Stupid question from novice hi-fi person


This question may seem basic for some but, i'm still going to ask. Besides the internal components, what's the difference between a 2 channel DVD/SACD player like the Sony 9000ES and a 6 channel DVD/SACD like the Sony NS-900V? I guess what I'm really trying to get at is - I don't really understand the difference between a 2 channel and a 6 channel machine if they're both going through a DTS reciever.
747fixer
Thanks for everyone's input. So, if I'm understanding this correctly, having a 2 channel or 6 channel DVD/SACD player, the 2 channel or 6 channel only comes into play with a SACD? If I have a DTS receiver with 5.1 or 6.1 capability and I decide to play a SACD, on a 2 channel machine like the 9000ES, the audio will only come out of the front main speakers and nothing from my rears or center? I'm assuming having a 2 channel or 6 channel machine doesn't affect DVD or redbook CD playback? Thanks again for educating a novice hi-fi person.
That is correct.

Your DVD playback can still use multi-channel playback, since you can use the 9000es's digital output to feed the DACs (that's the Digital to Analog Converter) in your receiver (assuming the receiver in question has digital inputs).

CD can play either trhough the 9000ES's analog outputs (using the 9000ES's DAC) or through the same digital output as the DTS (using the receiver's DAC).

Redbook CD is only 2 channel, so either way you will not be missing any channels.

Don't hesitate to ask anything you may want to know; the people around here tend to be both helpful and friendly.

KP
Questions are never stupid unless you only listen to the answers that you WANT to hear. Right?:)