Getting twin channel stereo from AV receiver

[dave63]

I have just bought a Marantz CD6007 CD player which is connected to to my Sony STR DN1080 AVR via the AVR’s CD phono input. In terms of speakers I have a full 5:1 set up with twin front/rear speakers plus centre speaker and sub woofer) It sounds great, but I find that even though I’ve selected twin channel stereo on the AVR I’m still getting sound from both front and rear speakers (sub woofer turned off while using CD), whereas in that mode I would only expect sound to come from the fronts. The AVR is also connected through HDMI ARC to a Sony 4K UHD player, Freeview PVR and smart TV.

Grateful for any suggestions on how I can get my AVR to deliver the CD output in pure stereo via only the front pair of speakers? Thanks

 

[Gray]

What does your Sony user manual say about stereo mode Dave?
I've managed to avoid AV amps, but I know that some put twin channel stereo through 4 speakers.
Maybe they think that people still want to be surrounded by sound - and would want to use all the speakers they've got 🤔
Maybe some people do.
But you don't.

If the manual doesn't mention a way to cut the back speakers for front only stereo, you could always do that with your own single, physical switch.
You only need to break the positives to each rear speaker:
Plastic or fancy metal double pole switches are widely available.
'DOUBLE POLE' switch (not to be confused with the more common 2-way switch)....

BG 20A Double Pole Switch 830-01

The White Moulded range from Nexus with its subtle design will blend in with any decor. It's sleek and slim with soft rounded corners and gentle curved rockers and is suitable for domestic or commercial installations. This switch plate is ideal when you require power not exceeding 20 Amps, can...

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[PieterG]

What you need from your AVR is either two channel stereo or pure direct mode. The latter should bypass all EQ and processing. You'll also have to consider if you want the subwoofer for bass support, and that might not work in each of those modes.

Based on a quick search, a Sony AVR like yours might not be able to output proper front L/R stereo if the cd player is digitally connected (hdmi, coax, optical). However, you mention cd/phono input so i assume that's analog RCA input.

Have you looked at direct mode or any other stereo modes available on your Sony? Is there another analog input channel you can try with your cd player? This should be doable. My 15 year old Onkyo does it, with or without subwoofer.

 

[michael hoy]

It does not look like the Sony supports stereo, it uses 2.1 surround. I would think you need something with HT bypass to add a stereo amplifier.

 

[abacus]

Not familiar with the Sony but all the AVRs I have seen have a stereo setting control on the remote or front panel. (You may have to press the button repeatably to go through the menu as it will probably also contain the ability to use the rear speakers to enhance the sound)

Bill

 

[record_spot]

Hi Dave,

Check your selectable settings (check the manual on the how-to). You should be able to get 2ch stereo from your amp...

STR-DN1080 | Help Guide | Selectable sound fields and their effects

 

[twinkletoes]

found this on google. might help I dont know much about AVR's these days but it seems to be the problem you're having ?

"If your Sony STR-DN1080 is locked into "Multi Channel Stereo" (all speakers playing the same stereo signal), it is usually caused by the sound field setting, the input source being 2.0-channel only, or a "Sound Mode Sync" setting on a connected Sony TV forcing stereo output"

 

[Fandango Andy]

I have a similar Sony Receiver. I don't use it for music as I have a separate stereo system for that. I just had a play with it. There is a button on the front to switch between A. F. D and two channel. I tested it and it works.

 

[Gray]

I have a similar Sony Receiver. I don't use it for music as I have a separate stereo system for that. I just had a play with it. There is a button on the front to switch between A. F. D and two channel. I tested it and it works.

If that puts 2 channel stereo out of only the front pair, then that's what he wants Andy 👍

 

[Fandango Andy]

If that puts 2 channel stereo out of only the front pair, then that's what he wants Andy 👍

Yes, that's what it does on mine. I tested with a CD through the blu-ray player. It defaulted to 7.1 (mainly from the centre and front speakers), press the 2 channel button and it comes through just the front stereo speakers.

As mentioned mine is a slight older model. Just looked at an image of one like Dave's it has the same button labelled as 2CH/MULTI.

 

[Jasonovich]

I have just bought a Marantz CD6007 CD player which is connected to to my Sony STR DN1080 AVR via the AVR’s CD phono input. In terms of speakers I have a full 5:1 set up with twin front/rear speakers plus centre speaker and sub woofer) It sounds great, but I find that even though I’ve selected twin channel stereo on the AVR I’m still getting sound from both front and rear speakers (sub woofer turned off while using CD), whereas in that mode I would only expect sound to come from the fronts. The AVR is also connected through HDMI ARC to a Sony 4K UHD player, Freeview PVR and smart TV.

Grateful for any suggestions on how I can get my AVR to deliver the CD output in pure stereo via only the front pair of speakers? Thanks

My Denon avr 1800 plays two channels and you have the option to hear it through all your speakers or hear through two speakers only.
I think it is the Direct option.
Check your manual, it's there somewhere. 😃

 

[dave63]

Thanks very much all for your responses, I’ll try the suggestions above. To be truthful it sounds great coming through the front and rear speakers as is, I just assumed that selecting 2ch stereo would only use the fronts.

 

[Al ears]

Thanks very much all for your responses, I’ll try the suggestions above. To be truthful it sounds great coming through the front and rear speakers as is, I just assumed that selecting 2ch stereo would only use the fronts.

It should...... If it comes out if the rears as well that's 4 channel

 

[dave63]

Further to my earlier post above, I having another issue with my Marantz CD6007 and Sony STR DN1080 AVR. I have noticed that when in 2 ch stereo, Direct, or A.F.D modes, I am not getting any sound from the left hand front speaker (yet I am from all the others). In Multi channel stereo with all input sources (including CD/SACD) the left hand front speaker works as normal and delivers sound. I have tried different RCA connectors and this did not solve the problem. Input/Assign on the AVR for the SACD/CD input is set to Analogue and on the CD6007 is set to Analogue output mode. This all really makes no sense to me and I’m running out of ideas. Grateful again for any ideas/advice anyone out there can offer. I know I can listen to CD output via multi-channel, but 2ch stereo I believe is superior so obviously I want hear the best presentation of my music. Thanks

 

[Gray]

....but 2ch stereo I believe is superior so obviously I want hear the best presentation of my music.

I think most people here want to hear the best presentation of their music.

And to them, that means a dedicated, 2 channel amplifier - not an AV amp.

Sounds like there's some issue with the signal routing within your AV amp.
Not sure anyone here can help you any more than they already have, sorry.

 

[dave63]

Gray I agree. You are right, of course, and in an ideal world I would have a separate 2ch stereo system for listening to music. However, the issue I’m experiencing doesn’t really make sense and there must be a solution, which I’m trying to get to.