This unit is equipped with a variety of listening modes, and you can select the optimum listening mode for movies, TV, music, and games by pressing MOVIE/TV, MUSIC, and GAME.

Selecting a Listening Mode

1. Press one from among MOVIE/TV, MUSIC, and GAME during playback.
2. Press the selected button repeatedly to switch the modes displayed on the display of the main unit.

• Each of MOVIE/TV, MUSIC and GAME buttons stores the listening mode that was selected last. If content incompatible of the listening mode selected last
  is played, the most standard listening mode for the content is automatically selected.

 

Checking the Input Format and Listening Mode

Repeatedly pressing the button on the remote controller switches the display of the main unit in the following order.

• The content displayed depends on the source, BLUETOOTH, etc., being played.
• Not all the information is necessarily displayed.

 

Listening modes are selectable formats that allow the user to optimize audio playback for movies, TV, music, and games.

 

Listening modes can be selected by using the included Onkyo remote. 

 

 

Speaker Layouts and Selectable Listening Modes

See the following table for selectable listening modes for each speaker layout.

 

 

*1: Reproduced with the sound field according to the number of channels of input signals.
*2: Not output from surround back speakers or height speakers.
*3: Not output from height speakers.
*4: Output only from front speakers.
*5: Output only from front speakers and center speaker

 

Listening Mode Effects

• Listening modes such as Atmos 2.0 and DSur 2.0 are added when the firmware is updated after purchase or the firmware is switched in the product production process

 

AllCh Stereo

This mode is ideal for background music. Stereo sound is played through the surround speakers as well as the front speakers, creating a stereo image.

 

Direct

This listening mode can be selected for all input signals. Processing that affects sound quality is shut down, and sound closer to the original is reproduced. The sound is reproduced with the sound field based on the number of channels in the input signal. For example, a 2 ch signal is output only from the front speakers.

Note that the sound adjustment is not available when this mode is selected.

 

Atmos

(Firmware version before supporting Atmos 2.0, etc.)

Selectable at the time of inputting Dolby Atmos audio format when surround back speakers or height speakers are connected. This mode faithfully reproduces the stereophonic sound design recorded in the Dolby Atmos audio format. Unlike existing surround systems, Dolby Atmos does not rely on channels, but
rather enables the accurate placement of sound objects that have independent motion in a 3D space with even greater clarity. Dolby Atmos is an optional audio format for Blu-ray Discs and achieves a more stereophonic sound field by introducing a sound field above the listener.

• To enable transfer of this audio format, connect via an HDMI cable and set the audio output on the player to Bitstream output.

(Firmware version supporting Atmos 2.0, etc.)

Since this mode calculates the positional data of audio recorded in Dolby Atmos audio in real-time and outputs it from appropriate speakers, you can enjoy the natural and stereophonic sound field of Dolby Atmos with any speaker layout including connection of only front speakers. Also, the Dolby Atmos sound design can be reproduced more faithfully by connecting surround back speakers or height speakers. You can select this mode when inputting the Dolby Amos audio format.

Unlike existing surround systems, Dolby Atmos does not rely on channels, but rather enables the accurate placement of sound objects that have independent motion in a 3D space with even greater clarity. Dolby Atmos is an optional audio format for Blu-ray Discs and achieves a more stereophonic sound field by introducing a sound field above the listener.

According to the speaker layout, the following listening modes are displayed.
– Atmos 2.0/2.1: When only front speakers are installed
– Atmos 3.0/3.1: When front speakers and center speaker are installed
– Atmos 4.0/4.1: When front speakers and surround speakers are installed
– Atmos 5.0/5.1: When front speakers, center speaker and surround speakers are installed
– Atmos 6.0/6.1: When front speakers, surround speakers and surround back speakers are installed
– Atmos 7.0/7.1: When front speakers, center speaker, surround speakers and surround back speakers are installed
– Atmos 2.0.2/2.1.2: When front speakers and height speakers are installed
– Atmos 3.0.2/3.1.2: When front speakers, center speaker and height speakers are installed
– Atmos: Selectable in the "4.1.2 ch" or "5.1.2 ch" setting with surround speakers and height speakers installed.

• To enable transfer of this audio format, connect via an HDMI cable and set the audio output on the player to Bitstream output.
• When "Speaker Virtualizer" is set to "Off" (Default: On), modes other than Atmos cannot be selected.

 

DD (Dolby Audio - DD)

This mode faithfully reproduces the sound design recorded in the Dolby Digital audio format.

Dolby Digital is a multi-channel digital format developed by Dolby Laboratories, Inc. and is widely adopted for use in movie production. It is also a standard audio format for DVD-Video and Blu-ray Discs. It is possible to record a maximum of 5.1 channels on a DVD-Video or Blu-ray Disc; two front channels, one center channel, two surround channels, and the LFE channel dedicated to the bass region (sound elements for the subwoofer).

