Why is 2 Channel better than multi-channel?

Most people that have opinions on multi channel sound have for years enjoyed the joys of a stereo 2 channel sound system. The well known illusion of a sweet spot can only be effectively realized with a stereo sound. Multi channel sound somehow disrupts the nature of the sweet spot with the extraneous signals from the center and surround channels. Multi channel sound also affects the soundstage and depth of a musical presentation. The presentation of a sweet spot and a 3 dimensional sound is replaced by the sense of being in the midst of a musical rendering when listening to a surround system. For movies, the extraneous sound from the other channels may prove exciting and in some cases necessary to enhance the vocal presentation of dialogues amongst performers. There is no need for a sweet spot to be maintained but rather move the sound where the action is at various times throughout the movie presentation. Most audiophiles that I know of who have a surround system also have a dedicated two channel, stereo only system. The sweet spot is a phenomenon that stereophiles experience with stereo sound and arguably contend that it is a better sound.

The well known illusion of a sweet spot can only be effectively realized with a stereo sound.

Landok, you have never heard a properly setup multichannel system, not only does a multichannel system have a sweet spot there's actually information coming from it.

Fact is you can adjust the sweet spot to you liking with surround. Surround is very misunderstood

velocity,
I agree with you that surround sound is very misunderstood but above and beyond that it is also over rated. Although one can meet all the required parameters in setting it up properly, there is no guarantee that the recorded multi channel signals will consistently adhere to your perceived proper set up. There are just too many signals coming through. One will also take into consideration the limitations of the listening environment. Are bigger rooms better for surround sound or a small, regular size listening room be just as effective? The idea of being able to adjust the sweet spot to your liking hints at creating imbalances within the system. To do this one has to achieve an equalization of signals to achieve the sweet spot phenomenon. I don't know of many audiophiles that routinely go through the equalization process to achieve a traditional sweet spot.

The so called "sweet spot" is the quite small listening location where the two speakers of a stereo system produce a very convincing "phantom" image of a centered soloist. In a multichannel system there is no need for a "phantom" image because there is a real image in the center speaker. And this real image does not move or disappear when the listener moves around the room. Consequently the notion of a "sweet spot" does not apply.

Interestingly when you have been using a center speaker as long as I have the "phantom" effect becomes a bit tiresome, like an old parlor trick. At one time I used Bob Carver's "sonic holography" preamps, and this was like the phantom image trick on steroids! The effect was amazing, but if you moved your head a few inches...poof. Not really conducive to listening to music.

Landok,

"The idea of being able to adjust the sweet spot to your liking hints at creating imbalances within the system."

Well in audiophile terms this would be like using speaker cable to change the sound, the fact that a simple press of a button facilitates change is actually a wonderful thing...well it is when you know what you're doing trust me ;)

I don't have the time to bring you up to speed, but I know what I can do with a surround system would bend you mind to a very uncomfortable angle. Because all of the things you are so certain are true would suddenly be challenged.

People who can setup surround see oppurtunity where you and other 2 channel traditionalist see obstacles.

Surround is not over rated, it is under utilized and in your case simply not understood at its basic level. Keep in mind that I don't listen to discrete multi-channel Cd's I listen too two channel CD's in surround (TMS, Trifield, DPL2) and let me note that my multi-channel systems can play two channel in the same league as ANY two channel system.

I state that just to make you understand that I'm not speaking to you with my 2 year old Denon surround sound system as my primary experience. I have had and technically still do have a very high end 2 channel systems. Probably better than yours.