thing, and obviously you can switch between 2 channel and multichannel recordings and enjoy both. So usually it's the room that is the culprit. Most rooms are really only big enough (or have too much other stuff in them) to really maximize a multichannel system. And of course MC software is limited compared to 2 channel. If it's done right, it's worth it.

Like I've posted on other posts, we as a society have largely "cared less" about 2 channel stereo sound quality, in favor of convenience and content it seems! LP's died, and so did SACD/DVDA. 25 years later, standard old cruddy CD's are still selling in all the major retail stores! However, multi-channel HD DVD disc material is getting better and better. Why? Does everyone need superior sound with their synthetically processed, mixed, dubbed, effect laden DVD movies, as opposed to what's being played in two channel on their home stereos and cars? I guess it does.
I mean, if you want great recordings on yoru 2 channel rig, what do you have to chose from? You can either do select few records on an Table setup, or you have a few silly little choices on SACD/DVDA! How many times can you listen to Pink Floyed Dark Side, or some Spanish Guitar stuff on SACD, and a few other titles? Let's face it, unless you want to go garage sale hunting for records, learn to set up a good turntable and phone cartridge rig, pretty much old CD and a tuner are your only choices!

??? I find few restrictions in any format. I still have a few thousand LPs and CDs but my multichannel SACD/DVD-A collection is also well over 1000 and growing daily.

That said, I will bow out of this thread whose title question I find unacceptable.

Kal