Sony STR-DA3100ES Operating Instructions - Page 18

Enjoying the 9.1 channel speaker system What is the 9.1 channel speaker system? A large dubbing theater for recording movie soundtracks uses 10 surround speakers. However, in a small dubbing theater, only 2 speakers each are placed on the right, left, and back walls. Thus, the minimum setup for a dubbing theater is 9.1 channels. When 9.1 CH SP SYSTEM is set to YES, you can enjoy 9.1 channel speaker operation, just like a dubbing theater. Arrange the speakers around the center 2 of the room based on the angles shown in 1 the illustration on the left. If you are unable to position the speakers according to the angles shown, place one set of 2 surround speakers slightly forward of the listening position (toward the front speakers). 1 Although the center of the room is used as an axis for determining speaker placement, 9.1 channel speaker operation covers an extremely wide listening area which you can enjoy from anywhere in the room behind the central point. When using the CINEMA STUDIO EX modes with the 9.1 channel system, be sure to set Virtual Speaker to OFF in SURR SET UP. (You can enjoy the surround effects of movies even without the use of virtual speakers since so many real speakers are used.) In addition, unlike virtual speakers, the expressive capability of real speakers will vary depending on the speaker. Adjust the effect level so that the actor's lines sound natural and the impact of sound effects is nicely balanced. The advantage of a 9.1 channel speaker system is a drastic improvement in the connection between the front (video) sound field and the surround sound field. Previously, we have employed virtual speaker technology to present this sound effect, but a real 9.1 channel multi channel surround system has a much wider effect area so that all family members can enjoy the surround effect. Of course, when seated in the middle of the listening position, you can enjoy the sound exactly as the movie director listened. Tips for placing speakers Place surround speakers 2 between the front speakers and the listening position. Adjusting the position of these speakers improves the connection between the front and surround sound stage. Tips for using the 9.1 channel speaker system You can also use the CINEMA STUDIO EX modes with the 9.1 channel speaker system. In this case, the number of virtual surround speakers doubles (for a total of 12 virtual surround speakers). However, this large number of speakers may narrow the surround effect area. Thus, it may be more effective to set "VIR.SPEAKERS" in the SURR SET UP menu to "OFF". Please note that in most cases you can use the 9.1 channel setting for Super Audio CD and other pure audio sources without any adjustments. However, depending on the type of speakers you have and the way the music software was recorded, you may want to switch to 7.1 channel or 5.1 channel playback. 18US