You're right Scott,
It's all because of the stereo samples and/or effects. Effects play a large part of the overall tone color in these units, and if you cut it in half - you DO miss something. I remember the 2k sounded better in stereo too.

Terry - I'm not positive, but I'd bet 12cents that using a "Y" cord will produce the same effect as using the summed L&R output on the back of the 2k. That's what it's SUPPOSED to do, anyway.

Scott - do you hear any weird drum dropouts when only using the Right channel? I would think that the drums are the largest "stereo hogs". Just curious.............