On a Yamaha receiver (I have the RX-V657), what is the difference between straight effect and pure direct modes? I've read the manual and can't tell any difference. Both modes turn off the sub and go direct to 2 channel, I think. But if there isn't a difference, why are there separate modes?

I'm guessing on Pure Direct mode, circuitry that is not used to produce the music is shut down to help reduce interference, and give you the most pure sound.

On my Denon, I always use Direct or Pure Direct over Stereo modes on CD's and FM music. I think it sounds much better with tighter bass.

Randy

Good info. Thanks..

Rand with speakers set to small when you go to direcet or pure direct does it automatically go them to large?

I do not believe so, at least with my 2805. Once you go into the speaker setup menu and set your mains to small, and then adjust your crossover, I believe that holds for all situations.

It could by your better model is different...

In reply to:

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Rand with speakers set to small when you go to direcet or pure direct does it automatically go them to large?

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No, it does not. If your speakers are set to small, then all the LFE below the crossover point in with you set, will still go to your subwoofer.

If you want them set at large while in direct mode, you'll need to change the setting within your receiver.




Sutter

Not sure about Yamaha, but Marantz (I have 7400) defeats all bass management, tone compensation and delays when in Direct mode (effectively setting all speakers "large" and only passing LFE channel - if present - to the sub).

CGolf,

The difference between Pure Direct and Straight Effect seems a little confusing, but it's really not.

I've owned several Yamaha receivers over the years and to keep things simple, it pretty much boils down to this.

Pure Direct is basically used when listening to 2 channel sources, cd's, FM radio, ect. Pure Direct allows you to bypass the units decoders and DSP processors, and turns off the video circuitry and front panel display in order to enjoy high fidelity sound from analog and PCM sources.

Straight Effect on the other hand is primarily geared towards downmixing to 2 channel. Meaning, you can still enjoy 2 channel stereo playback from multi-channel sources.

You can use a subwoofer with this program when the SWFR or "BOTH" is selected in "BASS OUT".

In Straight mode, 2 channel stereo sources are output from only the left and right speakers. Multi-channel sources are then decoded straight into the appropriate channels without any additional effect processing.

Hope that helps explain the difference between the two modes a little.



Sutter

Charles, part of the puzzlement here is because of a misreading of the setting; it isn't actually a "straight effect" setting, it's a control that gives a choice between "straight" and "effect". Straight feeds two channel to main speakers without further processing and likewise for multi-channel. Effect allows for various surround effects to be applied(or cancelled by simply switching to straight). Pure direct, as was pointed out, goes beyond straight in also shutting off all video circuitry and the front display.

We just put in a CD and noted that in Pure Direct the sub does not play and the 80 are giving full range. In stereo the sub kicks in and the mains are not full range. Is my 3805 set-up differently some how?

Thanks everyone for all the help. Isn't it great to be able to come somewhere and get help from those who know.

Charlie

No, Doug, that's the common arrangement in receivers. In "stereo" processing is allowed to re-direct the lowest bass below the selected frequency to the sub. In "pure direct" there is no provision for processing and no re-directed bass is sent to the sub.

So, in effect, my "small" mains are reset to "large" in pure direct.

On my Onkyo, the two settings are(for stereo and direct): Florida and Canada.

Florida is somewhat warmer, while Canada is quite a bit cooler and crisper.

For some material I actually prefer the Canadian sound, but for "normal" listening we leave all the add-ins(sub and EQ)in place.

It's a real hoot to have the option when desired!!