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Why is 2 Channel better than multi-channel?

I hear that the music fidelity of a multi-channel AV Receiver/Integrated amp can never match the sounds produced by a 2 channel system. Can someone clearly explain why this is so?

I'm planning to upgrade my HT system to try and achieve the best of both worlds, I currently have a 3 channel amp driving my SL, SR, C and a 2 channel amp driving my L and R.
I have a Denon 3801 acting as my pre. Is there any Pre/Proc out there that can merge both worlds with out breaking my bank? Looking for recommendations on what my next logical steps should be? Thanks in advance.
springowl
tobaccoleafpie's avatar
tobaccoleafpie
36 posts
 
Well, you can get a Krell HTS 5.1 which has a preamp mode which bypasses the digital stuff so you can listen just to the front. I have one and love the sound, only its difficult to set up at first. You can find them here for sale.

I didn't read the previous posts so if I'm being redundant, then sorry.

Cheers
ledhed2222's avatar
ledhed2222
45 posts
 
Quadraphonic baby.

If that technology EVER gets off the ground, it will be better than stereo.
ledhed2222's avatar
ledhed2222
45 posts
 
WHOOPS...I so meant ambisonics, NOT quadraphonic.
mnnc
175 posts
 
Talk about learn something new everyday...I had no idea 2ch was better than multi-ch...wow.
martin_leese
2 posts
 

02-02-10: Ledhed2222 wrote:
Quadraphonic baby.

If that technology EVER gets off the ground, it will be better than stereo.

WHOOPS...I so meant ambisonics, NOT quadraphonic.

No need to wait. Today, at Ambisonia.com there are over 200 Ambisonic pieces available for free download. These are in B-Format, but free ad hoc software decoders are available. Almost all of these pieces are *full sphere*. (Note that Ambisonia.com will shortly be moving to SoundOfSpace.com.)

Also, several hundred CDs and LPs have been released which are UHJ encoded. A UHJ bibliography is available. UHJ is the two-channel version of Ambisonics, and can be decoded back to surround sound. Meridian surround processors have always included a UHJ mode, or 1980s decoders are occasionally offered on eBay. (A Minim AD7 sold recently for 75 pounds/US $120.)

Finally, domestic Ambisonic decoders include a Super Stereo mode for "decoding" stereo sources. This includes a stereo width control which allows the stereo image to be compressed to mono-like or expanded into a horseshoe around the listener.

For more information please see the Ambisonic Surround Sound FAQ which is on my website

Regards,
Martin
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