Kreshna
...but I have to know.
I read this excellent article about using Yamaha DSP-1 as ambience extractor (as opposed to ambience generator). Basically it's performed by setting the appropriate parameters like surround program (surround decoder), various reverb parameters, and hall mode. I don't have Yamaha DSP-1, but I have Yamaha RX-V663 that I believe I could do the same thing with, since the RX-V663 also allows you to set the necessary reverb parameters like initial delay, room size, and liveliness.
From the article:
However, I am stumped in selecting the necessary surround decoder. The Yamaha DSP-1 has "Surround 1" and "Surround 2" decoders, which is basically Dolby Pro Logic without 7 kHz frequency cutoff (which is also a Hafler circuit, by the way). Alas, the Yamaha RX-V663 does not have such thing. Instead, it has Dolby Pro Logic, Dolby Pro Logic II (Movie, Music, and Game), DTS Neo:6 (Cinema and Music), and Neural Surround.
So, which surround program I should choose to make my RX-V663 an ambience extractor? Dolby Pro Logic does indeed have noticeably frequency cutoff, but its worse problem is the front soundstage narrows when using center speaker. No problem, I set the RV-V663 to "no center" and use my Dynaco QD-2L for center instead. Well that keeps the front soundstage from narrowing, but the 7 kHz cutoff in surround channel is still annoying (the Dynaco QD-2L definitely sounds better in that regard).
Unfortunately I don't have the frame of reference, since I don't have a DSP-1. Moving to Dolby Pro Logic II yields noticeably better sound, but it becomes less "ambient". So, when full range L-R is not available, which surround decoder is actually closer to it?
From the article:
Recommended DSP-1 Set-up for Ambience Extraction
If you follow this recommended set-up, the only active adjustment during use will be the ambience volume! First, for best ambience extraction, use the six-speaker mode (four speakers also work, but you'll never know what you're missing). Next, use a program that has a L–R (L minus R) matrix. This helps to keep center-channel information out of the effects speakers, increasing your ability to raise their volume without hearing an echo effect. The L–R signal also contains a large proportion of ambience. DSP-1 programs that use L–R matrices are Dolby Surround, Surround 1, and Surround 2. I would have liked to try the "Presence" program, which supplies four independent delays to the effects speakers, but that program lacks a L–R matrix. Don't bother with the Dolby Surround Program, which has a 7kHz cutoff in the surrounds as well as a modified Dolby-B chip. In fact, I don't even recommend the Dolby program for use with the movies; you'll discover wonderful natural ambience in your film music if you use the Surround 1 program instead.
If you follow this recommended set-up, the only active adjustment during use will be the ambience volume! First, for best ambience extraction, use the six-speaker mode (four speakers also work, but you'll never know what you're missing). Next, use a program that has a L–R (L minus R) matrix. This helps to keep center-channel information out of the effects speakers, increasing your ability to raise their volume without hearing an echo effect. The L–R signal also contains a large proportion of ambience. DSP-1 programs that use L–R matrices are Dolby Surround, Surround 1, and Surround 2. I would have liked to try the "Presence" program, which supplies four independent delays to the effects speakers, but that program lacks a L–R matrix. Don't bother with the Dolby Surround Program, which has a 7kHz cutoff in the surrounds as well as a modified Dolby-B chip. In fact, I don't even recommend the Dolby program for use with the movies; you'll discover wonderful natural ambience in your film music if you use the Surround 1 program instead.
However, I am stumped in selecting the necessary surround decoder. The Yamaha DSP-1 has "Surround 1" and "Surround 2" decoders, which is basically Dolby Pro Logic without 7 kHz frequency cutoff (which is also a Hafler circuit, by the way). Alas, the Yamaha RX-V663 does not have such thing. Instead, it has Dolby Pro Logic, Dolby Pro Logic II (Movie, Music, and Game), DTS Neo:6 (Cinema and Music), and Neural Surround.
So, which surround program I should choose to make my RX-V663 an ambience extractor? Dolby Pro Logic does indeed have noticeably frequency cutoff, but its worse problem is the front soundstage narrows when using center speaker. No problem, I set the RV-V663 to "no center" and use my Dynaco QD-2L for center instead. Well that keeps the front soundstage from narrowing, but the 7 kHz cutoff in surround channel is still annoying (the Dynaco QD-2L definitely sounds better in that regard).
Unfortunately I don't have the frame of reference, since I don't have a DSP-1. Moving to Dolby Pro Logic II yields noticeably better sound, but it becomes less "ambient". So, when full range L-R is not available, which surround decoder is actually closer to it?
