Which listening mode for music

[griffinconst]

When I'm listening to music on regular cd's is it better to use the Pure Audio or Stereo? What makes one better than the other?
Looking forward to meeting lots of my Audioholic bretheran at the GTG next Saturday.

 

[Adam]

I would guess that it won't make much difference, but if you can tell a difference and prefer one over the other, then that's what makes one "better."

The Pure Audio setting simply turns off the display and video circuitry in an effort to minimize electrical interference.

 

[griffinconst]

Gotcha. Thanks

 

[XEagleDriver]

Depends on AVR

When I'm listening to music on regular cd's is it better to use the Pure Audio or Stereo? What makes one better than the other? . . .

Griffinconst,

I don't know about which one is better. But in some manufacturer implementations the prepro/AVR's "Pure Direct" does not use the subwoofer, while the "Stereo" setting will use the sub. Yammy is this way, at least for the RX-V659.

Front speaker capability would then influence whether having the sub involved in music play back is desirable or not.

Cheers,
XEagleDriver

 

[mtrycrafts]

...
The Pure Audio setting simply turns off the display and video circuitry in an effort to minimize electrical interference.

Along with any built in radio as well.

 

[supervij]

I honestly do find the sound is better with Pure Direct. The vocals on CDs sound more focused in the centre of the front wall, and there's an overall increase (however small) in clarity. Maybe it's my imagination, or maybe my gear isn't properly setup, but I definitely prefer Pure Direct for 2-channel music.

So how to choose? Listen to both and make your own decision.

cheers,
supervij

 

[3db]

Griffinconst,

I don't know about which one is better. But in some manufacturer implementations the prepro/AVR's "Pure Direct" does not use the subwoofer, while the "Stereo" setting will use the sub. Yammy is this way, at least for the RX-V659.

Front speaker capability would then influence whether having the sub involved in music play back is desirable or not.

Cheers,
XEagleDriver

For Yamahas, I beleive that stereo mode also engages the eq settings where Pure Direct by passes these.

 

[gmichael]

For Yamahas, I beleive that stereo mode also engages the eq settings where Pure Direct by passes these.

Correct (on Yamahas). Minimal processing. No EQ. No sub. If your room has proper acoustic treatments, and your speakers have the range, AND you have the power, this will sound better for music IMO. Without all of the above, I prefer Straight mode.

 

[Geno]

With my setup (Denon) it depends entirely on the recording. Some of my recordings sound better, to me, in Dolby PL2. I've tried Pure Direct vs. straight stereo, but can't honestly tell any difference. Like others have already said here, you are the only one who can make that decision.

 

[suctreflax]

Can you give some more sample question and answers. How great your info is! It really useful for me. Thanks.

 

[audiohonic65]

I prefer Pure Direct, but for you to choose just listen to both and make your own decision.

 

[manofsteel2397]

i prefer stero but my speakers are not big enough to give me the bass im looking for so need my sub

 

[westcott]

I think it depends on what you are doing or listening to.

I use Pure Direct if I am just listening to music on the master bedroom system. But, those speakers are true full range speakers so sending all the bass to them is not an issue.

If I am watching a movie and it does not support Dobly Digital, it is usually set on PLII Cinema.

If I am listening to CD's on the main system, I am usually in PLII Music mode.

Try them all. I know people that prefer 5 Channel mode but to each his own.