I like 2 channel for music the best. For the pure direct mode on the receiver(where the sub is bypassed) I prefer using the analog outs on my Blu-ray player (you have to set the speakers to large in the Blu-ray player along with distances, trim levels and such). Blu-ray players with multi-channel analog outs are useful for receivers that do not have HDMI. There is a noticeable enough difference in the midrange clarity with the Blu-ray player doing the processing leads me to believe it uses a superior DAC to my receiver.
I can switch over between the two with a push of a button.
