DTS HD Master Audio / Dolby TrueHD with 5.1 speaker setup and speaker placement?

[wiyosaya]

I am not sure where to post this, so I am posting it here.

Will I be able to use the DTS HD Master Audio or Dolby TrueHD tracks on Blu-ray discs with a 5.1 speaker setup?

My wife won't let me put in 4 rear speakers in my new setup, mainly because our room size is limited and she does not want to mount anything on the walls. Divorce would otherwise likely occur. I am wondering if anyone knows if the Master Audio or TrueHD tracks will play back through a receiver that only has 5.1 speakers connected. My guess is that it might, however, I understand that I will only get five of the seven channels.

Also, I can only place the rear speakers in the rear back location, not in the rear side location. So, when I connect the speakers, should I use the rear back connections, or use the rear side connections?

 

[Adam]

With the receivers that I have looked at (and owned), here's my experience:

Will I be able to use the DTS HD Master Audio or Dolby TrueHD tracks on Blu-ray discs with a 5.1 speaker setup?

Yes.

Also, I can only place the rear speakers in the rear back location, not in the rear side location. So, when I connect the speakers, should I use the rear back connections, or use the rear side connections?

Rear side connections. For the receivers that I've looked at, it is the surround back channels that can be disabled (and then their audio is incorporated into the rear speakers).

Do you already own a 7.1 receiver? If so, let us know which one, and we can verify my above statements for your particular system.

 

[wiyosaya]

Do you already own a 7.1 receiver? If so, let us know which one, and we can verify my above statements for your particular system.

Yes, I own a Yamaha RX-V2500 receiver; however, I am planning on upgrading that in the not too distant future. My upgrade will probably be something along the lines of an RX-V3900, RX-Z7, Denon 4308CI, etc., as long as it has dual HDMI outputs and HD Radio.

Any recommendations for receiver models that allow disabling the rear back?

 

[jostenmeat]

I would be shocked if any receiver could not do what you are asking. IOW, don't even worry about it when shopping.

Too bad you can't put the speakers somewhat at the side. Oh well.

 

[Adam]

I'm in agreement with everything that jostenmeat said.

If you have doubts, you can almost always download the owner's manuals from the manufacturers' websites. Those would detail out if it's possible to disable the surround back channels and, if so, how to do it.

 

[wiyosaya]

I would be shocked if any receiver could not do what you are asking. IOW, don't even worry about it when shopping.

Too bad you can't put the speakers somewhat at the side. Oh well.

I am very happy that I am able to do the upgrade in the first place. 15 year old Paradigm Monitor (11se MKIII) series to Paradigm Studio (100) series is what I am getting to do at this point. The new studio series is a significant improvement over what I have sound quality wise - at least to my ears.

Thanks to the both of you for your replies. I would have hated to do this upgrade and not be able to listen to the lossless audio formats.

 

[jostenmeat]

Well, you're welcome, and congrats! FWIW, I would agree that the front soundstage is by far the most important aspect for HT and music.