• To enable transfer of this audio format, connect via a digital cable and set
  audio output on the player to Bitstream output.

 

DD+ (Dolby Audio - DD+)

This mode faithfully reproduces the sound design recorded in the Dolby Digital Plus audio format.

The Dolby Digital Plus format has been improved based on Dolby Digital, increasing the number of channels and endeavoring to improve sound quality by giving more flexibility in data bit rates. Dolby Digital Plus is an optional audio format based on 5.1 ch for Blu-ray Discs. It is possible to record a maximum of 7.1 channels with additional channels such as the surround back channel.

• To enable transfer of this audio format, connect via an HDMI cable and set audio output on the player to Bitstream output.

 

DSur (Dolby Audio - Surr)

(Firmware version before supporting DSur 2.0, etc.)
This listening mode expands actual channels to more channels for playback according to the configuration of the connected speakers by expanding the input signals from 2 ch or 5.1 ch to 5.1 ch, 7.1 ch or 5.1.2 ch.

• This mode cannot be selected when DTS signal is input

(Firmware version supporting DSur 2.0, etc.)
This listening mode expands 2 ch or 5.1 ch input signals to 5.1 ch, 7.1 ch or 5.1.2 ch. This mode expands actual channels to more channels for playback according to the configuration of the connected speakers. Also, even if there is no speaker for expansion, for example when only front speakers are connected, audio of surround channel or height channel is virtually created for expansion playback.

• This mode cannot be selected when DTS signal is input.

According to the speaker layout, the following listening modes are displayed.
– DSur 2.0/2.1: When only front speakers are installed
– DSur 3.0/3.1: When front speakers and center speaker are installed
– DSur 4.0/4.1: When front speakers and surround speakers are installed
– DSur 5.0/5.1: When front speakers, center speaker and surround speakers are installed
– DSur 6.0/6.1: When front speakers, surround speakers and surround back speakers are installed
– DSur 7.0/7.1: When front speakers, center speaker, surround speakers and surround back speakers are installed
– DSur 2.0.2/2.1.2: When front speakers and height speakers are installed
– DSur 3.0.2/3.1.2: When front speakers, center speaker and height speakers are installed
– DSur: Selectable in the "4.1.2 ch" or "5.1.2 ch" setting with surround speakers and height speakers installed.

• When "Speaker Virtualizer" is set to "Off" (Default: On), modes other than DSur cannot be selected.

 

DTHD (Dolby Audio - TrueHD)

This mode faithfully reproduces the sound design recorded in the Dolby TrueHD audio format.

The Dolby TrueHD audio format is a "lossless" format expanded based on the lossless compression technology referred to as MLP, and it faithfully reproduces the master audio recorded in the studio. Dolby TrueHD is an optional audio format based on 5.1 ch for Blu-ray Discs. It is possible to record a maximum of 7.1 channels with additional channels such as the surround back channel. 7.1 ch is recorded at 96 kHz/24 bit, and 5.1 ch is recorded at 192 kHz/24 bit.

• To enable transfer of this audio format, connect via an HDMI cable and set audio output on the player to Bitstream output.

 

DSD

This mode is suitable for playing sources recorded in DSD.

• This unit supports the DSD signal input from the HDMI input terminal. However, depending on the connected player, better sound may be obtained by setting the output on the player side to the PCM output.
• This listening mode cannot be selected if the output setting on your Blu-ray Disc/DVD player is not set to DSD.

 

DTS

This mode faithfully reproduces the sound design recorded in the DTS audio format.

The DTS audio format is a multi-channel digital format developed by DTS, Inc. This format is an optional audio format for DVD-Video and a standard format for Blu-ray Discs. It enables recording of 5.1 channels; two front channels, one center channel, two surround channels, and the LFE channel dedicated to the bass region (sound elements for the subwoofer). The content is recorded with a rich volume of data, with a maximum sampling rate of 48 kHz, at a resolution of 24 bits and a bit rate of 1.5 Mbps.

• To enable transfer of this audio format, connect via a digital cable and set audio output on the player to Bitstream output.

 

DTS 96/24

This mode faithfully reproduces the sound design recorded in the DTS 96/24 audio format.

The DTS 96/24 format is an optional audio format for DVD-Video and Blu-ray Discs. It enables recording of 5.1 channels; two front channels, one center channel, two surround channels, and the LFE channel dedicated to the bass region (sound elements for the subwoofer). Detailed reproduction is achieved by recording the content at a sampling rate of 96 kHz and at a resolution of 24 bits.

