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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
edorr
714 posts
 
The Los Angelos Guitar Quartet has a very well recorded SACD out ("Latin"), with one of the guitar players mixed to each of the four corner channels. They have a few more SACDs out that probably does the same.

If you want to experience instruments coming at you from all four corners in quite a different genre, get the quadrophonic mix of Deep Purple's Machine Head.
mceljo
1,357 posts
 
I actually have a LAGQ SACD, but my player isn't multi channel and my rear speakers are comparative "junk" so at this point it's more of something that I'd like to hear rather than something that could be a reality in my system.
eldartford
4,262 posts
 
Kr4... I agree with you about the size limitations of your room, and that is why I recommend the one-instrument-per-channel approach just for chamber music and jazz. I have experience with both live in a small room which is perhaps why I like it. But, aside from whether you like it the realism is stunning.

In my case I have also (long ago) played in an orchestra and sung in a choir, so being in the middle of a large group is also OK for me.

Some DVDA offer two selectable versions of the multichannel mix: "Stage" and "Audience". So everyone can be happy :-)
edorr
714 posts
 
Even if you had a string quartet playing in a small room, you would not put one musician in each corner of the room. The "stage" approach emulates "being in the band", not a small ensemble performing in a small room.

Just for kicks I played my "one instrument per channel" LA Guitar Quartet SACD yesterday, and I must say I much prefer "audience" mixes (i.e. instruments/vocals from the front, ambience cues from the surrounds). Thenagain, I never played in an orchestra so may be "stage" mixes just needs to grow on you.
eldartford
4,262 posts
 
Edorr... If you locate your speakers as recommended the "surround" speakers are to the sides. not in the rear corners. This would be quite a reasonable set up for live musicians.

I think we still have the right to play music any way we prefer, although the Obama administration may issue a regulation about this.
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