I know this sounds a stupid question (and probably is) but here goes.
Using a PS2/3 you have composite/component out with the red and white for stereo (or in the case of PC, a 3.5mm to red and white RCA). Particularly in the case of the consoles (being there are not other outputs to supplement this method) it is intended as a stereo connection. When you use another method such as HDMI or digital optical, it may be sending out a 5.1 or 7.1 signal. If you have stereo speakers only and were using one of the various bitstreams or PCM with 5.1/7.1, and were using no DSP effects to emulate surround (what my AV receiver calls straight decode), would the sound coming from the speakers be the same information (ignoring sample rate and bit depth) as that of the signal specifically intended for stereo?
As I said I know it sounds stupid, but I've not been able to find any info that clarifies this. I just wasn't sure if because a dedicated stereo output wouldn't be able to rely on the other channels to provide sound it may carry more information (such as some of that which would go to the side speakers in a 5.1 setup).
Using a PS2/3 you have composite/component out with the red and white for stereo (or in the case of PC, a 3.5mm to red and white RCA). Particularly in the case of the consoles (being there are not other outputs to supplement this method) it is intended as a stereo connection. When you use another method such as HDMI or digital optical, it may be sending out a 5.1 or 7.1 signal. If you have stereo speakers only and were using one of the various bitstreams or PCM with 5.1/7.1, and were using no DSP effects to emulate surround (what my AV receiver calls straight decode), would the sound coming from the speakers be the same information (ignoring sample rate and bit depth) as that of the signal specifically intended for stereo?
As I said I know it sounds stupid, but I've not been able to find any info that clarifies this. I just wasn't sure if because a dedicated stereo output wouldn't be able to rely on the other channels to provide sound it may carry more information (such as some of that which would go to the side speakers in a 5.1 setup).