Music and Movie Theater Modes - DSP Simulation
Denon may not be known for their DSP modes, but they should be known for their DSP customization capability. There are too many configurations to list here, but Denon allows some pretty precise adjustments to its DSP. For example, let's assume you wanted to listen to the "Rock Arena" DSP setting for some old Def Leppard CDs you found lying around (come on, you know you listened to them!) You could choose to alter the room size parameter for the effect, adjust tone controls (for just that DSP mode), and even determine whether you wanted to utilize the subwoofer (assuming a sub was configured during the setup process.) Obviously tone controls are defeated in Direct mode as they should be. Another great example of DSP customization is revealed in that you can set dynamic compression, AFDM (Auto Flag Detect Mode - on/off), tone controls, ES matrix modes (on/off) and LFE levels for each different (applicable) surround mode. Incidentally, AFDM is simply a software embedded identification signal (or "flag") that will automatically trigger 6.1 channel mode using the surround back speakers for content that is encoded in THX Surround EX or DTS-ES. (When auto-detect is engaged, only 5.1 will be used if the AFDM signal is not detected.)
DSP Simulation
Listed below are the parameters of the Denon custom DSP available to 2-channel and multi-channel audio sources. When adjusting DSP parameters be sure to first select "AMP" on the remote control to enable access to the "SURR PARA" (surround parameter) button. Pressing the surround parameter button allows you to set the DSP mode to your own taste. In addition to this, Denon's Personal Memory Plus system automatically memorizes the surround modes and input modes selected for each input source. The result is a memorized matrix whereby when each input source is selected the modes set for that source are automatically recalled.
The available custom DSP modes are:
Widescreen: This creates a wider soundstage by 1) activating all 7.1 speakers (if present) and 2) chorusing the surround channels to deliver a "larger" sound. My experience with this mode found it to lower low frequency response a bit for some reason, and of course its effects varied depending upon the source.
Super Stadium: Fun for sporting events, this mode adds a long reverb time and extra bass EQ to all speakers to deliver the effect of being live at a stadium. I chose to adjust the "EFFECT" parameter of this DSP sound field effect to 7 to make it more tolerable. There is a tremendous amount of slap-back echo set to around 30-50ms which, while simulating a larger stadium, needs to be rolled back a bit to not be quite so distracting.
Rock Arena/Jazz Club/Classic Concert: Similar to the Super Stadium mode, but scaled back with far less reverb, these modes simply livens up the room to give you more of a "live" feel when listening to CDs. Rock Arena adds Bass EQ as well as some treble to the signal. I also reduced the "EFFECT" setting on this mode to 6 or 7 in order to tame it a bit depending upon the source. The Jazz Club setting is said to provide the feel of a "live house with low ceiling and hard walls." It fairly accurately mimics this, and while many will not want to add DSP to their jazz CDs, it makes for a neat effect.
Mono Movie: I've had some luck with this mode, however mileage varies with the source and there are usually audible "surprises" in each film that don't behave well with the DSP methodology.
Video Game: Providing a greater emphasis on the surrounds, this mode delivers a more active surround field which is desirable for playing games - especially FPS and action-style types.
Matrix: This DSP mode actually slows down time and allows you to walk on the ceiling... Well, not quite. Actually it takes some of the stereo-only content of the main channels and accentuates the overall sound field by placing that content (with delay) into the surrounds. Crank up this mode in the surround parameters menu and you'll hear a solid delay from the front channels to the rear.
Virtual: Virtual enables a different kind of sound field from just 2-channels.
5CH/7CH Stereo: Available in most receivers, this mode sends left/right content to the surrounds and back surrounds as well as a summed mono signal to the center channel for a nice "all-speakers-on" party mode.
As I mentioned earlier, none of the Denon DSP's will amaze you or your friends, but they may prove to be entertaining at times when you have some fun experimenting on music or movie sources.. I utilized the 5CH Stereo mode on more than one occasion when I was entertaining guests and I figured the Super Stadium mode would have been fun to engage during the Superbowl (though I imagine it would have grown tiresome after a while.) Mono movie mode is hit or miss, though I have found it to help old black and white television movies on more than one occasion.
