How to determine if a receiver can matrix a 5.1 audio track into 7.1?

[krizzz]

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

Matrixing the entire PCM sound to Dolby Pro Logic IIx is not a good idea. Dolby PLIIx was originally designed to matrix two channel music into full band-width multi-channels. Some receivers like my Denon 4308ci allow to only matrix the side surround channels into the rear channels. It doesn't touch the front speakers.

How do you do that? I am looking at the Onkyo 706, Pioneer 1018, and Denon 2309ci, and can't determine which would be best for Matrixing the 5.1 to 7.1 output without destroying the source material.

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by krizzz

How do you do that? I am looking at the Onkyo 706, Pioneer 1018, and Denon 2309ci, and can't determine which would be best for Matrixing the 5.1 to 7.1 output without destroying the source material.

I don't know about other receivers. However, on my Denon 4308CI, this is the procedure.

• Go to the main menu of the receiver.
  
• Select PARAMETERS
• Select AUDIO
• Select SURR. PARAMETERS
• Select SB (Surround Back) OUTPUT.
• The otions are:
  • PL IIx Cinema
  • PL IIx Music
  • Off

The above is different than going to the main menu and picking the SURROUND MODE, where you select Standard, Direct, Widescreen, Jazz Club, etc.

[callas01]

Based on what Robin is describing, it sounds like it is adding the speakers to the soundfield, but they are actually virtual speakers and not a true matrixing.