Multichannel Recordings of Classical ♫ Music only | Tell us about the ones you fell for !

[Artsfols]

I checked the Reiner/Mussorgsky (3 versions) and the Munch Saint-Saens (2 versions). All are 3 channels only. How did you determine that not it is your "amp

I don't know for sure.
Here is what I do know.
The Strauss/ Heldenleben show 2 channel DSD on the disc player screen, so no issue there.
The Saint-Saens whose multi channel DSD on the disc player.
On the Denon X3700, the "Info" screen shows 5 channels input and 5 channels output.
There is a mode function on the Denon X3700 which I try not to use. One principle for me is to use only channels on the source material.
However, the default mode is "Multi In + Dsur" which produces 5 channels.
(I would sincerely hope that under this mode, which comes up often, that the receiver does not put out FL and FR into SL and SR, overriding the provided SL and SR channels.)
If I change the mode to "Multi in", I get only 3 channels.
In both cases, the "Info" screen shows 5 channels input and 5 channels output, as I mentioned.

 

[Kal Rubinson]

However, the default mode is "Multi In + Dsur" which produces 5 channels.

If I change the mode to "Multi in", I get only 3 channels.

Seems that "+Dsur" is the culprit. There is no up-mixing in my system unless I program it in (and I don't), so I think you are experiencing some up-mixing.

 

[Artsfols]

Seems that "+Dsur" is the culprit. There is no up-mixing in my system unless I program it in (and I don't), so I think you are experiencing some up-mixing.

I checked my manual, and the explanation does not match what this receiver does. So I am not any wiser on what the amp is doing.

Later: ChatGPT can be good on stuff like this. Here is what it said (in part).

Here’s the difference between the “Multi In” and “Multi In + Dsur” sound modes on your Denon X3700H when you’re playing an SACD (DSD) or other multi-channel PCM source:

• [ Multi In] Meaning: The AVR is receiving multi-channel audio (PCM or DSD) from the source and directly using those channels without additional matrixing or upmixing. Denon+1
• What it does:
  • Plays the original multi-channel signal as recorded (e.g., 5.1 or 7.1 channels from your SACD).
  • There’s no additional processing to try to expand it to more speakers.
  • Your front, surround, and possibly surround-back channels are used exactly as encoded.
• [Multi In + Dsur] Meaning: This is the same multi-channel input, but with Dolby Surround (Dsur) processing applied. Denon Manuals
• What this does:
  • It takes the original multi-channel audio and applies Dolby Surround upmixer in the AVR.
  • The system analyzes the signal and spreads some of the audio to additional speakers you have connected (e.g., height/Atmos or extra surrounds).
  • This creates a more immersive soundfield than the straight multi-channel signal alone — especially noticeable if you have height or wide speakers.

I do want the sound without upmixing. I'll be monitoring this more closely going forward. At least it isn't simply overriding what's on the SL, SR inputs with FL, FR which would be the worst case.

Later again:

It does seem that whatever sound mode is selected is reasonably sticky, i.e. selecting "Multi In" will persist through playing different SACDs and switching to another sound source and back again.

 

[Kal Rubinson]

Just say "No" (to +Dsur).

 

[Artsfols]

Just say "No" (to +Dsur).

I am pretty sure there isn't any way to turn it off absolutely, but as my expanded post indicates, I think I have a solution.

 

[Bwmr]

I am a fan of Rene Jacobs. His Don Giovanni is my favourite of the half dozen I have on DVD. Don't know if you're into Mozart's operas, but DG is controversial and Jacobs reading makes the most sense to me, plus it just sounds great.

Very much so: I own the "Don Gionanni" and the "Le Nozze di Figaro" by Jacobs in SACD 5.1. They are excellent, both musical and acoustic wise. Worthy of a great multichannel setup.

 

[Artsfols]

Very much so: I own the "Don Gionanni" and the "Le Nozze di Figaro" by Jacobs in SACD 5.1. They are excellent, both musical and acoustic wise. Worthy of a great multichannel setup.

I just checked the DVD version I purchased quite a few years ago, and it does have a 5.1 track. With some time off this week, I greatly look forward to viewing this.

 

[Fidji]

Building up slowly my BR Classical music collection - now at around 150 pcs - both BR-A and video. Trying to get 3-4 new discs monthly and of course subscribing to Digital Concert Hall of Berliner Philharmoniker.
No SACDs/DSD as it is too much of a hassle for my Trinnov based setup.

I am actually “deep-diver” type of listerer - once I fund something I like, I listen repeatedly, study the context, look for alternative interpretations etc. So I usually get stuck on 3-4 compositions for couple of weeks.

It’s quite gratifying to see the faces of 2 ch aficionados finally understanding unquestionable superiority of MCH vs 2Ch, especially for classical music.

2 photos - just random selection.