DTC-9.4 Music and Movie Theater Modes
The decision to have these processors spec'ed for THX Ultra2 was a good one. Engaging the THX mode almost always improved the quality of the feature films in my listening room, though I prefer to not utilize DSP for most music tracks except for certain CDs that benefit from Dolby Pro Logic II. According to John Dahl of THX, the reason THX was created was to level the playing field and give everyone an opportunity to hear the soundtrack in the way it was intended. Judging by how good some of the DVDs I watched sounded, I feel this processor does a good job of delivering on that ideal. Available THX DSP modes include THX Ultra2 Cinema, MusicMode, Cinema (PL II), Cinema (Neo:6), Surround EX, and DTS-ES THX Cinema.
The Integra, of course, also comes with Dolby Digital EX, DTS Discrete 6.1 (and Matrix 6.1), DTS 96/24, DTS Neo:6 and Pro Logic II modes. If you are a purist, your bases are covered. Some modes are available in both 2-channel and multi-channel modes, but I will place them where I believe you'll find them more useful. I'll explain some of the non-standard modes below:
Movie Modes
- Theater Dimensional (T-D): This interesting mode is created for those who have only two speakers and still desire a surround sound experience. It essentially creates a pseudo surround experience around a fixed listening position (the characteristics of this position can also be adjusted through the receiver setup menus.)
- MonoMovie: Excellent for old black and white mono movies. Keeps the original soundtrack in the center channel where it belongs and adds some abience into the Front L/R speakers.
- CinemaFILTER (on/off): This EQs some high frequency out of the signal, taking the edge off of speakers or movie soundtracks that are "too bright". I thought this mode eliminated a lot of detail and do not recommend it use in most applications. If your speakers sound too bright perhaps you can adjust some of the acoustical properties of your room to compensate (add a throw rug, for example) or experiment with positioning.
Television Modes
- Enhance: Selecting the enhance mode will engage your surround channels in a soft ambient manner, also placing dialogue and main action into your center channel. I found this mode to be more of a hindrance on 2-channel music, but effective when watching sports programming.
- TV Logic: This mode claims to be geared towards a studio-based television program, enhancing surround sound and adding clarity to the center channel. I found that it basically accomplished this through sending some of the Front L/R information to the surrounds and over-accenting the center channel signal just a bit.
Music Modes
- ALL ST (all stereo): Located on the remote, this mode produces an all-encompassing background music presence. The front, surround, and surround back (if present) channels create a large, wide, stereo image.
- DIRECT: Input signal is sent to the right and left channels only, bypassing all DSP and therefore also not routed to the subwoofer.
- PURE AUDIO: Same as DIRECT mode, however the display is turned off, as is the power supply to the video circuitry. This serves to minimize noise and provide an uninterrupted audio path with no DSP or interference.
- STEREO: 2-channel source audio is output with bass management information sent to the subwoofer according to the crossover settings and Speaker Setup menu.
- Orchestra: In this mode the center channel is muted and the surround channels enhanced to create an artificially more expansive surround environment. This is an effective mode for opera or when attempting to simulate a large hall or theatre. Warning: Don't try this mode on regular music as your head may explode.
- Unplugged: This mode enhances the Front L/R channels giving you the impression that you are closer to the stage performance of an artist. Try this mode on just about any CD and you'll instantly get a more intimate positioning of the sound field. Warning: You may not want to get this close to certain artists!
- Studio-Mix: Having recorded and mixed numerous tracks in the studio I found this mode to be reminiscent of a rushed 4am studio monitor mix - complete with crushed vocals and a relatively flat mix. If you like recessed vocals and a more subdued mix it might be fun to play with this mode.