• To enable transfer of this audio format, connect via a digital cable and set audio output on the player to Bitstream output.

 

DTS Express

This mode faithfully reproduces the sound design recorded in the DTS Express audio format.

DTS Express is an optional audio format based on 5.1 ch for Blu-ray Discs. It is possible to record a maximum of 7.1 channels with additional channels such as the surround back channel. It also supports low bit rates.

• To enable transfer of this audio format, connect via an HDMI cable and set
  audio output on the player to Bitstream output.

 

DTS-HD HR (DTS-HD High Resolution)

This mode faithfully reproduces the sound design recorded in the DTS-HD High Resolution Audio audio format.
DTS-HD High Resolution Audio is an optional audio format based on 5.1 ch for Blu-ray Discs. It is possible to record a maximum of 7.1 channels with additional channels such as the surround back channel at a sampling rate of 96 kHz and at a resolution of 24 bits.

• To enable transfer of this audio format, connect via an HDMI cable and set audio output on the player to Bitstream output.

 

DTS-HD MSTR (DTS-HD Master Audio)

This mode faithfully reproduces the sound design recorded in the DTS-HD Master Audio audio format.

DTS-HD Master Audio is an optional audio format based on 5.1 ch for Bluray Discs. It is possible to record a maximum of 7.1 channels with additional channels such as the surround back channel using the lossless audio reproduction technology. 96 kHz/24 bit is supported for 7.1 ch, and 192 kHz/24 bit is supported for 5.1 ch.

• To enable transfer of this audio format, connect via an HDMI cable and set
  audio output on the player to Bitstream output.

 

DTS Neural:X

This listening mode expands actual channels to more channels for playback to suit the configuration of the connected speakers by expanding the input signals from 2 channels or 5.1 channels to 5.1 channels or 7.1 channels respectively.

• This mode cannot be selected when Dolby signal is input.

 

DTS Virtual:X

DTS Virtual:X listening mode uses the proprietary audio processing technology to create spacious 3D sound including audio from up above without connecting height speakers.

This mode can be selected in any speaker layout such as front speakers-only connection. You can enjoy your favorite movies or TV programs with a more immersive audio experience.

• This mode cannot be selected when Dolby signal is input or height speakers are connected.
• This mode cannot be selected when "Speaker Virtualizer" is set to "Off" (Default: On).

 

DTS:X

This mode faithfully reproduces the sound design recorded in the DTS:X audio format.

The DTS:X audio format is a combination of the mixing method based on traditional channel based formats (5.1 ch and 7.1 ch) and object based dynamic audio mixing, and it is characterized by the precise positioning of sounds and the ability to express sound movement.

• To enable transfer of this audio format, connect via an HDMI cable and set audio output on the player to Bitstream output.

 

ES Discrete (DTS-ES Discrete)

This mode faithfully reproduces the sound design recorded in the DTS-ES Discrete audio format.

DTS-ES Discrete is an optional audio format based on 5.1 ch for DVD-Video and Blu-ray Discs. It is possible to record a maximum of 6.1 channels with a monaural surround back channel added.

• To enable transfer of this audio format, connect via a digital cable and set audio output on the player to Bitstream output.

 

ES Matrix (DTS-ES Matrix)

This mode faithfully reproduces the sound design recorded in the DTS-ES Matrix audio format.

DTS-ES Matrix is an optional audio format based on 5.1 ch for DVD-Video and Blu-ray Discs. A monaural surround back channel is inserted to this format by matrix encoding. During playback, 6.1 channel-playback is achieved by the matrix decoder on this unit.

• To enable transfer of this audio format, connect via a digital cable and set audio output on the player to Bitstream output.

 

Full Mono

In this mode, all speakers output the same sound in mono, so the sound you hear is the same regardless of where you are within the listening room.

 

Mono

In this mode, monaural audio is played from the center speaker at the time of inputting an analog signal or PCM signal. If there is no center speaker connected, monaural audio is played from the front speakers.

 

Multich (Multichannel)

This mode is suitable to play sources recorded in multichannel PCM.

 

Orchestra

This mode is suitable for classical or operatic music. This mode emphasizes the surround channels in order to widen the sound image, and simulates the natural reverberation of a large hall.

 

Stereo

In this mode, sound is output from the right and left front speakers and subwoofer.

 

Studio-Mix

This mode is suitable for rock or pop music. This mode creates a lively sound field with a powerful acoustic image as if you are at a club or rock concert.

 

T-D (Theater-Dimensional)

In this mode, you can enjoy a virtual playback of multichannel surround sound even with only two or three speakers. This works by controlling how sounds reach the listener’s left and right ears.

• This mode cannot be selected when "Speaker Virtualizer" is set to "Off" (Default: On).

