Onkyo 605 TrueHD/DTS HD MA question

Zen Peckinpah · 07-01-08, 03:05 PM

I've had my 605 for about 3 months now and love it. However, I seem to be having a problem getting what I need out of lossless audio. My PS3 and HD A3 are set to LPCM, so I have that covered, but my receiver only says PCM and I think it's only stereo technically. I've listened to TrueHD tracks in Pro Logic Movie mode but I'm pretty sure it's not the way the lossless would sound. I keep hearing I should set the listening mode to Multichannel, but can't. What mode do I set it to?

I've tried Direct, by the way, and only get stereo out of it.

shaun3000 · 07-01-08, 07:03 PM

Er, shouldn't you be outputting the bitstream? I think PCM usually converts it to stereo...

Spiky · 07-02-08, 12:03 AM

No, the PS3 needs to output PCM. It doesn't do bitstream passthrough.

The receiver should say PCM. Maybe you should do some careful testing to see about stereo vs surround. Checking the center channel should be pretty easy.

Zen Peckinpah · 07-02-08, 12:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spiky

No, the PS3 needs to output PCM. It doesn't do bitstream passthrough.

The receiver should say PCM. Maybe you should do some careful testing to see about stereo vs surround. Checking the center channel should be pretty easy.

Dialogue DOES come from the center channel.

Will a Dolby Pro Logic listening mode still show off the power of a lossless track, however?

shaun3000 · 07-06-08, 01:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spiky

No, the PS3 needs to output PCM. It doesn't do bitstream passthrough.

The receiver should say PCM. Maybe you should do some careful testing to see about stereo vs surround. Checking the center channel should be pretty easy.

It doesn't? It has the option to output either bitstream or PCM. Am I missing something? As for PCM, does it output multichannel PCM or just stereo? While I'm at it, does it make a difference if you use HDMI or optical?

bunkaroo · 07-06-08, 10:16 AM

The HD-A3 and PS3 should both be putting out multichannel PCM.

I have the 605, and I find the best way to check what you're getting at the receiver is to hit the Display button either on the remote or the front of the receiver. It should read MCH PCM 5.1 if you're sending multchannel PCM from the PS3 or HD-A3 since the players are doing the decoding. (I think any 6.1 or 7.1 tracks will be downconverted to 5.1 but I am not 100% sure).

On the player(s), I don't know the exact settings on the A3, but based on my experience with the A20, you want it set to output PCM and not downmixed PCM. I never leave my stuff set at Auto. The PS3 probably has something similar.

Regarding ProLogic, I don't use it. I listen to everything in Direct mode.

tommyp007 · 07-06-08, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shaun3000

It doesn't? It has the option to output either bitstream or PCM. Am I missing something? As for PCM, does it output multichannel PCM or just stereo? While I'm at it, does it make a difference if you use HDMI or optical?

You have to use HDMI. Anything sent over optical will be downconverted to 5.1

bunkaroo · 07-06-08, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tommyp007

You have to use HDMI. Anything sent over optical will be downconverted to 5.1

Good point - forgot to ask that question. I was assuming HDMI because he has the 605.

Zen Peckinpah · 07-07-08, 12:26 AM

As I said, I can only get stereo (2.0) on Direct. How do I get it to 5.1/7.1?

Zen Peckinpah · 07-14-08, 09:06 PM

In the end, I realized it was the PLAYERS and not my 605.

Okay, I got my PS3 going with lossless by setting the HDMI audio manually and it now sounds great. On my HD-A3, however, I can't get anything. I've set the player to Auto and PCM and get a no-go on both. Any ideas how to switch this?

I should also add that setting it on PCM only gives me 2.0, even on 5.1 titles

SUPERMANROB · 07-15-08, 12:30 PM

I don't think the A3 will bitstream out TrueHD or DTS HD/MA only the A35 & X2 will. The PS3 I think with the new profile upgrade it can but I'm guessing. I don't have a PS3,waiting for a stand alone that bitstreams TrueHD & DTS HD/MA and is $200 or under. Not paying these crazy prices!

usckid007 · 07-15-08, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SUPERMANROB

I don't think the A3 will bitstream out TrueHD or DTS HD/MA only the A35 & X2 will. The PS3 I think with the new profile upgrade it can but I'm guessing. I don't have a PS3,waiting for a stand alone that bitstreams TrueHD & DTS HD/MA and is $200 or under. Not paying these crazy prices!

I don't think the PS3 can or will ever be able to bitstream the HD audio codecs. Has to be via Linear PCM.

Zen Peckinpah · 07-15-08, 05:57 PM

Let me re-clarify that I'm trying to get TrueHD tracks to play back LPCM on my A3, which I can't seem to do.

gimmepilotwings · 07-16-08, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zen Peckinpah

Let me re-clarify that I'm trying to get TrueHD tracks to play back LPCM on my A3, which I can't seem to do.

You are getting it, you just don't know it.

The only Toshiba players that will send the audio to the reciever to decode are the A35 and the XA2 I believe. Basically, you are still getting TrueHD, but the A3 decodes it and sends it already decoded to the receiver. The 605 will display "Multichannel" or "Multichannel PCM"....something like that.

