7.1 Surround

PHArchivist

PHArchivist

Master Member
Thinking about upgrading.

Currently running a 2003 model Yamaha 6.1 receiver (just pre-HDMI). As some may recall, I have three ceiling mounted rear-channel speakers, plus the three fronts.

If you run a 7.1 amp with six speakers, will you get whacky results?

Yamaha amps have the self-calibrating technology; will the 6 vs. 7 speaker configuration confuse the calibration process?

What do you think...?
 
I'm still stuck with 6.1, but I think most 7.1 amps have an option to run in 6.1 mode. They probably just combine the two back channels into a single center rear.
 
The one rear speaker will be fine. The back surround is one channel, 7.1 splits it to two speakers. My 2001 model Denon is 7.1, and has an option to run the back surround with one or two speakers.
 
Part of the reason I want to upgrade is I am concerned that my early 2003 model amp may not be reproducing the high-end audio formats available on Blu-Ray today.

In fact, some opf the best tracks out there sound a bit subdued. Not quite "muddy", but almost as if there is an audio version of a "haze" over the sound, if that makes any sense.

What do you think?
 
My receiver doesn't decode the newer HD audio tracks either, but I haven't heard an up to date system so it may be a case of not knowing what I'm missing.
 
I just upgraded from a 1993 Yamaha DSP-A1000 Pro-Logic Integrated Amp to a 'just under' the top of the line Onkyo 7.1 Receiver. I'm running 5(+2"high").1 speakers currently, and the sound is a HUGE improvement. I'm sure that my old Yamaha doesn't even compare to what you'll be upgrading from, but I'm sure you'll see improvements!
 
robn1 said:
My receiver doesn't decode the newer HD audio tracks either, but I haven't heard an up to date system so it may be a case of not knowing what I'm missing.
Click to expand...

Yeah that's sort of what I am thinking...

What was it I was watching the other night...? Cliffhanger, I think it was. When I switched over from the "latest and greatest" audio track to the "old school" Dolby 5.1, it seemed to sound better.

Plus, when I am running the so-called "best" track on certain discs, I have to turn the amp up 5-10 additional volume units compared to normal.
 
I've got an older decoder without HDMI, but my blu ray player is able to trancode lossless PCM and dolby HD tracks to standard DTS.

It definitely sounds better than the standard dolby 5.1 tracks to me, but as others have said I don't know what I'm missing compared to a new decoder that can decode them properly.
 
Some players have the latest decoders. They can be connected to the receiver with analog RCA cords (assuming it has preamp inputs), and send the decoded HD tracks that way.
 
Thanks everyone for your insight.

Weird that this thread was moved over. I get that I use this system to WATCH movies.

But this is a HARDWARE DISCUSSION... Not a MOVIE discussion.

Frankly I'd rather the thread be kept in the OT forum where it may see more daylight.
 
PHArchivist, most modern receivers are pretty much idiot proof...(no slight intended) When calibrating, they KNOW how many speakers you have, what audiou/video inputs you have and automatically select the best sound/speaker config to suit your existing gear.

I've had loads of different ones over the years. None of the really expensive ones though. I like the Pioneer amps, nice and easy to alter settings...i never got on with the Sony range, they always sounded artificial and had VERY limited tinkering....and the Onkyo i've got now, which was only £260.00, does everything including all HD sound formats and 3D passthrough.

Films which have an impressive 7.1 sound are Rambo and Hellboy 2. they're the first 2 that come to mind. I had the Trek BD's all of which were TrueHD 7.1 and, frankly, the films didn't sound as if they'd been remixed at all.

My 7.1 comes into it's own in gaming. Special gaming settings are available and easy to use on the Onkyo.....playing Dragon Age 2 in Game-RPG sound has to be heard to be believed.

I've forgotten what my point was, but there you go!:$

Rich
 
Mine knows what speakers are attached. If not, you can tell it. Mine does 7.2, so it actually needs to ask if your using a wide channel or a height channel. From there, as hall said, it takes care of the rest.