 

THX

THX is a series of specifications for the accurate reproduction of movies propounded by the film director George Lucas. THX listening modes include the THX Cinema mode, etc. Using technology such as THX Loudness Plus and Timbre Matching, the sound of a movie theater is reproduced accurately.

THX technology:
A movie soundtrack is mixed in a large-scale theater specially made for mixing that is called a dubbing stage on the assumption that the soundtrack is played in such theaters with similar equipment and conditions. These soundtracks are recorded as is, even when recording to a DVD-Video, for example, without making any modifications to suit a home theater environment. THX technology is able to reproduce the movie theater sound accurately in a home theater environment by minimizing acoustic and spatial deviation.

• THX Loudness Plus
  THX Loudness Plus is a new volume control technology mounted on THX Ultra and THX Select-certified AV receivers. With THX Loudness Plus, home theater audience can experience the rich details of surround sound at any volume level.
  
  If the volume is turned down below the reference level, elements of sound in a certain range are lost, or the sound is perceived differently by audience. THX Loudness Plus compensates for the tonal and spatial shifts that occur when the volume is reduced, by intelligently adjusting ambient surround channel levels and frequency response.
  
  
• Re-EQ
  The speakers for the front channel in a movie theater are installed behind the screen. For this reason the high range is enhanced in the sound track of the front channel in view of acoustic characteristics such as the necessity to penetrate the screen. Re-EQ adjusts the soundtrack with the enhanced high range to make it suitable for a home theater.
  
  
• Timbre Matching
  The perception of human ears differs depending on the sound direction. Movie theaters have many surround speakers installed, so they are excellent at surrounding the viewers with natural sound, but home theaters have only two surround speakers installed. The Timbre Matching function filters the signals sent to the surround speakers, and adjusts the tonal characteristics of front speakers
  and surround speakers to create smooth sound movement from front speakers to surround speakers.
  
  
• Adaptive Decorrelation
  While movie theaters have many surround speakers to enable the experience where viewers are surrounded with sound, home theaters normally have only two surround speakers. Such two surround speakers give a headphone-like sound, not a broad and embracing surround sound. If a listener moves away from the middle position between the surround speakers, the sound from the surround speakers is absorbed into the sound from the nearby speakers, and cannot be distinguished any more. Adaptive Decorrelation changes the time axis and phase between the surround channels so that you can enjoy the same spatial sound with two surround speakers as in a movie theater.
  
  
• ASA (Advanced Speaker Array)
  ASA is a technology patented by THX to provide a broad surround sound experience by adjusting the sounds of two surround speakers on the sides and two surround speakers at the back. When installing the surround back speakers, be sure to select the distance between the two surround back speakers in the THX Audio settings. This setting optimizes the surround sound environment.

THX listening modes:

• THX Cinema: Use this mode in a home theater environment to play the soundtrack that was recorded on the assumption that it is played in a movie theater or similar large area. In this mode, THX Loudness Plus is set to the theater level, and Re-EQ, Timbre Matching and Adaptive Decorrelation are all enabled.
  
  
• THX Games: Use this mode for high-fidelity spatial reproduction of game sound. THX Loudness Plus is set to a level suited to the audio level of the game, and Timbre Matching is enabled.
  
  
• THX Music: This mode mainly adjusts the playback of music sources that are mastered to a much higher quality obviously than movie audio. In this mode, THX Loudness Plus is set to a level suited to the playback of music, and Timbre Matching is enabled.
  
  
• THX Sel Cin (THX Select Cinema): The THX Select Cinema mode provides a high-quality surround sound experience by expanding movie sources recorded in 5.1ch for 7.1ch playback. In this mode, the THX ASA processing technology gives smooth transition between side and back surround sounds, creating the best atmosphere and directional sense of surround sound.
  
  
• THX Sel Gam (THX Select Games): Select the THX Select Games mode to play game sound recorded in a multichannel format. In this mode, the THX ASA processing technology enables the playback of game sound in a 360-degree sound field which was recorded in PCM, DTS, Dolby Digital and other 5.1ch formats.
  
  
• THX Sel Mus (THX Select Music): Select THX Select Music to play music sources recorded in a multichannel format. In this mode, the THX ASA processing technology creates a broad and stable back sound field when playing music sources recorded in 5.1ch, such as DTS, Dolby Digital, and
  DVD-Audio.

 

TV Logic

Suitable for TV shows produced in a TV studio. This mode gives clarity to voices by enhancing the entire surround sounds, and creates a realistic acoustic image.

 

Unplugged

Suitable for acoustic instruments, vocals and jazz. This mode emphasizes the front sound field image, giving the impression of being in front of the stage.