Zen Peckinpah · 07-16-08, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gimmepilotwings

You are getting it, you just don't know it.

The only Toshiba players that will send the audio to the reciever to decode are the A35 and the XA2 I believe. Basically, you are still getting TrueHD, but the A3 decodes it and sends it already decoded to the receiver. The 605 will display "Multichannel" or "Multichannel PCM"....something like that.

I'm not getting the Multichannel PCM light to go on though. The only thing I can get, no matter how I toggle the HDMI audio settings on my A3, is 2-channel PCM, nothing more. What I'm looking to do is simply find a way so that the stereo PCM becomes multi-channel.

trubiet · 07-16-08, 06:44 PM

ONKYO released an update to fix switching issues on the 605, you need to call them with your serial number and they will be able to tell you if your amp is "affected".

trubiet · 07-18-08, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trubiet

ONKYO released an update to fix switching issues on the 605, you need to call them with your serial number and they will be able to tell you if your amp is "affected".

To quote myself, I gave the guy the answer...wonder if he read it?

Zen Peckinpah · 07-19-08, 12:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trubiet

To quote myself, I gave the guy the answer...wonder if he read it?

I did, I just didn't get to it until now. Thanks!

EDIT: My model doesn't require an update.

Zen Peckinpah · 07-20-08, 01:13 AM

bump

I'm a complete idiot. I never realized the HDMI Audio settings on the 605 were set to on, which hindered me getting lossless. Only took me three months to figure that out!

I could've sworn the setting had to be on. Oh well...

Rogue588 · 07-20-08, 05:05 AM

So...are you still getting 2.0 instead of 5.1 through Direct? That's happening to me and it's getting annoying. F'rinstance - when I watch a Yankees game on YESHD, it's 5.1 (which is what it's supposed to be). However, when I watch WWE's SmackDown on WBHD or Conan on NBCHD, they're 2.0 (instead of 5.1).

Zen Peckinpah · 07-20-08, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rogue588

So...are you still getting 2.0 instead of 5.1 through Direct? That's happening to me and it's getting annoying. F'rinstance - when I watch a Yankees game on YESHD, it's 5.1 (which is what it's supposed to be). However, when I watch WWE's SmackDown on WBHD or Conan on NBCHD, they're 2.0 (instead of 5.1).

Is the HDMI Audio Out set to On or Off on your 605?

TLwizard · 01-29-09, 03:03 PM

Just want to say thanks for this thread.

Just got some new speakers and have been trying them out. Surround has been working on my PS3, but when it came to my HD-A3 I was only getting 2.0 on my Onkyo 705. I don't understand why having the ability to route the sound to your TV would disable 5.1 audio, but apparently it does (at least for the HD-A3).

Wouldn't have figured out without this thread. So thanks again.

07-01-08, 03:05 PM	#1
Zen Peckinpah DVD Talk Gold Edition Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 2,788	Onkyo 605 TrueHD/DTS HD MA question I've had my 605 for about 3 months now and love it. However, I seem to be having a problem getting what I need out of lossless audio. My PS3 and HD A3 are set to LPCM, so I have that covered, but my receiver only says PCM and I think it's only stereo technically. I've listened to TrueHD tracks in Pro Logic Movie mode but I'm pretty sure it's not the way the lossless would sound. I keep hearing I should set the listening mode to Multichannel, but can't. What mode do I set it to? I've tried Direct, by the way, and only get stereo out of it. __________________ "The next time the motherfucker call, tell him I said suck my dick. I don't give a fuck, whatever the fuck make the people laugh, say that shit. Do the people laugh when you say what you say? I said, 'Yes.' He said, 'do you get paid?' I said, 'Yes.' He said well tell Bill I said have a Coke and a smile and shut the fuck up! The Jello puddin'-eating motherfucker!"

07-02-08, 12:03 AM	#3
Spiky DVD Talk Limited Edition Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 5,640	No, the PS3 needs to output PCM. It doesn't do bitstream passthrough. The receiver should say PCM. Maybe you should do some careful testing to see about stereo vs surround. Checking the center channel should be pretty easy. __________________ Ignorance vs Bliss --Wizdar

07-06-08, 10:16 AM	#6
bunkaroo DVD Talk Limited Edition Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Naperville, IL Posts: 7,321	The HD-A3 and PS3 should both be putting out multichannel PCM. I have the 605, and I find the best way to check what you're getting at the receiver is to hit the Display button either on the remote or the front of the receiver. It should read MCH PCM 5.1 if you're sending multchannel PCM from the PS3 or HD-A3 since the players are doing the decoding. (I think any 6.1 or 7.1 tracks will be downconverted to 5.1 but I am not 100% sure). On the player(s), I don't know the exact settings on the A3, but based on my experience with the A20, you want it set to output PCM and not downmixed PCM. I never leave my stuff set at Auto. The PS3 probably has something similar. Regarding ProLogic, I don't use it. I listen to everything in Direct mode. __________________ My DVD, Blu-Ray and HD DVD Collection @ DVD Profiler PSN: bunkaroo 360: TheBunkaroo Last edited by bunkaroo; 07-06-08 at 10:19 AM.

