how many channels?

matrix or discrete?

Understanding Surround Sound

Today’s sophisticated surround sound systems seem to spawn a bewildering array of technologies and acronyms. In this section, we will attempt to give you a basic understanding of what all that jargon means. As a result, you will be better equipped to take advantage of the best that home entertainment has to offer.

Today’s surround systems are called upon to reproduce soundtracks that were designed to include anything from one to seven separate channels of information. Some examples might include:

•watching Casablanca or The Wizard of Oz (both mono movies, having only a single channel of audio information in the soundtrack)

•listening to a CD in stereo (only two channels of audio)

•watching the original Star Wars in the original Dolby Surround Pro Logic (four channels of information derived from two channels)

•watching a modern movie, with a “5.1” soundtrack (meaning five different full- range signals for the front and surround speakers, plus a special “.1” signal of special Low Frequency Effects; for this reason, the “.1” channel is sometimes called the “LFE channel.”)

Your new processor handles all these tasks with ease, switching to an appropriate processing mode automatically upon sensing the nature of the incoming signal.

However, sometimes it may be up to you to select from among the various signals available. For example, DVDs often contain multiple soundtracks, with varying numbers of channels or even different languages. You must choose the one you would like to hear, using the menu of the DVD itself. For that reason, it helps to have a better understanding of the jargon that is likely to be presented to you in those menus.

We’ll cover the most common possibilities for you.

When movie makers first wanted to expand beyond simple stereo (left and right audio channels only), they had a problem: the entire infrastructure on which they depended was stereo.

A company named Dolby Laboratories saved the day by creating a system called Dolby Surround that embedded two extra channels of sound in the existing stereo pair, in such a way that specialized circuitry could retrieve the extra information with reasonable accuracy. This technique, whereby channels are mixed together with the intention of separating them later, is called matrix decoding.

The disadvantage of matrix decoding is what you might expect – it is tough to completely and perfectly separate two things that have been mixed together. Once you have baked a cake, it is difficult to get back to the eggs and flour.

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Classe Audio SSP-300 owner manual Understanding Surround Sound, How many channels? Matrix or discrete?
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SSP-300 specifications

The Classe Audio SSP-300 is a high-performance surround sound processor designed to cater to audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts alike. This unit seamlessly blends cutting-edge technology with an elegant design, ensuring both aesthetic appeal and superior audio performance.

One of the standout features of the SSP-300 is its advanced Digital Signal Processing (DSP) capabilities. Utilizing state-of-the-art technology, it offers precise sound manipulation and customizable audio settings that amplify the listening experience. The processor supports high-resolution audio formats, ensuring clear and detailed sound reproduction across sources.

The SSP-300 incorporates Classe’s proprietary text-to-speech algorithms, enhancing its ability to deliver music and dialogue with exceptional clarity. It is compatible with various surround sound formats, including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, enabling immersive three-dimensional audio that envelops the listener. This feature makes it an ideal choice for movie buffs and gamers who seek realistic soundscapes in their entertainment.

Another defining characteristic of the Classe Audio SSP-300 is its exceptional connectivity options. It boasts multiple HDMI inputs and outputs, along with balanced and unbalanced audio connections. This versatility allows users to integrate various devices seamlessly, whether it's a Blu-ray player, gaming console, or streaming device. The SSP-300 also features RS-232 and Ethernet connectivity, facilitating simple integration into complex home automation systems.

The unit’s user-friendly interface is another highlight. The highly intuitive graphical user interface, accompanied by a full-color display, provides easy navigation through both setup and operation. Customization options allow users to save different sound profiles, catering to various content types and personal preferences.

The build quality of the Classe Audio SSP-300 exemplifies luxury, with a solid chassis that minimizes resonance and vibration, further enhancing audio fidelity. The elegant front panel, featuring tactile buttons, evinces both modernity and classical aesthetics fitting for high-end installations.

In conclusion, the Classe Audio SSP-300 is a sophisticated surround sound processor that excels in performance and versatility. With its robust feature set, advanced technologies, and commitment to audio excellence, it represents a pinnacle of modern audio engineering, making it a top choice for anyone looking to elevate their home entertainment experience.
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