How can you not have multichannel system

As Kr4 says, the performer locations vary (but not between movements of a given piece). The text notes always describe the configuration used for each piece, and sometimes discuss the reasoning. I don't have any that are weird.

Actually, there are some Tacet discs in which the performer locations do change from movement to movement. I cannot check which ones now because I am not where I keep them.

Kal

too bad you can't digitally 'rotate' the preference of the 5 channels. say you have smaller rears - get that cello and viola on your fronts and the violin in the rear

You can do that if you are willing to switch interconnects around, or if your preamp has more than one six channel input. I actually considered doing exactly what you suggest so that a TV screen could be put between what, for music, would be the rear speakers. However, I found a different use for the second six channel input.

I just finished listening to Grateful Dead's 'American Beauty' on dvd audio, and cannot believe the 2-channel 'Luddites' who have shunned multichannel sound. They probably shun fuel injected engines as well. Oh well, their loss, but Kal has it right.