SurroundBar - Dolby 5.1 vs 7 Channel Stereo

wfoulds

I have a SurroundBar, PSW505 sub, and Yamaha HTR-5890 receiver. I've listened to 5.1 sources (DVD's, High Def channels) in a couple of settings on the Yamaha.

When I compare the sound when the Yamaha is set to Dolby 5.1 compared to when the Yamaha is set to 7 Channel Stereo, the 7 Ch Stereo setting sounds really good. The Dolby 5.1 also sound good, but when set to 7 Ch stereo, the sound is much "fuller".

Other receivers may have a setting similar to Yamaha's 7 Ch stereo. I know I'm losing surround sound when using 7 Ch stereo, but to me, it sounds much better.

Has anyone else experienced anything similar to this?


Thanks,

Will

disneyjoe7

Since the SurroundBar is designed for 5.1 not 7.1 sound mode, I going to say you may need to recheck sound levels of setup. If 7.1 sounds better then you're missing something and should be able to detect with you earing also.

wfoulds

The 7-Ch setting isn't Dolby 7.1. Here's the definition from the Yamaha guide;

"Use to increase the output stereo source (in stereo) from all speakers. This provides a larger sound field and is ideal for background music at parties, etc."


- Will

disneyjoe7

Are you playing music or watching a show / movie?

disneyjoe7

I can't see a system that is sound balanced using a Home Theater setup disk and a sound meter, would sound better if movie sounds weren't there. Being that a sound met for Right Surround now going to Back Rear Surround not being played because there's no speaker connected.

wfoulds

I've tried movies as well as TV shows (Dolby 5.1 content). I also use 7-Ch stereo for radio, MP3, etc.

I've haven't had a system check using a sound meter, but I've asked multiple people which setting they prefer and each time the answer was 7-Ch stereo. I don't know if it's a tuning issue or just that the method Yamaha uses on the 7-Ch stereo DSP is more "pleasing" to the ear.

disneyjoe7

Doesn't sound right too me, but I'm unfamiliar of the Yamaha 7 channel mode.

Holydoc

For HT use, the 5.1 setting is dispersing the sound according to the Dolby Digital or DTS 5.1 surround sound specifications. What this means is that sound that is suppose to be in the rear and sides will be placed there. Action will most often take place in the front stage with the dialogue mostly placed in the center channel. This is the best setting for movies since it portrays exactly what the production crew was trying to convey with the action.

7.1 stereo places the same information in all your Left speakers at the same time as well as in your right speakers. In other words all your speakers and blasting at the same volume with the same information. It sounds much louder because all the same information from the movie is being blared at you from all the speakers instead of splitting out the information to make you feel like you are part of the movie. 7.1 Stereo is good for music because it places all the same information and volume into all the speakers so no matter where you are standing in the party, you can hear the same music. It is NOT good for movies.

Hope I explained it ok.