also, there is a major difference between the theory behind 2-ch stereo and 5.1 surround. Audio imaging is changing drastically, and the concept of a flat stage is no longer the proper way to look at it. A concept more in line with 5.1 surround audio-only mixing is to look at it from a conductor's perspective. Of course bass is always non-directional, but the various instrumental groups *should* be in their proper positions. A live recording will have more of the old flat-stage theory in its mix, but even studio recordings of more contemporary music (including vocals) will be mixed *much* differently for surround. It'll be more like you're in the middle of the recording studio. As 5.1 becomes more popular, I'm sure mixing will advance as it did with stereo, including phasing channels and positioning sounds for effect.

Basically, forget about the old-school conecpts that were limited to 2 channels. This is something completely different. And it is still very much a "good car stereo."