Peter wrote:

"Howard Ferstler" wrote in message

The Yamaha processor I use has both standard side/surround channels, as
well as a pair of front "effects" channels and two back surround channels.

I would be very grateful if you would indicate the model number of the
Yamaha processor you are using.

The RX-Z1 receiver. That is in the main system. My middle
system uses an older DSP-A1 integrated amp, which has
similar surround processing abilities.

The left/right speakers in the middle system are Dunlavy
Cantatas, which are built with a quite different design
philosophy from the Allison models in my main system. The
center speaker in the middle system is an NHT VS1.2, with
the surrounds being Allison Model Fours, like in the main
system. The front "effects" speakers in this system are
modified Radio Shack minispeakers that make use of Allison
tweeters and crossover. The sub in this system is a Hsu
TN1220, powered by a 320-watt SVS amp. All three front
channels, plus the subwoofer, are equalized by a THX Ultra
certified Rane THX-44. The Cantatas are biamped, with the
tweeter/midrange section powered by the Yamaha's on-board
amps and the woofer section powered by an AudioSource Amp
One.

I also use a Paradigm X-30 crossover to high-pass filter (at
120 Hz) the tweeter/midrange section of the Cantatas.
Normally, the midrange drivers in the Cantatas are run full
bandwidth into the low bass range, thereby putting them in
parallel with the "bass augmentation" 10-inch woofer.
(Supposedly, this helps to control phase problems in the
middle bass.) High-pass filtering them has no negative
effect on the lower midrange flatness and phase as far as I
can tell, and allows them to deal with just the midrange.

I only use the VS1.2 for movie watching, because the need to
locate it high up on a rear-projection system and its
horizontal orientation both work against decent soundstaging
with a center feed. The phantom image used with some of the
standard Yamaha hall modes is more than acceptable in that
room, mainly because of the way the Cantatas can image when
toed in properly. This is a fine system for listening to
detailed and small-ensemble baroque and classical material.
The main system is superior for larger-scale stuff and is
also superior for movies.

Can this processor also be used for rear channel "delay" effects in order to
"simulate" depth with standard CDs?

Yep. Indeed, Yamaha is noted for the surround simulation
abilities of its more upscale processors. In the main system
I normally use Yamaha's "Classical/Opera" mode, but with the
center level backed off -3 dB below the standard Dolby
set-up level. This keeps the center-derived steering (which
is similar to what we have with Dolby ProLogic) from
collapsing the soundstage too much towards the center. I do
use the Dolby center set-up level for discrete channel
surround materials, however - both with movies and music and
with the main system it also works fine for the Dolby
ProLogic II (music) function. I also have the surround
levels fine tuned in the various hall (and also
Classical/Opera) modes to be about 2 dB below the Dolby
mandated set-up levels I use for movies. Otherwise, the
music surround reverb is a bit too loud. The processors are
set to automatically default to the assorted surround level
options.

Is this processor still a current model?

It has been superseded by the considerably more expensive
RX-Z9. The Z9 is THX Ultra certified and has various
subwoofer crossover point options, among other features. It
also has a bit more power, although that would be no big
deal for me, since I use an outboard amp to power the L/R
mains and biamp the center with considerably more power than
I need. Still, the Z9 has some great features and from what
I can tell its remote is considerably more user friendly
than the arcane jobs supplied with the RX-Z1 and DSP-A1. I'd
get one, but then my wife would leave me.

Incidentally, I also have a DSP-A3090 model in my
living-room system and it is powering a pair of NHT ST4 left
and right mains, along with the SC1 center speaker. The
surrounds are small Atlantic Technology jobs. This system is
not optimally set up like the others, but it still sounds
pretty good. The mains are equalized by a Rane THX-22. It is
mostly used for watching TV programs.

Thank you very much for your kind consideration.

No problem. I answered your query, because it made sense.
The other comments by the assorted nitwits who occupy this
group are being ignored.

Howard Ferstler