Quote Originally Posted by Sir Terrence the Terrible View Post
Two better speakers are better than 5 lesser quality speakers is a myth, and a matter of perspective. The problem here is not the speakers, it is the format. 2 channel from the onset is full of spatial distortions. 2 channel stereo does not have enough information to be perceived as real to the ears, no matter how good the speakers are.

As far as lack of space, that is a myth as well. Harbeth, NHT, ATC, PSB and several other speaker manufacturers offer mini-monitors that allow a 5.1 or 7.1 channel system to be fit in a small space. I have two 7.1 mini-monitors system using ATC, and custom mini-monitors in a 13x17x10' space. A friend of mine has a 5.1 system in a 12x15' room. All of these systems are properly set up for accurate reproduction of mono, stereo, 5.1 and 7.1 channel sources. A two channel system does just two formats. Mono and stereo, and that is it.

Sorry but as much as I love music I also like my décor. Regardless of what multiple speakers can do I would not like the look. As I mentioned I have heard a good surround system once so I know what is on offer with multiple speakers. I choose not to go that way. Some things are a choice.