I just realized that I probably won't ever be able to afford a decent multichannel setup, even though I believe that is the primary benefit of the new digital formats... perhaps a lot of "stereophiles" are the same way - they don't actually have a philosophical bias against multichannel recordings, they just can't stomach the cost of buying the new equipment (e.g., 5 more speakers, amps, preamps/controllers, cables, stands, etc.).

So I am a stereophile by default.

I just don't really like how multichannel sounds. I never heard a multichannel setup that was even near in quality to a very good stereo setup. Also majority of the music that I listen to was recorded in 70's and 80's

I like multi-channel for the surround sound effect while watcing movies, otherwise I prefer analog.

It's also harder to set up multichannel properly. Most people screw up their stereo acoustics. It's harder to screw up headphone acoustics.

It's harder to screw up headphone acoustics.

Tell that to Ultrasone.

there was analog multichannel.

did not know that.

they called it quad. But there's also analog multitrack

yup, quadraphonic

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quadraphonic_sound

Damn, how could I forget Quadraphonic? I remember when it was the latest and greatest ... or not so great.

On an idealistic basis, I like 4.0 better than 5.1 It eliminates the subwoofer and the centre channel. If there were no centre channel then most DVDs wouldn't be mono with rumble feature and occassional rear speaker special effect and would at least be stereo.

Unplug your centre speaker and see how long you can put up with having to use subtitles.

I like the center channel for dialog, but I dislike subwoofers. Full range speakers all around would bankrupt most people, though...

I don't have a center channel and it sounds just fine -- see "phantom center channel" (any pre/pro or receiver can do this -- you just "tell" it that you don't have a center channel, and it should automatically mix the center channel to the front left and right).

PS Logitech 'Surrounder'