So what's the surround setting doing?

[cliffbig]

Someone mentioned in another thread that, when playing a DVD-Audio, they always clicked the surround setting to ON in the SETTINGS menu. I've never done that, so I started playing around with it.

I have a demo disc prepared for Acura a few years ago; it's really nifty because it has a "build-out" of a 5.1 surround mix, introducing instruments in each speaker one at a time to show you exactly how the mix works and how discrete sound sources differentiate the instrumentation. When I play this without clicking on surround, it's distinct with each instrument placed in a separate channel. When I play back a 5.1 multisound dvd-audio, I also hear sound from each channel.

When I play a 5.1 multisound dvd-audio or this demo disc AND I've clicked the surround button on, I hear a totally different sound. Instruments are placed differently, and I suspect what I'm hearing is a 2.0 mix that has been run through DSP to create a new surround mix. It sounds good, but it's less distinct in its placement than the sound from the same discs without the surround being on.

Try it yourself and let me know what you hear. And also let me know which setting you prefer. I've decided I prefer leaving the surround setting off on a DVD-Audio 5.1 disc and letting the disc mix play; however, when playing 2-channel sources, I always leave the surround setting on. Thankfully, the Genesis Lexicon system is clever enough to remember different settings for DVD-Audio, DVD-Video, DTS, CD, and AUX settings--hoorah for that!

 

[BacktoHyundaibychoice]

After reading this post very early this morning, I experimented on my commute and while parked at the train station. Probably a good 90 minutes of 'playing' around. Fwiw, I have always played my DVD-A's with surround ON, and with flat EQ and middle fade and balance. So to read that surround worked with the box unchecked was surprising to me. In no particular order:

1. With surround off, the music was surprisingly clear and with good spatial effect. In fact, the effects were almost identical as with the setting ON. In my first A/B comparison, I thought switching to surround created the equivalent of engaging the "loudness" button on a cheap stereo from decades ago. That is, the treble and bass were boosted but not necessarily improved. But then...
2. On "Dream Baby" I noticed that with surround off, the 'details' of the left and right backing guitars (2 different players) were missing. That is, I could hear them just fine but without the clarity I've loved and grown used too. I also noticed that with surround off Orbison's vocals were more "center speaker oriented". With surround on he is more between center and left. Then I tried...
3. "Love". I really love the strings in Eleanor Rigby, and they sounded fine with surround off. Once on though, the strings came alive... especially the cello. This was true also of most of the tracks on this album; that the music was cleaner and fuller with surround on, almost cathedral-like. Then I tried...
4. "GYBR", title track. Once again, you're absolutely right that surround does NOT need to be on for great sound. However, with it on I heard details/instruments that just aren't as defined when in the off position.
5. "1967" was a virtual tossup. On, off, sounded almost identical.
6. The last thing I tried was the overture from "Tommy". This time I actually preferred surround to be off. The rears were less definitive, but the stereo was actually clearer. I'm not sure that's a good description though. It seemed things got "muddier" with surround on.

So what does it all mean? Heck if I know, other than I learned something from your original post. I agree that some sounds/instruments are less distinct in placement, but I prefer that if it means the same sounds/instruments are more distinct sonically (as described above).

Anyway, I apologize in advance for lack of accurate audiophile terms in this post. You're clearly the expert around here, and I always learn from your posts. Thanks!

 

[zedbyers]

i have one of those DTS 7.1 demo DVDs and was waiting in line at the car wash sunday afternoon. played around with this as well. hands down the wife and i agreed that it sounds better with the surround box unchecked.

 

[BacktoHyundaibychoice]

i have one of those DTS 7.1 demo DVDs and was waiting in line at the car wash sunday afternoon. played around with this as well. hands down the wife and i agreed that it sounds better with the surround box unchecked.

DVD? Or DVD-A?
Thx.

 

[scottdk]

i have one of those DTS 7.1 demo DVDs and was waiting in line at the car wash sunday afternoon. played around with this as well. hands down the wife and i agreed that it sounds better with the surround box unchecked.

Wow, I've always left the box checked...

Do you think I could get that demo CD from Amazon etc.?

Where did you get yours?

Thanks,

Scott

 

[BacktoHyundaibychoice]

Wow, I've always left the box checked...

Do you think I could get that demo CD from Amazon etc.?

Where did you get yours?

Thanks,

Scott

There's one called Sonic Boom here. I bought it, but haven't played it yet. (Note that it's a DVD-A. Not sure which format the above referenced.)

http://shop1.frys.com/search?cat=-54682&pType=pDisplay

 

[zedbyers]

DVD? Or DVD-A?
Thx.

DVD.

i bought it on ebay. it is published by the DTS folks. they do a new one for each year, with several video clips from current movies and then some other stuff....i guess it is what you would use if you worked at Best Buy and wanted to promote DTS.

i always assumed that the unchecked box meant that it was ON. like some of the other crazy logic in the DIS, where one would think that checking the box turns it on, yet it does the exact opposite. i haven't read the manual on this, just sat there with the wife and would check/uncheck it while going through some great scenes from lord of the rings as well as the pirate movie with johnny depp. again, it sounded better in both our opinions with the box unchecked. and this is the only source of sound that i have in my posession that demonstrates the full ability of the Lexicon system.

i would recommend you just a action movie DVD and try it out in the car.

 

[scottdk]

I tested the difference between the Surround on and off today with a few different types of music.

Results that I found for myself are that the stereo sounds much more rich and just plain better with the surround ON.

I'm hearing sounds etc. that weren't even audible before the engagement of the surround.

