Originally Posted by brucemck2
IME the 861v4 won't match a purist two channel rig for pure two channel playback. In other posts on other forums I've said that if purist two channel is a 100, then an 861v4 in pure two channel is a 90.

However, if you compare an 861v4 running Trifield to a purist two channel rig the equation changes: purist two channel at 100 and 861v4 Trifield at 110 or 120.

I try to get the best of both: for redbook CD I run my left and right through a purist two channel chain, and, add to that the surrounds from trifield via an 861v4 chain. That trounces purist two channel.

Well said! The only thing I would add is CD versus Vinyl. I have tried some of the top analog preamps and for CD, at least, I find the 2-channel performance of 861 to be very close. Redigitizing of analog sources is where i think 861 starts to fall down.

My Kit: 861v8+ID41, 800v4, UHD722, MD600, MS600, MS200, Oppo BDP-203, Genesis 201, Genesis 350 SE, Genesis S4-8 Sub, BG 520i, VTL MB450 II, Krell Showcase 7, Genesis 928 Subs, Danley DTS10 sub, SVS Ultra 16 subs.