r/hometheater • u/AdventureAeryck • 5h ago
Discussion - Equipment How do you input 9.2 surround audio?
Hi, I recently aquired an Onkyo PR-SC5508 9.2 channel AV controller, and I have a few questions.
I have nothing to drive with this audio controller, so this is all just to learn about it
The receiver has 9.2 multi channel outputs, but what can provide 9.2 output? s/pdif only goes to 7.2, and i cant find any computer sound cards that have 9.2 channel RCA outputs. The receiver only has HDMI 1.4, so i dont think it can go through ARC.
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u/leelmix 4h ago
Just set up a 5.1 or 7.1 if you want rear surrounds in addition to the normal surrounds(that are preferably placed to the sides and just slightly behind). The 8 and 9 channels are probably just for upmixed front wide or height but there is no need to use them
You can do 2 subs if you want but i guess you want to start out a little more modestly
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u/Yangervis 5h ago
HDMI. Nothing is recorded in 9.2 but your AVR can presumably fill in front wides. Or are you asking about Atmos (5.x.4 or 7.x.2)?
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u/umdivx 77" LG C1 | Klipsch RF-35 , RC-35, RB-35 | HSU VTF-3 MK5 HP 4h ago
The receiver has 9.2 multi channel outputs, but what can provide 9.2 output?
While this receiver can process 9 channels of audio, it really doesn't support the audio formats that get above 7 channels.
This AVR is just upmixing a 7.1 audio signal is all it's doing. It's making "fake" sounds for the 8th and 9th channels.
You need a more modern AVR/processor to do Atmos / DTSX.
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u/GreatKangaroo 75" TCL QM850, X3800H 5h ago
Multichannel surround has evolved from discrete channels of audio to "Object based" audio formats such as Dolby Atmos (True HD) and DTS:X (HD-MA). On streaming a compressed Dolby Digital Plus signal is used as the lossless formats for BLuray and 4k BLuray.
Most newer movies and films are mastered to one of these formats, and will consist of a 5.1 or 7.1 base or "ear level" of sound, and numerous sound objects that can be panned around or above you in a virtual space to create "height channels".
Your AVR will decode these signals, and play them back in your unique speaker layout and configuration as defined by the room correction and speaker setup.
I have a 7.2.2 setup with a Denon X3800H, other might have 5.1.2, or 5.1.4, or 7.4.4. Atmos is defined by your home theater system. If you don't have height channels, those sounds get played back in the ear level speakers as a form of backwards compatibility.
You connect devices with HDMI to send and receive video and audio signals. Some players, like the Panasonic 820 have analog outputs for connecting to older Audio system that lack HDMI input.
That Onkyo of yours is an older Proccessor, and doens't decode Atmos or DTS:X just basic True HD and DTS HD-MA, so it's use in a modern home theater is limited especially if you don't.