Tone controls inactive with multi-channel output?

[mkinder]

I'm not sure if everyone already knows this, but it was news to me. I'm new to the multi-channel AVR receivers since replacing my analog 2-channel receiver a few weeks ago. I've always tweaked the bass and treble to my liking depending on the source. I've been trying to adjust the tone control on DVD's and HD sources since hooking up my new H/K receiver, but the tone controls weren't working. I called H/K support and they told me that the bass/treble knobs will usually have no affect on multi-channel output. They are for 2-channel listening sessions with L/R main channels only (ie analog stereo, etc.) but can sometimes impact other channels when using "virtual speaker" functions.

Apparently the only adjustment i can make during DD or DTS playback is volume level per channel and gain/crossover on the sub? Is this behavior limited to H/K products?

 

[j_garcia]

Nearly all receivers are this way. The reason is, the m/c input is supposed to be already processed by the source.

If you use a digital connection for DVDs (assuming it is not a high def player) you should be able to use your tone controls. In other words, if you are not using a high def player and you have digital connections, you don't need to use the m/c inputs. Ideally, with a well calibrated system, you should not be messing with the tone controls at all once you find a setting that works.

 

[mkinder]

Thanks, but I think i'm confusing this by using the wrong terminology. When i said multi-channel input i meant a 5.1 DD or DTS source via an optical connection.

I just figured the bass/treble/balance controls were universally applied to all playback on all channels no matter what listening mode was selected. But apparently the receiver will ignore bass/treble/balance settings depending on the surround mode or source. I've even heard situations where the bass/treble settings were being applied to the L/R channels but the center was unaffected.

 

[j_garcia]

That would be a different story, and I am not familiar enough with the H/K interface to tell you why that would be. Let me ask someone who is...