Yamaha DSP modes vs 5.1

[chrisinwpg]

Is anyone else simply blown away with Yamaha's impressive DSP modes, especially the 9 channel mode? I currently run a RX-A3050. I have listened to well over 50 SA-CD/ DVD-Audio/ DTS- HD mixes and I must say the 9 channel mode applied over 2 channel recordings (be they CD or vinyl) sounds just as good or better in comparison. There are of course differences between true 5.1 and the DSP but I find it amazing how the Yamaha can take all that audio information and steer it in such a precise and effective way. Yamaha just keeps raising the bar with their DSP function. In fact I remember being impressed with it way back in 1995 when I had the V2090. Now does it beat Bluray Audio, especially the ones with Dolby Atmos? Maybe not. After hearing the recently released Dolby Atmos INXS "Kick 30" and Kraftwerk "The Catalogue" mixes, perhaps DSP has to concede to Dolby A. The Dolby Atmos mixes have a more solid, envelopping feel. When it comes to music technology, we are living in a fantastic age!