For home, though, can't see much difference from 6.1 or 7.1. Not unless you have a really big room.
 
Took the plunge.

Actually didn't realize I HAD seven speakers already, since for my 6.1 set up, I jhad to buy the rears in pairs. probably why 6.1 never caught on too much.

Anyway, I need to do some creative wiring, and move one ceiling-mounted speaker, them I'm good to go with 7.1
 
PHArchivist said:
Yeah that's sort of what I am thinking...

What was it I was watching the other night...? Cliffhanger, I think it was. When I switched over from the "latest and greatest" audio track to the "old school" Dolby 5.1, it seemed to sound better.

Plus, when I am running the so-called "best" track on certain discs, I have to turn the amp up 5-10 additional volume units compared to normal.
Click to expand...

In general, humans perceive louder as better, so if you switch back and forth without matching the volume levels, the louder one will sound better, which may account for your experience.

For the most part, the HD formats should actually be louder at the same setting, though. Maybe try it out with a few different movies and scenes you know well.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the step up from the 5.1 Dolby Digital, etc to the HD formats is a subtle one. If you're expecting a mindblowing difference, you'll be disappointed because honestly, even the lossy tracks sound really good.

If you haven't already, I'd play around with the YPAO. I haven't used it myself (I have a pioneer which has its own room correction software). These new systems are really pretty nice. If nothing else they do a good job of matching the levels for every channel and accurately setting the distances, even if the EQ could be better.
 
Stinky Dragon said:
In general, humans perceive louder as better, so if you switch back and forth without matching the volume levels, the louder one will sound better, which may account for your experience.

For the most part, the HD formats should actually be louder at the same setting, though. Maybe try it out with a few different movies and scenes you know well.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the step up from the 5.1 Dolby Digital, etc to the HD formats is a subtle one. If you're expecting a mindblowing difference, you'll be disappointed because honestly, even the lossy tracks sound really good.

If you haven't already, I'd play around with the YPAO. I haven't used it myself (I have a pioneer which has its own room correction software). These new systems are really pretty nice. If nothing else they do a good job of matching the levels for every channel and accurately setting the distances, even if the EQ could be better.
Click to expand...

Your timing in posting is perfect. Spent the better part of an hour working with the YPAO.

First it told me I'd lost a surround speaker connection (it was right). Then it told me two speakers were out of phase (it was correct on the right front main, but not the center). Finally it told my the right front main was missing (correct again).

So about an hour fiddling with wires. But I got it down, and done.

I then ran Master & Commander - a film I have watched at least five times, and know it quite well.

OH MY F-ING GOD...! :love

OK - like the film itself, most of the sound track is finely crafted, but not mind-blowing. But the battle scenes and cannon fire! The difference between this and my '03 Yamaha is as clear as a bell...
 
PHArchivist said:
Your timing in posting is perfect. Spent the better part of an hour working with the YPAO.

First it told me I'd lost a surround speaker connection (it was right). Then it told me two speakers were out of phase (it was correct on the right front main, but not the center). Finally it told my the right front main was missing (correct again).

So about an hour fiddling with wires. But I got it down, and done.

I then ran Master & Commander - a film I have watched at least five times, and know it quite well.

OH MY F-ING GOD...! :love

OK - like the film itself, most of the sound track is finely crafted, but not mind-blowing. But the battle scenes and cannon fire! The difference between this and my '03 Yamaha is as clear as a bell...
Click to expand...

Master & Commander has one of my favorite soundtracks. "Under Attack" is one of my go-to scenes for system demos. It's got some great LFE and some of the most immersive surround sound in any movie.
 
Not sure if the films are your cup of tea but Punisher Warzone and the newest Rambo have two of the best DTS HD 7.1 tracks I have heard! Major LFE and tons of the surround effects are top notch and make you feel like your in the films, Both will have you about ready to start dodging bullets ;)
 
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