Sony STR-DA3100ES Operating Guide

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 model name1[STR-DA3100ES]
 [2-514-877-13(1)]
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Enjoying the 9.1 channel speaker system
What is the 9.1 channel speaker system?
A large dubbing theater for recording movie soundtracks uses 10 surround speakers. However, in a 
small dubbing theater, only 2 speakers each are placed on the right, left, and back walls. Thus, the 
minimum setup for a dubbing theater is 9.1 channels. When 9.1 CH SP SYSTEM is set to YES, you 
can enjoy 9.1 channel speaker operation, just like a dubbing theater.
Arrange the speakers around the center 
of the room based on the angles shown in 
the illustration on the left. If you are 
unable to position the speakers according 
to the angles shown, place one set of 
surround speakers slightly forward of the 
listening position (toward the front 
speakers).
Although the center of the room is used 
as an axis for determining speaker 
placement, 9.1 channel speaker 
operation covers an extremely wide 
listening area which you can enjoy from 
anywhere in the room behind the central 
point.
When using the CINEMA STUDIO EX modes with the 9.1 channel system, be sure to set Virtual 
Speaker to OFF in SURR SET UP. (You can enjoy the surround effects of movies even without the use 
of virtual speakers since so many real speakers are used.)
In addition, unlike virtual speakers, the expressive capability of real speakers will vary depending on 
the speaker. Adjust the effect level so that the actor’s lines sound natural and the impact of sound effects 
is nicely balanced.
The advantage of a 9.1 channel speaker system is a drastic improvement in the connection between the 
front (video) sound field and the surround sound field. Previously, we have employed virtual speaker 
technology to present this sound effect, but a real 9.1 channel multi channel surround system has a 
much wider effect area so that all family members can enjoy the surround effect. Of course, when 
seated in the middle of the listening position, you can enjoy the sound exactly as the movie director 
listened.
Tips for placing speakers
Place surround speakers 2 between the front speakers and the listening position. Adjusting the position of these 
speakers improves the connection between the front and surround sound stage.
Tips for using the 9.1 channel speaker system
You can also use the CINEMA STUDIO EX modes with the 9.1 channel speaker system. In this case, the number of 
virtual surround speakers doubles (for a total of 12 virtual surround speakers).
However, this large number of speakers may narrow the surround effect area. Thus, it may be more effective to set 
“VIR.SPEAKERS” in the SURR SET UP menu to “OFF”.
Please note that in most cases you can use the 9.1 channel setting for Super Audio CD and other pure audio sources 
without any adjustments. However, depending on the type of speakers you have and the way the music software was 
recorded, you may want to switch to 7.1 channel or 5.1 channel playback.
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GB01COV_STR-DA3100ES-U.book  Page 18  Wednesday, July 13, 2005  2:23 PM