DPL II (X) music mode: Where do you set the 'Center Width'?

aaharvel

0= all center.
7= L/R phantom image

Dolby's factory setting is at 3. Mine's been set to 3 or 4 but even then it just bleeds too much in the center when it comes to CD playback.

I've been toggling with this for awhile now, and i really like it on 6 (7 is a pure phantom image).

I've been comparing the SACD layer vs. the redbook on hybrid discs. Most SACDS, although labeled as 5.1, don't really use the center channel if you guys have noticed. It's not a straight phantom image, but it's pretty close. The 6 setting seems to duplicate an SACD steering logic the best for redbook.

What do you guys use just wondering? (besides straight 2ch.)

BIZILL

still haven't gotten into sacd. but the part about not utilizing the center channel makes good sense. if the center was playing it'd be what, like a 'mixed mono' in that it takes a l'il bit from the right and left channels. that's what my seven channel stereo setting does. that ruins stereo effect. maybe sacd is sweet enough to channel all the vocals alone through the center. i would love to try out some sacd action as i currently have zero experience with it.

aaharvel

sacd's great. prob. because it doesn't use the center for anything more than ambience in most cases. Can't say the same for DVD-A or DualDisc.

If anyone has DPL II or DPL IIx capabilitiy i recommend using the "6" setting on the centerwidth. It's very, very impressive.

BIZILL

i have it but as i said, usually prefer the 7 channel stereo for cd listening. i know some cringe at the thought, but it's neutral enough yet enveloping all at the same time. i was farting around with the dpl IIx the other day and have to admit, i liked it alot (didn't play with center width settings at all). but switching back and forth i like the evenness of sound from the 7 channel stereo. but i did like the soundstage that the dpl IIx (music) threw out. it's a close second in my book. but i'm mostly ht anyway, so i wouldn't take my advice for anything more than what it may be worth.

aaharvel

i like the 7ch. stereo on my H/K too, if you're nowhere near the sweetspot.
There's no bass though. Have to crank my velo up and up and up and up...

BIZILL

my sub is kicken' good whilst in 7 channel stereo. i have since turned the sub level down a bit for music listening after hangin' at steveinaz's house. never knew how much bass i had goin'. it was too forward. everything sounds better now. but i'll never ever go w/o a sub. the svs still reproduces them low lows even though i've turned it down a notch or two.

aaharvel

i'm really considering upgrading to a SVSpb10. i'll have the dough in a month to do so but i'm questioning if it'll be worth it. My cht is great with music, and that's what matters.

BIZILL

aaharvel wrote:

My cht is great with music, and that's what matters.

you just answered your own question. :cool:

aaharvel

still... 20 hz. as opposed to 28...

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH STOP IT!

BIZILL

aaharvel wrote:

still... 20 hz. as opposed to 28...

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH STOP IT!

yeah, i know what you mean. i've got friggin' wingnut upgrading my sub to her new pb12/ultra 2!!!

aaharvel

from an SVS to a better SVS?

if so, which one- and how much are you selling it for?

TheReaper

frequently for 2 ch music I use:

center = none
PLIIx Movie

BIZILL

aaharvel wrote:

from an SVS to a better SVS?

if so, which one- and how much are you selling it for?

i'm not selling mine. it's just that she had my sub and has since upgraded it. now how am i supposed to keep up with the jones'? i haven't the dough to do so. but i'm EXTREMELY happy with my plus.

WilliamM2

So you guys actually like the DPLIIx mode? For music I usually either set it to DTS Neo 6 music, or straight (Front & sub only). Usually straight.

Maybe I will have to play around with DPLII some more.

aaharvel

i hate the neo:6 modes. The pans aren't right, the imaging isn't right.

BIZILL

to me neo6 sounds 'overly' processed.

BIZILL

TheReaper wrote:

frequently for 2 ch music I use:

center = none
PLIIx Movie

PLIIx Movie for 2 channel?

TheReaper

BIZILL wrote:

PLIIx Movie for 2 channel?

Yes, PLIIx Music spreads too much to the surrounds, for my liking. I prefer the more front centered sound of PLIIx Movie (which can be too centered, if I don't remove the center channel).