Additional Information - Denon AVC-A11SR Mode D'emploi

ENGLISH
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Optimum surround sound for different sources
There are currently various types of multi-channel signals (signals or formats with more than two channels).
2 Types of multi-channel signals
Dolby Digital (EX), Dolby Pro Logic, DTS (ES), high definition 3-1 signals (Japan MUSE Hi-Vision audio), DVD-
Audio, SACD (Super Audio CD), MPEG multi-channel audio, etc.
"Source" here does not refer to the type of signal (format) but the recorded content. Sources can be divided
into two major categories.
Types of sources
• Movie audio Signals created to be played in movie theaters. In general sound is recorded to be played in
movie theaters equipped with multiple surround speakers, regardless of the format (Dolby
Digital, DTS, etc.).
Movie theater sound field
Listening room sound field
FL SW C FR
SL SR
SB
Multiple surround speakers
• Other types of audio These signals are designed to recreate a 360° sound field using three to five
speakers.
FL SW C FR
In this case the speakers should surround the listener from all sides to create
a uniform sound field from 360°. Ideally the surround speakers should function
as "point" sound sources in the same way as the front speakers.
SL SR
These two types of sources thus have different properties, and different speaker settings, particularly for the
surround speakers, are required in order to achieve the ideal sound.
The AVC-A11SR's surround speaker selection function makes it possible to change the settings according to
the combination of surround speakers being used and the surrounding environment in order to achieve the
ideal surround sound for all sources. This means that you can connect a pair of bipolar or dipolar surround
speakers (mounted on either side of the prime listening position), as well as a separate pair of direct radiating
(monopolar) speakers placed at the rear corners of the listening room.
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In this case it is important to achieve the same
FL SW C FR
sense of expansion as in a movie theater with
the surround channels.
SL SR
To do so, in some cases the number of
surround speakers is increased (to four or
eight) or speakers with bipolar or dipolar
properties are used.
SB
SL: Surround L channel
SR: Surround R channel
SB: Surround B (back) channel
Surround back speakers
The THX Surround EX format adds new "Surround Back" (SB) channels to the conventional 5.1-channel system.
This makes it easy to achieve sound positioned directly behind the listener, something that was previously
difficult with sources designed for conventional multi surround speakers. In addition, the acoustic image
extending between the sides and the rear is narrowed, thus greatly improving the expression of the surround
signals for sounds moving from the sides to the back and from the front to the point directly behind the listening
position.
Change of positioning and acoustic image
with 5.1-channel systems
FL SW C FR
SL ch SR ch
Movement of acoustic image from SR to SL
Speaker(s) for one or two channels are required in order to achieve a THX Surround EX system with the AVC-
A11SR. Adding these, however, allows you to achieve stronger surround effects not only with sources recorded
in THX Surround EX, but also with conventional 2- to 5.1-channel sources. The WIDE SCREEN mode is a mode
for achieving surround sound with up to 7.1 channels using surround back speakers, for sources recorded in
conventional Dolby Surround as well as Dolby Digital 5.1-channel and DTS Surround 5.1-channel sources.
Furthermore, all the Denon original surround modes (see page 32) are compatible with 7.1-channel playback, so
you can enjoy 7.1-channel sound with any signal source.
2 Number of surround back speakers
With THX Surround EX, the surround back channel consists of one channel of playback signals, but we
recommend using two speakers. When using dipolar speakers in particular, it is essential to use two
speakers.
Using two speakers results in a smoother blend with the sound of the surround channels and better sound
positioning of the surround back channel when listening from a position other than the center.
2 Placement of the surround left and right channels when using surround back speakers
Using surround back speakers greatly improves the positioning of the sound at the rear. Because of this, the
surround left and right channels play an important role in achieving a smooth transition of the acoustic image
from the front to the back. As shown on the diagram above, in a movie theater the surround signals are also
produced from diagonally in front of the listeners, creating an acoustic image as if the sound were floating in
space.
To achieve these effects, we recommend placing the speakers for the surround left and right channels slightly
more towards the front than with conventional surround systems. Doing so sometimes increases the
surround effect when playing conventional 5.1-channel sources in the THX Surround EX mode. Check the
surround effects of the various modes before selecting the surround mode.
Change of positioning and acoustic image
with THX Surround EX system
FL SW C FR
SL ch SR ch
SB ch
Movement of acoustic image from SR to SB to SL