I am in the process of upgrading my Pro logic receiver to one with Dolby Digital. I had settled on the Kenwood VR 505 until I started to read about Dolby Pro Logic II. It seems that this will drastically enhance regular cable TV audio, which is what I normally am viewing, except for an occasional DVD. I can buy a Kenwood VR507 for around $280.00. Is it worth the extra?

My opinion, from what I've read, is a resounding "yes". $280 is a great price for any decent receiver.

Larry

Larry is right: definitely get a system with PL2. It is worth having for any two-chanel, mono, or stereo signal.

Thinkly,

I purchased a new amp (Denon) a few weeks ago, I was looking for an upgrade with more power, and DTS.. The one I got also had PL2.. and I am very happy with it. It makes a big difference, and I would highly suggest it in any new equipment. Just remember to hear it first since some people do not like to "Emulate" sound and would rather hear it as it was meant to be.

THX,
Don

Could you explain a little more what you mean by this? I guess my biggest question is, what will be the noticable difference as compared to normal Pro Logic, do I have better left/right surround, better sub, etc???? Thanks

He meant that some peolpe want to hear 2-channel recordings come from only two speakers. Of course, you can always turn the processing off.

Yes, DPL-II provides separation in the rear speakers, but I'm not sure if there is an improvement in bass management.

Larry

Thank you Larry, That is what I was saying. Some people believe sound should be heard as it was recorded. Stereo in Stereo, 5.1 in 5.1 not 6.1 etc..

And yes you can always turn off the processor. The best advice I was given (and it was from this forum) is to listen before buying!!

THX,
Don

Thanks guys. I just went and listened to an Onkyo this morning. I thought the Dolby Digital II was awesome. I went ahead and ordered the Kenwood Vr 507. Now one last question. I have a pair of Pioneer floor speakers with 10" woofers. With Dolby Digital will these woofers no longer be used because all of the base frequencies will now be directed to the subwoofer? Is this flawed thinking? My subwoofer is not that great and I am concerned that I may be taking a step backward as far as bass reproduction is concerned.

First of all, not ALL the bass will be re-directed, only that below the crossover frequency. Second, if you think the woofers in your mains are better than the sub, set the bass amnagement to no sub, and all bass to mains. Third, you probably can set the mains to full-range, even with the sub output active. RTFM

Larry

First of all, not ALL the bass will be re-directed,
only that below the crossover frequency.
With that said, is it safe to say that there will be less bass frequecies delivered to the woofers in the floor speakers than there is in Pro Logic? (what about Pro Logic II?)

Thinkly: the advantage of having a sub for movie soundtracks is related to the LFE, or Low Frequency Emission, parts of the track. This is completely separate and difference from the bass in a track. That's why Larry mentioned the crossover frequency. Any signal that is below "X", will go to the subwoofer; any bass above that will go to the main speaker woofers. While it is true that some bass from the track will also go to the sub, once again it depends where you set that crossover frequency. Since you have large speakers, your new system will let you set those as "large" via the menu, which means the receiver will know which signals to send where. You will get excellent all-around response from your main speakers, and great low-end rumble, explosions, etc, from your sub.

I know your next question is going to be "what should the Xover frequency be?"... partly that depends on your sub, your receiver, and your own ears. Subs are set both by volume and by frequency, and some subs have more control than others. If you give us some info on what you have, we can tell you more.

As for the Dolby, you will just get a better sound overall; wouldn't worry about that part of it... ... Mike

Good choice, the VR-507 to my mind represents the best value in Kenwood's receiver line that has the features that are desirable (IE: DPL ][) and no features that I personally would ever use (Fancy remote, THX certification, etc.) Now the only thing you have left to worry about is hooking it up when it arrives :) (I had a devil of a time getting the L,C,R speakers hooked up to those damnable banana posts, not enough room for my fingers >P)

Mike: Actually, the E stands for Effects

Nef: Try banana plugs. Radio Shack has decent gold ones for a decent price. If your posts aren't actually banana jacks, just binding posts, try spade lugs.

Larry

Larry: right. I believe I was farting when I wrote the above... ... Mike

Mike:

Thank you. ;-b