5.1 with subwoofer?

[Scoobydoo 5,000+ posts]

DPL takes a 2 channel source and splits it into 5 channels. You definately need rears, but you can use "phantom" mode to split the center sound into the fronts if you dont have a center channel

DPL1 sucked, DPL2 is decent though

 

[Scoobydoo 5,000+ posts]

also should mention the .1 doesnt mean 1 sub, it refers to the fact that the subwoofer is crossed over and only uses about 10% of the audible frequecy range

if you have 2 subs it is still a 5.1 system, not a 5.2 system

 

[BrianChia 10+ year member]

In my opinion a good 2 channel or 2.1 beats a decent multichannel anyday. True stereo imaging is a very pleasant experience that is hard to achieve in a car or HT setup. However I will say that a VERY good 7.1 system can make movies or even music on ProLogic II sound pretty good. The advantage of a multichannel system is usually better off axis response (less image "shifting"), but very few multichannel setups I've heard were able to image as well as a 2 channel. Typically the higher end systems using 5 or 7 identical speakers all the way around are the best. Most of the multichannel recording used in movies or music is way too "artificial" for me. Even on SACD's, I enjoy the higher resolution but still downmix to stereo.

 

[hoss 5,000+ posts]

also should mention the .1 doesnt mean 1 sub, it refers to the fact that the subwoofer is crossed over and only uses about 10% of the audible frequecy range

i actually never knew that. i just thought it meant 1 dedicated LFE channel.

interesting fact. guess im done learning for the day.

 

[Scoobydoo 5,000+ posts]

thats the way i learned it back in the 90's when 5.1 was a new format and i dont think it has changed, but who knows with the crazy 7.1+ systems these days

 

[Flipx99 5,000+ posts]

In my opinion a good 2 channel or 2.1 beats a decent multichannel anyday. True stereo imaging is a very pleasant experience that is hard to achieve in a car or HT setup. However I will say that a VERY good 7.1 system can make movies or even music on ProLogic II sound pretty good. The advantage of a multichannel system is usually better off axis response (less image "shifting"), but very few multichannel setups I've heard were able to image as well as a 2 channel. Typically the higher end systems using 5 or 7 identical speakers all the way around are the best. Most of the multichannel recording used in movies or music is way too "artificial" for me. Even on SACD's, I enjoy the higher resolution but still downmix to stereo.

You are talking about 2.1 for movies, correct? If so, what receiver would you suggest less than $400?

 

[BrianChia 10+ year member]

I use a Denon DRA-297 with custom speakers and the setup sounds great for the money. I keep it in "pure direct" mode.

 

[Fast1one 10+ year member]

also should mention the .1 doesnt mean 1 sub, it refers to the fact that the subwoofer is crossed over and only uses about 10% of the audible frequecy range
if you have 2 subs it is still a 5.1 system, not a 5.2 system

I didn't know that either, cheers //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

 

[BrianChia 10+ year member]

I've always wondered if there was a separate left and right LFE channel, would that still be 5.1 or 5.2?

 

[Fast1one 10+ year member]

I've always wondered if there was a separate left and right LFE channel, would that still be 5.1 or 5.2?

also should mention the .1 doesnt mean 1 sub, it refers to the fact that the subwoofer is crossed over and only uses about 10% of the audible frequecy range
if you have 2 subs it is still a 5.1 system, not a 5.2 system

//content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/wink.gif.608e3ea05f1a9f98611af0861652f8fb.gif