Why Does My Receiver Default To DTS Neural:X Mode?

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Why Does My Receiver Default to DTS Neural:X Mode?

Al Griffin | Nov 2, 2017

Got a tech question for Sound & Vision? Email us at [email protected]

Q I'm a proud new owner of a Marantz AV7703 preamp/processor, which I use with a 7.0 speaker configuration (full-range fronts and no subwoofer).

Here’s my question: When I play a Blu-ray disc with a 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack, the pre-pro’s auto surround mode outputs it as DTS-HD + Neural:X (see above picture). But why would the processor create an upmixed signal instead of passing on discrete channel information to the back surrounds? I’m using an Oppo BDP-103 Blu-ray player with the audio output set to bitstream. —John F. Bartelt

A Let’s first review what DTS Neural:X is and what it does. DTS Neural:X is similar to the Dolby Surround feature in Dolby Atmos processors in that it upmixes regular 2-channel, 5.1-channel, or 7.1-channel soundtracks to add overhead sound information when overhead speakers are detected in your system. So if your Marantz processor is defaulting to DTS Neural:X when fed a DTS-HD 7.1 Master Audio soundtrack, that indicates to me that the speaker setup and processing modes haven’t been configured properly.

What I’d suggest you do is first check that the “2 Speakers” Surround Back option is selected in the Speaker Configuration menu. Next, check that the Height and Top speaker options are all set to “None.” You’ll also want to visit the Amp Assign menu at this point and confirm that the amplifier channel outputs are set to match your speaker configuration.

The last step should be to visit the Surround Parameter menu and check that the DTS Neural:X option is set to Off. (The AV7703’s manual states that DTS Neural:X is switched on by default.) According to Marantz, if all the assignments listed above are set, then “a Neural:X upmixing simulation should no longer be an option unless the primary input signal is PCM-based.”

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Displays All TVs LCD TV 4K TV OLED TV All Projectors 3D Projectors Screens Electronics AV Receivers Surround Processors Power Amps Integrated Amps Speakers Tower Bookshelf Subwoofers In-Wall On-Wall Soundbars Desktop Wireless Multiroom Speakers Surround Sound Systems Dolby Atmos Speakers Bluetooth Speakers Smart Speakers

Sources Blu-ray Players 3D Blu-ray Players Media Servers Portable Players Streaming Devices Turntables Other Sources Other Gear Custom Install Headphone Amps/DACs Headphones Remotes Video Processors Accessories Test Tools Software Ultra HD Blu-ray Movies Blu-ray Movies 3D Blu-ray Movies Music Discs

Top Picks of the Year 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 Top Picks TVs Projectors Proj Screens AV Receivers Compact Speakers Floor Speakers Wireless Speakers Soundbars Subwoofers Power Amps Amp/DACs Processors Portables Streamers Blu-ray Players Turntables Headphones Miscellaneous

Custom Install Home Movie Theaters Equipment Reviews Custom Install How To How To Buy HDTV Projectors Blu-ray Players AV Receivers Audio Separates Speakers How To Use Ask S&V HDTV Setup Projector Setup AV Receiver Setup Blu-ray Setup Speaker Setup

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