Short and sweet

 

[mk1]

I tested the difference between the Surround on and off today with a few different types of music.

Results that I found for myself are that the stereo sounds much more rich and just plain better with the surround ON.

I'm hearing sounds etc. that weren't even audible before the engagement of the surround.

Short and sweet

I have to agree. After reading this thread I did some testing and determined the sound is quite better with surround on. My testing was mostly using the radio (HD), not XM or CD's.

 

[BacktoHyundaibychoice]

Zed, what I've found it's important to set the audio on the DVD itself too. Sorry if you already know this, but maybe others don't :
You're often given a choice in the audio menu of Stereo, Dolby 5.1, and DTS 5.1. On some DVDs (Pink Floyd's Pulse for example) even the difference between Dolby and DTS is amazing (with DTS 5.1 superior). Of course now I have to go back and try it with Surround checked and unchecked too! So much music, so little time...
And for everyone else, I strongly encourage you to at least try DVD-Audio. Amazon lists about 1400 titles, new and used so it's likely you'll find something you know, love, and will be blown away by on the Lex.

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[cliffbig]

Wow, I've always left the box checked...

Do you think I could get that demo CD from Amazon etc.?

Where did you get yours?

My local Acura dealer gave it to me when I purchased an RL back in 2006. Don't have the car any longer, but I kept the DVD-A.

 

[3587]

So, is it better with the box checked or unchecked? Which one is on which one is off?

 

[Nabber]

Checked is "ON"

 

[zedbyers]

Zed, what I've found it's important to set the audio on the DVD itself too. Sorry if you already know this, but maybe others don't :
You're often given a choice in the audio menu of Stereo, Dolby 5.1, and DTS 5.1. On some DVDs (Pink Floyd's Pulse for example) even the difference between Dolby and DTS is amazing (with DTS 5.1 superior). Of course now I have to go back and try it with Surround checked and unchecked too! So much music, so little time...
And for everyone else, I strongly encourage you to at least try DVD-Audio. Amazon lists about 1400 titles, new and used so it's likely you'll find something you know, love, and will be blown away by on the Lex.

i played around a bit more last night in the garage with a few differnet DVDs. i noticed that on a DVD with dolby 5.1 it sounded better with it on. no doubt. i don't know why there is a difference with the DTS 7.1. i could only find the one DVD that has DTS 7.1, need to look around some more. i guess maybe it comes down to preference as they both (surround on/off) sound very good in this car.

 

[ImInPA]

My understanding is that the Surround ON setting enables the logic 7 processessing for non-7.1 source materials. The reason that it is likely to enhance CD's, XM, non-7.1 dvd's is because the logic 7 processing is working its magic. If you have a source that is already in a 7.1 format, the additional processing may actually degrade the sound. Just my 2 cents, YMMV.

 

[genesis@genesisworld.com]

i played around a bit more last night in the garage with a few differnet DVDs. i noticed that on a DVD with dolby 5.1 it sounded better with it on. no doubt. i don't know why there is a difference with the DTS 7.1. i could only find the one DVD that has DTS 7.1, need to look around some more. i guess maybe it comes down to preference as they both (surround on/off) sound very good in this car.

I did exactly the same with the same conclusion. Surround ON; Make sure the DVD or DVD-A setting is 5.1 (not stereo)

As a reminder to all, there is a great thread covering lots of this information here---
http://genesisowners.com/hyundai-genesis-forum/showthread.php?t=1300&highlight=music

 

[bbk]

Earlier in this thread, BTHBC said that the audio menu offers choices of Stereo, Dolby 5.1, and DTS 5.1. Later, G@GW advises setting the system to 5.1. I've not seen these options show up on my screen (I've looked). Could one of you direct me to the menu location? I'd appreciate it. (4.6 w/Tech)

 

[bbk]

Earlier in this thread, BTHBC said that the audio menu offers choices of Stereo, Dolby 5.1, and DTS 5.1. Later, G@GW advises setting the system to 5.1. I've not seen these options show up on my screen (I've looked). Could one of you direct me to the menu location? I'd appreciate it. (4.6 w/Tech)

 

[BacktoHyundaibychoice]

Earlier in this thread, BTHBC said that the audio menu offers choices of Stereo, Dolby 5.1, and DTS 5.1. Later, G@GW advises setting the system to 5.1. I've not seen these options show up on my screen (I've looked). Could one of you direct me to the menu location? I'd appreciate it. (4.6 w/Tech)

Certainly:
On a DVD-V you usually have a menu choice of "audio". Clicking on that will bring up a sub-menu. For example, on Pink Floyd's "Pulse" or Jimi Hendrix "Live At Monteray" you'll see Stereo, English 5.1, and English 5.1. The first English 5.1 (I've learned through trial and error) is Dolby, the second is DTS. Either selection will engage "surround", and it's up to you to decide which sounds better. My experience says DTS is fuller and more spatial but your ears may say differently.
I'm only assuming you have those menu choices on a movie, as I've only played concert DVD-Videos on the Lex. Fwiw, also select/check surround in Settings on the Lex.
Once again, ymmv.

 

[BacktoHyundaibychoice]

So... I sent Cliffbig's OP and a few responses to Lexicon, and asked "what specifically does checking/turning on surround do for/to a DVD-A"? I figured why not go straight to the source? I got this reply today:

"Hyundai licensed some of the Lexicon technology from us, but unfortunately, we do not support it here. You would have to contact someone at Hyundai..."

Oh well, anybody want to ask Hyundai?