Maxg: You are very much right. The CD in 2 channel sounded a way more real than Dolby Digital in stereo, I wouldn't compare those two formats. 2-Channel Dolby Digital seemed to have way too much bass output at the sub, had to be turned back a bit. Might just be the setup we used.

As far as my "test" results go, I don't think I've found much at all, nothing of any reasonable value to anyone at least. If everyone would go back and read the original post, you'll see I was looking for any kind of scientific support to reinforce our very subjective test. Like any subjective test, 4 different people could use the same equipment, the same sources, and have the opposite results too. I was just wondering if there was any science out there to support our result...don't think I'm going to find it now.

At this point, I might consider doing the test again, but with a soundmeter to more accurately measure volumes. I also wonder how much the studio engineering influences the results...maybe more detail was given to the 5.1 tracks than the stereo tracks? I don't know.

Thanks to all who have posted, by the way...some food for thought