Please explain "downmix", and other SCAD/DVD A settings.

[Johnny Canuck]

Can someone please tell me about downmix and what it is. What are the appropriate settings for the Yamaha DVD C750 and the S657. Where do most people have their delay times and volume levels for their speakers?? I find the 750 to be much better for analog, not as bright, more bass. The dolby digital seems better with the 657 as well as the picture, just a tad....Thanks in advance.

 

[MDS]

Downmixing is turning multiple channels into fewer channels - typically 2 channels. Downmixing usually implies no change to sample rate or bit depth, so if it started with 5 channels of 24 bit/192 kHz, the result would be 2 channels of 24 bit / 192 kHz.

If your player does not allow you to specify distances to the speakers, only time delay, then use 1 foot = 1ms as that is a good approximation. The levels need to be set using an SPL meter just as you would for calibrating a receiver.

 

[j_garcia]

You cannot downmix multichannel analog with a receiver; the receiver plays whatever channels it gets. Downmix should be set to "normal" and I believe only applies if you are using a stereo analog output from the player. If you are using a digital connection or multichannel analog output, then I don't think this setting will have any use. If using a digital connection, the speaker settings in the player are ignored and the ones in the receiver are used, becasue that is where the decoding is taking place.

 

[Sleestack]

One thing to note..... almost every SACD also has a stereo SACD layer. I have never run across one that doesn't. I am not talking about the CD layer, but the stereo SACD layer. You are better off listening to that layer than downmixing a 5.1 if you want to listen to 2 channel SACD.

 

[j_garcia]

One thing to note..... almost every SACD also has a stereo SACD layer. I have never run across one that doesn't. I am not talking about the CD layer, but the stereo SACD layer. You are better off listening to that layer than downmixing a 5.1 if you want to listen to 2 channel SACD.

Apparently there are some that don't have a 2ch layer. I haven't run across one yet either, but they're out there.

I have never seen a receiver that will downmix from the multichannel analog inputs.

 

[Sleestack]

Apparently there are some that don't have a 2ch layer. I haven't run across one yet either, but they're out there.

I have never seen a receiver that will downmix from the multichannel analog inputs.

Apparently they can be counted on one hand. Haven't run across one either.

I just ordered the TACT RCS with the ADC6. I believe I will be able to downmix to 2,3,etc., channels, however, I'm not sure why I would want to do that.

 

[Rob Babcock]

I just ordered the TACT RCS with the ADC6. I believe I will be able to downmix to 2,3,etc., channels, however, I'm not sure why I would want to do that.

Where does he get those wonderful toys! I can't wait to see what you think of the TACT. BTW, did you audition/consider the DEQX system?

 

[Sleestack]

Where does he get those wonderful toys! I can't wait to see what you think of the TACT. BTW, did you audition/consider the DEQX system?

I saw their website. Seems like they have great products at reasonable prices. Their crossover specs are really impressive. I'm not crazy about the aesthetics or layout, but that's nitpicking.

I'm sold on the TACT products after incorporating their RCS 2.2x into my 2.1 channel system. In addition to producing stunning audible results, they have a flexible modular design, excellent fit & finish and a dizzying array of inputs and ouputs. I can't see myself ever going back to non room-corrected listening. I just hope it gets more affordable.

 

[Rob Babcock]

Occasionally I've considered trying a TACT when I see a good deal on Agon. I think the DEQX system is more flexible and advanced, but it's newer and I've not yet seen a used one. I hope the price drops, too, but as importantly I hope to see a MC room eq.

 

[Sleestack]

Occasionally I've considered trying a TACT when I see a good deal on Agon. I think the DEQX system is more flexible and advanced, but it's newer and I've not yet seen a used one. I hope the price drops, too, but as importantly I hope to see a MC room eq.

Are you referring to the RCS 2.2x or the TCS MKII/ADC6?

The RCS is realtively affordable (about $3500 with all of the modules), but the TCSMKII/ACD6 combo is a bit steep at around $12K.

Other than the steeper slope settings, what makes the DEQX more advanced? Just curious. Most people I have talked to in the industry consider the TCSMKII/ADC6 combo to be the most flexible and state of the art pre/pro/room correction system available. I believe it came out a little less than a year ago.

Maybe I'll pick up a DEQX unit for another 2 channel system I have. Someone here has to be the guinea pig.