Yamaha receiver - "enhanced mode?"

[Woochifer]

Yamaha's DSP modes are intended to take a default signal and simulate a particular room environment. When watching movies on that Yamaha, you have two levels of signal processing -- 1) the default decoding (i.e., the "normal" Dolby Digital, DTS, PCM, or Dolby Pro Logic modes), and 2) the Cinema DSP modes. The Cinema DSP modes take the default signal and layer an additional level of processing.

The "Enhanced" mode is one of Yamaha's least aggressive DSP modes and it's intended to create a soundfield similar to what you would hear in a typical multiplex movie theater. However, a movie theater is not necessarily a good acoustical environment to emulate, so it does come down to your preferences. The Enhanced mode does give you a little bit more spatiality and indeed makes your home listening more reminiscent of sitting in a movie theater, so if you like that effect, there's not much drawback to using that mode.

DSP modes are somewhat controversial because they can add noise to the signal, and sound very artificial if poorly implemented. Compared to other manufacturers, Yamaha does a much better job with their DSP modes and allows for a lot more flexibility in adjusting those DSP modes to listener preferences and/or room conditions. For one thing, their DSP modes are based on acoustical measurements taken from actual rooms. For example, the Spectacle mode IIRC was modeled after a large 1,200 seat theater in L.A. (the now demolished Century Plaza), and watching movies in that mode are reminiscent of how movies sound in that particular auditorium (for better or worse).

In the end, the default modes (with no DSP processing) reflect how the movie soundtracks are intended to sound. If you want to take a purist approach to your settings, then this is the way to go. If you prefer the larger soundfield that a movie theater or concert hall provides, then go ahead and try out the different DSP modes on your receiver. After all, you already have them.

[GMichael]

I thought that it took 5.1 and simulated 6.1 or 7.1 with it.