What really creates the rich, full tones of a live instrument

are the multiple reflections from the walls of the room. In addition to making the sound "live", these reflections enable us to tell where the player is situated, and the size and shape of the room in which we are sitting.

Elements of a sound field

In any environment, in addition to the direct sound coming straight to our ears from the player's instrument,

there are two distinct types of sound reflections that combine to make up the sound field:

Early reflections

Reflected sounds reach our ears extremely rapidly

(50 ms - 100 ms after the direct sound), after reflecting from one surface only -- for example, from the ceiling or

a wall. These reflections fall into specific patterns for any

particular environment, and provide vital information to

our ears. Early reflections actually add clarity to the direct sound.

Reverberations

These are caused by reflections from more than one surface -- walls, ceiling, the back of the room -- so

numerous that they merge together to form a continuous

sonic "afterglow". They are non-directional, and lessen the clarity of the direct sound.

Direct sound, early reflections and subsequent

reverberation taken together help us to determine the subjective size and shape of the room, and it is this

information that the digital sound field processor

reproduces in order to create sound fields.

If you could create the appropriate early reflections and

subsequent reverberations in your listening room, you would be able to create your own listening environment. The acoustics in your room could be changed to those of a concert hall, a dance floor, or virtually any size room at all. This ability to create sound fields at will is exactly

what YAMAHA has done with the digital sound field processor.

DSP programs consist of some parameters to determine

the apparent room size, reverberation time, distance from

you to the performer, etc. In each program, these

parameters are set with values precisely calculated by

YAMAHA to create a sound field unique to the program.

It is recommended to use DSP programs without

changing the values of parameters. However, this unit also allows you to create your own sound field by starting

with one of the built-in program and adjusting its parameters.

Each DSP program has a set of parameters that allow you

to change the characteristics of the acoustic environment to create the precise effect you want. These parameters

correspond to the many natural acoustic factors that create

the sound field you experience in an actual concert hall or

other listening environment. The size of the room, for example, affects the length of time between the early

reflections. The "ROOM SIZE" parameter provided in many of the DSP programs alters the timing between

these reflections, thus changing the shape of the "room"

you are listening. In addition to room size, the shape of

the room and the characteristics of its surfaces have a

significant effect on the final sound. Surfaces that absorb

sound, for example, cause the reflections and

reverberations to die out more quickly, while highly

reflective surfaces allow the reflections to carry on for a longer period of time. The digital sound field parameters allow you to control these and many other factors that

contribute to your personal sound field, allowing you to

essentially "redesign" the concert halls, theaters, etc.

provided to create custom-tailored listening environments that ideally match your mood and music.

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Yamaha RX-V730 owner manual Elements of a sound field, Early reflections, Reverberations

RX-V730 specifications

The Yamaha RX-V730 is a noteworthy home theater receiver, particularly well-regarded for its blend of performance, features, and versatility. Introduced in the early 2000s, this model serves as a testament to Yamaha’s commitment to crafting high-quality audio components that cater to both casual listeners and audiophiles alike.

At its core, the RX-V730 supports a robust surround sound experience with its 6.1 channel output, allowing users to immerse themselves in multi-dimensional audio. It boasts an impressive power output of up to 100 watts per channel, producing clear and dynamic sound that enriches movies, music, and games. The hallmark of the RX-V730 is its compatibility with various surround sound formats, including Dolby Digital EX and DTS-ES, enabling it to create a captivating acoustic environment that faithfully reproduces the sounds from modern film soundtracks.

One of the RX-V730's significant features is its Digital Signal Processing (DSP) technology. With multiple DSP modes at users' disposal, such as concert hall and jazz club, the receiver enhances audio playback to replicate the acoustics of different environments, creating a customizable listening experience tailored to individual preferences. This technology ensures that soundtracks and audio tracks maintain clarity and power, regardless of the source material.

Connectivity is also a strong suit of the RX-V730. It includes a variety of inputs, such as multiple digital inputs (both optical and coaxial) for connecting to CD players, DVD players, and gaming consoles. It also features an array of analog inputs and outputs, along with a dedicated subwoofer output, providing flexibility for system configuration. Furthermore, the receiver supports video switching capabilities for composite and S-Video inputs, making it a versatile hub for home entertainment systems.

In terms of user interface, the RX-V730 is designed with intuitive on-screen menus, making setup and operation user-friendly. The remote control offers convenient access to various functions, ensuring that users can manage their audio and video setup with ease. The learning function of the remote allows it to control other devices, making it a comprehensive tool for managing an entire home theater system.

The Yamaha RX-V730, with its blend of innovative technologies, high-quality sound reproduction, and user-friendly features, provides an excellent option for those looking to enhance their home audio experience. Whether it’s a movie night, a family gathering, or an immersive gaming session, this receiver delivers the audio performance needed to make any experience memorable.