I just set up my 7.1 last night, previously I'd been using 5.1 only. (BTW, my first impression of the Harman/Kardon PA2000 is that I'm very impressed!)

So what modes sound best, let's hear it from the longtime 950 veterans here! I know it's been discussed before, but not in a while, and people's opinions change over time.

Should I use DD-EX or DD Cirrus? How about DPLII+Cirrus versus DTS:Neo 6 which has the center channel built into the codec?

What do you use? I'm talking for movies and TV shows only, I listen to music in native form only (5.1, quad, stereo).

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Philip Hamm

If your original material is not encoded in the DD-EX or DTS-ES formats, you're best off using the DD-CES or DTS-CES modes.

For two channel material, experiment. And season to taste.

i was just told in my reply that the hk 2000 wouldn't run the outlaw, can you explain your setup?

I suspect that Philip is using the PA2000 to drive his two surround back speakers only, with one or more amps driving the other five speakers. As I mentioned in my reply to you yesterday, the PA2000 only offers amplification for two speakers.

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gonk -- Saloon Links | Pre/Pro Comparison Chart | 950 Review

Correct. I am using a 5 channel amp for left, right, center, side right, and side left. That amp is a Sherwood Newcastle AM-9080. In my new house I went from 5 channels to 7, and I'm using a Harman/Kardon PA2000 in bridged mode to power my rear left and right channels, the last 2 of the 7 channel system.

It sounds fantastic.

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Philip Hamm

[This message has been edited by Philip Hamm (edited January 27, 2004).]

I don't mean to hijack this thread but do the Cirrus surround modes produce stereo surround back (channels six and seven) or is it just mono ?

I know DPL11x has stereo surround back channels just wondering about that possibility with the 950.

Thanks,
Mike

CES produces a mono surround back signal. Recent versions of Logic7 and Pro Logic IIx are the only two processing schemes I'm aware of that are currently able to generate stereo surround back channels.

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gonk -- Saloon Links | Pre/Pro Comparison Chart | 950 Review

Reportedly, the xS modes on the 1066 also give "unique' (non-mono) rears.