Quote Originally Posted by Wireworm5
I... But a 'live' event would not be this directional. I suppose I would still be able to tell that the band was in front of me, just not sound restricted to a box.
But do we really want the real thing in our homes? ....
I believe a decent, well-set up multi-channel system will get you a lot close to live performance -- always depending on quality of the recording itself, (that ubiquitous caveat).

My own experimentation has lead me to believe this. But personally I think it is most important in the case of large-scale works: symphonies and, especially, choral works. Consequently I seek out good performances of these things on SACD, though CD is fine for chamber music and jazz. (I have absolutely not opinion regarding an pop genre.)

All this said, l listen mostly to my main system which is stereo. A M/C system of comparable quality would be too expense and difficult to set up for me at the present time.