DSX Wide and 2 channel sources

DSX requires a 5.1 input in order to create the additional channels. So, you can use it with 2 channel content but you have to upmix that content to 5.1 using one of the many available modes in AVRs today.

Thanks Chris for your response on the 2 channel thing. The Onkyo TX-SR707 has a Listening Mode just for 2 channel, PLII and DSX Wide. Anyhow I love it. It is my default listening mode for CDs (iTunes from a Mac Mini), Blu-ray and DVDs.

One thing I do wish is: Would it be possible to turn off the center channel? It creates a discontinuity in the soundstage, being that the center channel speaker is a couple of feet lower than the tweeter height of the main speakers.

DSX can't be used without a center channel.  I suppose you could disconnect it, but what would you do with the information in that channel?  Maybe with some creative positioning you can bring the center channel closer to the correct height.

Hi, Chris.

Would DSX function with 4.1 channel input?  I am thinking of using an old Fosgate preamp that can process a 2-channel source to provide 4.1 output; the preamp distributes the center channel information to the front left and right channels.

I.e., 2-channel source, processed to 4.1 via Fosgate, and then input into DSX-enabled AVR via the 6/8 channel analog inputs.

Thanks.

Steve

No, it won't work.  DSX requires that center channel content is played back from an actual center channel speaker.  In fact, you can't turn on DSX unless you have 5.1 channel content coming in (discrete or upmixed).

Hi Chris,    Any chance you mean DSX requires at least 5.1 channel content (discrete or upmixed).  And therefore any 7.1 channel content coming in would also work?  Or are there in fact instances of 7.1 content / sources that would not allow for the addition of DSX?

Thanks.

Hi John,

There are almost no instances of 7.1 content that is produced that way for the movie.  The so-called 7.1 Blurays take the original 5.1 movie mix and use a matrix method to generate the additional Back Surround channels.  In any case, these will work perfectly fine with DSX.

OK, Thanks!  Yes, a bit sad I know.  However, knowing that a 5.1 Matrixed to 7.1 will work ( I'm a fan of PLIIx ), as well as any Music or Movies which actually do get produced as an orginal 7.1 channel source, is very nice to know. 

I did hear however that any 7.1 ( or > ) channel source which already has Wide and/or Height channels would not work with DSX, but then why would one want an already original Source Wide Channel 'derived' in anyway..., for hopefully that was already done correctly in the studio :)

Hi, Chris. You said " DSX requires that center channel content is played back from an actual center channel speaker." If using Dolby PLII to upmix a stereo source to 5.1 prior to processing with DSX, does DSX still allow the user to manipulate the center channel width adjustment of PLII?

Thanks.

Steve

Hi Steve,

Any manipulation of the center channel parameters would have to be done outside of DSX. Doing so "leaks" some of the center channel signal into the L and R channels and this can lead to imaging artifacts.  It should never be done for film content that was designed to have dialog only in the center channel.

I have 5 KEF q500 floor standing speakers, if I were to use the 5 floorstanding speakers as a center, left and right, and left and right wide, would this work with the processor? Would this be an optimal setup for music or movies? I find my self listening to music more then I am actually watching movies etc. so I'm wondering if this layout is going to sound better then 2.1 set up or what your opinion is on something like this.

Thanks,

Chase

Hi Chase,

Deciding on speakers should not be influenced by the type of content (movies or music).  Good speakers in a good room with good room correction will sound right for all content.

Having said that, DSX is designed to work with 5.1 content and expand it beyond that.  Since there is very little discrete multichannel music content available, most people end up upmixing stereo music to 5.1 using one of the many AVR modes and then passing this to DSX.  Results here will vary, but will not be as good as original multichannel music + DSX.

The setup you describe above will work great for movies.  It's critical to have the Wide speakers at ±60°.  That puts them along the side walls in most rooms.