Understanding the Surround Back Option in Your Denon AV Receiver

Understanding the Surround Back Option in Your Denon AV Receiver

In today's home theater and audio setups, creating an immersive and engaging experience often relies on the right audio options and configurations. One such feature that significantly enhances the listening environment is the surround back speakers. This option is available in many Denon AV receivers, such as the PMA-2030, DRA-1100W, and DHT-1500.

Purpose

The surround back speakers are designed to create a more enveloping and immersive sound environment. By positioning and configuring additional speakers behind the listener, these speakers significantly enhance the auditory experience of movies, music, and other high-quality audio playback. This feature is particularly beneficial for Dolby Atmos and other modern audio formats that support multi-channel sound, as it allows for a more spatial and dynamic audio experience.

Setup

Setting up the surround back speakers in your Denon AV receiver involves several steps to ensure optimal performance.

Hardware Configuration: Connect the surround back speakers to the designated surround back terminals on your receiver. These terminals are typically labeled as SB or SURR on the rear panel of the receiver. Software Configuration: Access the settings menu of your Denon AV receiver to configure the surround back option. This may involve setting the correct channel for the back speakers, adjusting the position of the virtual speakers, and ensuring that the correct audio codec is selected (e.g., Dolby Digital EX, DTS-ES, or Dolby Atmos). Speaker Calibration: Utilize the receiver's built-in speaker calibration feature to ensure that the surround back speakers are properly balanced and positioned. This often involves using a test disc or a proprietary calibration tool that comes with the receiver.

Refer to your Denon user manual for specific instructions tailored to your model, such as the PMA-2030 or DRA-1100W. These manuals provide detailed steps and diagrams to help you set up and configure the surround back speakers accurately.

Formats Supported

The surround back speakers can be utilized in various audio formats that support multi-channel sound. Depending on the model of your Denon AV receiver, these may include:

Dolby Digital EX and DTS-ES support traditional 7.1 surround sound. Dolby Atmos, which is a newer and more advanced audio format that requires specific surround back speakers and a compatible receiver.

For Denon receivers that support Dolby Atmos, the surround back speakers can be used in conjunction with height channels to achieve a more immersive 360-degree soundscape. This enhances the realism of your home theater experience by providing a more spatial and dynamic audio environment.

Conclusion

Investing in surround back speakers for your Denon AV receiver is a worthwhile enhancement for anyone who values a rich and immersive audio experience. Whether you are enjoying a movie, listening to music, or gaming, the extra speakers placed behind you will make your audio setup feel more real and engaging. Always refer to the user manual that came with your receiver or the manufacturer's website to ensure that you set up and configure the surround back option correctly for optimal performance.

Stay updated with the latest audio technologies and enjoy the benefits of a fully immersive surround back configuration!