07-07-08, 12:26 AM	#9
Zen Peckinpah DVD Talk Gold Edition Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 2,788	As I said, I can only get stereo (2.0) on Direct. How do I get it to 5.1/7.1? __________________ "The next time the motherfucker call, tell him I said suck my dick. I don't give a fuck, whatever the fuck make the people laugh, say that shit. Do the people laugh when you say what you say? I said, 'Yes.' He said, 'do you get paid?' I said, 'Yes.' He said well tell Bill I said have a Coke and a smile and shut the fuck up! The Jello puddin'-eating motherfucker!"

07-14-08, 09:06 PM	#10
Zen Peckinpah DVD Talk Gold Edition Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 2,788	In the end, I realized it was the PLAYERS and not my 605. Okay, I got my PS3 going with lossless by setting the HDMI audio manually and it now sounds great. On my HD-A3, however, I can't get anything. I've set the player to Auto and PCM and get a no-go on both. Any ideas how to switch this? I should also add that setting it on PCM only gives me 2.0, even on 5.1 titles __________________ "The next time the motherfucker call, tell him I said suck my dick. I don't give a fuck, whatever the fuck make the people laugh, say that shit. Do the people laugh when you say what you say? I said, 'Yes.' He said, 'do you get paid?' I said, 'Yes.' He said well tell Bill I said have a Coke and a smile and shut the fuck up! The Jello puddin'-eating motherfucker!" Last edited by Zen Peckinpah; 07-14-08 at 09:11 PM.

07-01-08, 07:03 PM	#2
shaun3000 DVD Talk Hall of Fame Join Date: Jul 1999 Location: Dallas, Texas Posts: 7,575	Er, shouldn't you be outputting the bitstream? I think PCM usually converts it to stereo...

07-15-08, 12:30 PM	#11
SUPERMANROB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Arizona Posts: 367	I don't think the A3 will bitstream out TrueHD or DTS HD/MA only the A35 & X2 will. The PS3 I think with the new profile upgrade it can but I'm guessing. I don't have a PS3,waiting for a stand alone that bitstreams TrueHD & DTS HD/MA and is $200 or under. Not paying these crazy prices!

07-15-08, 05:57 PM	#13
Zen Peckinpah DVD Talk Gold Edition Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 2,788	Let me re-clarify that I'm trying to get TrueHD tracks to play back LPCM on my A3, which I can't seem to do. __________________ "The next time the motherfucker call, tell him I said suck my dick. I don't give a fuck, whatever the fuck make the people laugh, say that shit. Do the people laugh when you say what you say? I said, 'Yes.' He said, 'do you get paid?' I said, 'Yes.' He said well tell Bill I said have a Coke and a smile and shut the fuck up! The Jello puddin'-eating motherfucker!"

07-16-08, 06:44 PM	#16
trubiet Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 761	ONKYO released an update to fix switching issues on the 605, you need to call them with your serial number and they will be able to tell you if your amp is "affected". __________________ "Hey that's awesome"

07-20-08, 01:13 AM	#19
Zen Peckinpah DVD Talk Gold Edition Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 2,788	bump I'm a complete idiot. I never realized the HDMI Audio settings on the 605 were set to on, which hindered me getting lossless. Only took me three months to figure that out! I could've sworn the setting had to be on. Oh well... __________________ "The next time the motherfucker call, tell him I said suck my dick. I don't give a fuck, whatever the fuck make the people laugh, say that shit. Do the people laugh when you say what you say? I said, 'Yes.' He said, 'do you get paid?' I said, 'Yes.' He said well tell Bill I said have a Coke and a smile and shut the fuck up! The Jello puddin'-eating motherfucker!"

07-20-08, 05:05 AM	#20
Rogue588 DVD Talk Reviewer Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: WAS looking for My Own Private Stuckeyville, but stuck in Liberty City (while missing Vice City) Posts: 15,082	So...are you still getting 2.0 instead of 5.1 through Direct? That's happening to me and it's getting annoying. F'rinstance - when I watch a Yankees game on YESHD, it's 5.1 (which is what it's supposed to be). However, when I watch WWE's SmackDown on WBHD or Conan on NBCHD, they're 2.0 (instead of 5.1). __________________ Marshall Mann: "What exactly is your beef with humanity?" Mary Shannon: "I have no beef with humanity. It's the people I can't stand." "I'm not a fan of facts. Facts can change all the time, but my opinion will never change." - Stephen Colbert \| owned \| desired \| ditchin' \| listen Wednesday 10p \|

01-29-09, 03:03 PM	#22
TLwizard DVD Talk Gold Edition Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: New York, NY Posts: 2,178	Re: Onkyo 605 TrueHD/DTS HD MA question Just want to say thanks for this thread. Just got some new speakers and have been trying them out. Surround has been working on my PS3, but when it came to my HD-A3 I was only getting 2.0 on my Onkyo 705. I don't understand why having the ability to route the sound to your TV would disable 5.1 audio, but apparently it does (at least for the HD-A3). Wouldn't have figured out without this thread. So thanks again.