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I am wondering if anyone can comment on observed differences in channel information transmitted to left and right front channels by Dolby Pro-Logic circuitry in contrast to that of Dolby Digital.My HT components (separate from my hi-fi system) include recently acquired L-C-R PSB Image 2b speakers --don't yet want surround speakers or sub-- and a Sony DVP-s7700 DD/DTS DVD player which I paired with an older Pioneer VSX-5300 Dolby Pro-Logic Receiver. Cabling is Wireworld Orbit III and Atlantis II. I am finding that Pro-Logic-generated sound effects are indeed entertaining, but not necessarily more pleasing than the simple two-channel stereo. Specifically, movie sound is primarily channeled to the center speaker and is only occasionally supplemented by the sounds of cars whizzing by, telephones ringing, musical soundtracks, etc. that are directed to the front L and R speakers. Often, this effect is abrupt and distracting; and when it terminates, sound is conspicuously narrowed to the center speaker--contrary to what I expected. (Perhaps this is whole point of HT!?) In contrast, I sense a more expansive and warmer sound when I send the same signals through simple stereo, although voices appear a little separated too.
Given my experience, what should I expect if I upgrade to a receiver that processes Dolby Digital signals? Does DD send any more or different information to the front L and R speakers? I am already aware that DD is far superior to Pro-Logic in its ability to separate the signals into separate channels. But this does not mean that there is necessarily more or different audio information to send to the front L and R speakers as opposed to that directed to the subwoofer and surrounds.
Please advise before I devote time to actually auditioning replacement receivers or processors.
[By the way, with my PSB speakers rated 100w max, my current Pioneer VSX-5300 receiver is rated 100w continuous to L and R, but only 25w to the center channel. I don't know if these specs are relevant, but I include the info anyway.]
Thanks,
Kendall
Follow Ups:
Even with only the front three channels, you should notice a major difference. When my DD/DTS system is tuned into regular television, it is using the Pro-Logic processor. (incidentally, while I'm waiting for my new speakers, I only have the front three channels also) The sound is so focused on the center channel, it is actually quite annoying. So annoying, that I changed it to 5-channel stereo, and turned the center channel in that mode up several notches higher. Much better sound. But for movies in DD and DTS, using prologic is quite poor when compared to DD and DTS. Makes for a whole new world. Better channel separation, smoother panning, cleaner voices... need I go on.My speakers are matched, also, so the panning is really nice. Magnepan speakers all around -- 3.6's up front when they come in, MGCC in the center, and 1.5's in the rear (currently up front until the 3.6's come in). All backed up by a Velodyne sub for movies (HGS-18). Makes for quite an exhilarating movie watching experience!
Borrow a DD/DTS processor and see for yourself before you plop the money down. I guarantee that you will immediately go for a new processor!
Brian
Others may argue with me, but without the rear speakers you are completely losing the ambience of the scenes. What the rears do is immerse you in the soundstage; rather than feeling like you are standing in front of it. Yes, the center will always have the most information because any event happening directly on screen comes from the center. Sounds should pan across the front speakers smoothly; especially with a matched set such as yours. If it doesn't, check the output levels for the left,right and center. Many times I find systems with mismatched levels and this can cause just what you describe.Without adding rear speakers, you will get no real improvement in the sound between Pro-Logic and DD. I upgraded to DD a few years ago after having had a Pro-Logic system for a few years and can honestly say that DD is a big step forward over Pro-Logic. The panning of the sounds is much smoother and realistic.
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