Yes, Jason, multi-channel as compared to stereo is clearly different and generally better. Where, as almost always is the case in classical music which I listen to, the surround channels in DVD-A/SACD contain ambience rather than placing specific performers there, the steering of ambience from stereo material by processes such as DPLII or Logic7 can give a very similar effect.
Sure, the sound quality apart from spatial effects is supposed to be better and often is, but this may be entirely due to the recording/mixing/mastering, as mentioned above, rather than any "hi rez" factor. If you're interested, search my cites here to "soundhound"(now Hal 9000)who makes the point clearly that with identical material 16 bits/44.1KHz is audibly identical to higher bits/sampling rates.
