In previous versions (for 5.1 audio) it was possible to select a mode (5.1, 2 front 2 rear, stereo,mono) under 'Audio Device' (see http://i.imgur.com/Vv4Sq1Fh.png).
Since VLC 2.1.1 The items of this menu have been replaced by the audio output devices, [realtek digital output (optical) / LG TV (Intel(r) Display Audio), etc]
The old menu items (5.1, 2 front 2 rear, stereo,mono) are gone which for me means that I can no longer down sample 5.1 sound to stereo (for example needed when using teamviewer).
There is also a 'stereo mode' menu , but this is blanked out for 5.1 audio. For stereo audio this menu provides (Stereo, Left, Right, Reverse stereo). Since this is so very similar to the old 'audio device' menu items (5.1, 2 front 2 rear, stereo,mono). Why not put the old items under the stereo mode menu?
So in short please for 5.1 audio re-add/move the old 'audio device' items (5.1, 2 front 2 rear, stereo,mono) to the 'stereo menu'.
This should be very simple to implement.
Regards,
Sjors