Audio listening modes for 7.1 from 5.1 movies

[mistergsf]

I just upgraded my front L/R speakers and using my old ones as surrounds so that I now have a 7.1 setup. Actually, I haven't got a sub yet. Anyway, since I've done this, I'm now discovering the different listening modes and presets that are available to me on my Onkyo TX-SR706 when watching 5.1 movies to pump out audio to ALL my speakers. With all the choices (incl. several THX ones) how does one determine the optimum listening mode? Is it whatever sounds the best to my ears? Does the Onkyo determine all of these available settings based on the information on the disc I'm watching? This is a newbie question and I'm just a bit overwhelmed with all this new stuff.

 

[lsiberian]

Is it whatever sounds the best to my ears? QUOTE]

You hit the nail on the head.

I suggest the following codecs for movies

Dolby PLIIx movie

THX cinema

Direct.

Any of those modes will do the trick.

Try all 3. For TV shows use the TV logic mode. It's a nice feature IMO. I also suggest calibrating the center channel slightly higher than the others. But that's a personal preference.

 

[mistergsf]

Is it whatever sounds the best to my ears? QUOTE]

You hit the nail on the head.

I suggest the following codecs for movies

Dolby PLIIx movie

THX cinema

Direct.

Any of those modes will do the trick.

Try all 3. For TV shows use the TV logic mode. It's a nice feature IMO. I also suggest calibrating the center channel slightly higher than the others. But that's a personal preference.

Thank you so much! And also for the TV listening mode suggestion. I've set up my system using the Audessey MultiEQ feature on the Onkyo and so far levels are pretty spot on but I'll tweak if I have to. I learn something new every day.