This is more of a curiosity question then anything else. I have The VP150, M22, QS8, and HSU VTF-2. I generally listen to music in 2.1, however recently I have started playing around with all channel stereo for music. It seems to have a little bit of a different sound, but certainly fills the room more with the surrounds being in effect.
So, how do most of you do your music listening? 2.1, all channel, favorite DSP mode(I doubt this one, but you never know)?
Zarak
I listen to 2-channel music materials in the DPL II Music mode most of the time, with the "center width" set a bit broader than the default (meaning, the center channel level set a bit lower than default). Especially, when I listen to the FM classical station, I always use the DPL II. When I listen to CD's (mostly classical), I sometimes use the 2.1 Stereo mode, depending on the nature of the particular recording. But my "default" is the DPL II now.
I usually listen to music in Dolby Pro Logic 2: Music as well.
I like the simple signal for the surrounds as an additive component but for some recordings can sometimes collapse the sound a bit into the centre.
Sushi's suggestion of widening the center channel (receiver settings) works well.
My preference would probably still be for a completely 5.1 channel dvd-a or sacd recording if i had such equipment and music.
Heck, I listen to 2 channel music on my 2.1 system in Dolby Pro Logic 2:Music and it sounds way better than stereo. Love that Dolby!
I'm with Haoleb. I bought a highly accurate speaker package so that I could be assured that what I heard was as close to the engineer's intention as possible. Stereo music is engineered with a stereo setup in mind and that is how I listen to it.
I'm thinking 10.2 sound is what you prefer, esp with a "Concert Hall" DSP. Right? ;-)
Semi,
The "as the engineer intended" argument stands up really well on expertly mastered music, but if you hold yourself to that for all music, you're really missing out on the fun! So take that highly accurate speaker package and give DPL II a shot. At worst, you'll hear some highly accurate surround that sounds great, but isn't what the engineer intended. :P
I'm not crazy about the sound of that DPL for TV, movies or music. Concert DVDs in Dolby Dig., but otherwise - two M60s in Direct or Stereo 2-channel mode.
I usually listen to my music in 2 channel, but this weekend I was playing around with some of the differnt modes on my Rotel 1066, and decided I liked their 5 channel stereo mode quite a bit. (I was surprised) It works especially well with electronica. (I happened to be listening to "The Saint" soundtrack. Underworld's "Pearl's Girl" absolutely rocked in 5 channel.
I've gone from stereo to DPL back to stereo thne I bought my Marantz 4300 and tried the circle surround and hated it. I tried the DPLII and practically fell in love with it. The music mode is hard to beat and if set properly doesn't sound unnatural or overprocessed. I still listen to stereo mode but it does depend on the source material.
Too many tweeters - not enough big drivers - in DPL. Loses richness/depth.
Hi Axiom faithful! This is my first post, and it seemed like an appropriate topic to jump in on. First of all, I have been all over the message board for the last several months while putting together my music/HT system for a newly renovated basement rec room/listening area/HT. I am a reenergized audiophile from the late 60's and 70's now discovering the wonders of the new technologies, yet with an appreciation that which is still wonderful from the old.
I want to thank all of you who are well known to me from your myriad and wealth of informative and posts, Masashi (aka sushi), chesseroo, spiffnme, JohnK, pumbuko, BigWill and others too numerous too mention. By now, you all seem like old buddies. Thanks also to Alan for his helpful phone and e-mail contacts and advice.
Before coming on the site, I purchased a Sony str-da2es 6.1x100 avr, and despite all of you ravings about the competitors, I still love it (the price was terrific at a local shop's GOB sale). I then acquired factory outlet qs8's, VP150, M60's and a Hsu-VTF3 thanks to all of your advice and experience. NO REGRETS ON ANYTHING! I am also running a Sony DVP-ns755 which is SACD capable and a tremendous value for the buck (also from the GOB sale).
To those of you still reading this post, I come to the point-Music listening. My favorite source has always been and continues to be vinyl on my prized Linn LP-12 turntable with Rega arm and Linn cartridge. I have begun exploring all my vinyl, running my old Rotel preamp as the phono stage through the AVR, using various surround settings. The verdict is that I love the DPL with the 2 channel source. I have been playing and replaying Maynard Ferguson's MacArthur Park from the MF Horn 1 album in Concert Hall DSP mode as well as other smaller ensembles in Jazz Club, live Concert, etc. The result is no less than stunning. My recommendation, resurrect your vinyl and start playing with DLP for some amazing results.
Thanks again! Scott
Glad we could help. Did you get the Rosewood Hsu? I soooo want one of those beauties!
No, I am afraid that I went with Basic Black. However, I suspect it sounds nearly as good as the Rosewood. The bass is tight and very musical, not overpowering but satisfying. The neat thing about buying the Hsu was having Dr. Hsu himself answer when I called the info line. Very approachable and affable, just like the Axiom folks.
Save your pennies, get the rosewood and then post to gloat.
Regards
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Too many tweeters - not enough big drivers - in DPL. Loses richness/depth
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I listened to Broadway music using DPLII mode last night and I have the same conclusion. The VP150 reproduced the majority of the sounds, the M80's reproduced the background music, and there were echoes from the surround speakers.
I prefer the direct mode which uses the M80's supported by the sub.