RDC-7 Listening Tests - Movies
Our listening tests for these modes were primarily conducted with movies and concerts broadcasted on Satellite in either PCM or Dolby Digital 2.0. Both the Pro Logic II and DTS Neo modes defined the processing capability of the RDC-7. Even my wife admitted that these modes sounded almost as good as actual discrete 5.1 source DVD's. This was especially true for movies broadcasted in Dolby Digital 2.0. The RDC-7 took the two-channel broadcast, and redirected the sound so that the center channel and surrounds sounded discrete. There were times, just to satisfy my curiosity that I actually went up to the center channel speaker for a closer listen. To my amazement, the vocals were being presented as if from a discrete channel. I then went to either of the front channels to listen for how much of the vocals were bleeding through, and again, I was astonished. Vocals were faintly portrayed in the mains, but not dominating. Instead, the mains presented the movie soundtrack music where applicable, or other sounds that originated from left to right. The result was a realistic, near 5.1 surround presence.
Pro Logic II Music and DTS Neo Music
I found these modes especially useful for decoding Satellite broadcasts of concerts or music videos. These modes did not place as much of an emphasis on the center channel as their counterpart movie modes. Vocals still originated from the center channel speaker, but there were more vocals heard in the mains. The result was the recreation of a concert theater environment where most of the sound originates from the left and right front speakers. What amazed us most about these modes was the RDC-7's ability to direct the sound of the audience to the surround speakers.
Dolby Digital and DTS for 5.1 Surround
In order to get a handle on how the Integra Research RDC-7 performed in Dolby Digital and DTS, we selected the following DVD's and CD's.
- Jurassic Park III
- The Lord of the Rings
- Shrek
- Monsters Inc.
- Gangs of New York
- The Score
- James Bond Die Another Day
- XXX
- Steely Dan's Gaucho in DTS
- One More Car, One More Rider - Eric Clapton Live Concert DVD
- Secret Word - Peter Gabriel Live Concert DVD
- Hell Freezes Over - The Eagles Live Concert DVD
- Symphonic Live - Yes Concert DVD in DTS
The performance of the Integra Research RDC-7 in Dolby Digital and DTS was stellar. What we noticed immediately, was the improved performance of the subwoofer channel when compared to other processors and receivers previously reviewed in this reference system. This was noted by the richer, deeper and even tighter bass response that emanated from the sub. Another noteworthy item was the performance of the center channel with vocals that were well pronounced and defined.
We also listened to several DVD Concerts as noted above. To me, this was the tell-all test for the processor as the Concert DVD's require a full soundstage in order to accurately recreate instruments and vocals. This was especially true for theYes Symphonic Live Concert DVD which included an orchestra. The RDC-7 did not disappoint. The instruments, orchestra and vocals were well pronounced and defined with an overall balance and no harsh or bright tones.
Perhaps the best part of the soundstage of the RDC-7 was noticed when listening to extremely quiet parts of DVDs. The low signal-to-noise ratio of this processor assured that every detail, no matter how faint, was reproduced without being masked by hiss or noise. The dynamic range of sound and low level noise that was presented by the RDC-7 affirmed that this was a formidable processor capable of audiophile performance.
Dolby Digital EX and DTS ES
The Dolby Digital EX and DTS ES Modes engaged the back surround channels. During our listening testing of the RDC-7 in Audioholics' Reference System 2, the Dolby Digital EX and DTS-ES modes helped open up the sound field of the surrounds. DVDs such as The Lord of The Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring were enriched with a heightened sense of drama that resulted from implementation of the back surrounds.
THX and THX Ultra2
The RDC-7 included the new THX Ultra2 standard from LucasFilm. This standard is said to ensure higher quality sound and picture quality. THX Ultra2 includes both Cinema and Music modes.
When performing 7.1 channel playback of Dolby Digital, DTS or other 5.1 channel movie sources, THX Ultra2 Cinema analyzed the source signal and created a matrix for the surround back channels for improved surround sound, thereby creating a virtual 7.1 surround.
What we noticed most about the THX modes was the emphasis on the center channel and surrounds. Vocals subjectively sounded a bit more forthcoming and the surrounds more lively when implementing the THX modes.
