Applies to: Denon AVR-S960H with a documented sound mode and speaker arrangement supporting the compared stereo-source processing.
The useful distinctions
- Denon documents modes that expand two-channel sources to more output channels.
- Available sound modes depend on input format and speaker configuration.
- The displayed Dolby Surround indication identifies the decoder being used.
Choose a known stereo input
A reference with established two-channel provenance gives the comparison a clear starting point. A receiver’s input information adds an observation at the local boundary. Keep that record separate from the sound-mode label. The experiment asks what the receiver does with the input, rather than trying to infer original channel count from how enveloping the result feels.
Observe processing rather than count quality
Additional active speakers show a difference in output distribution. They do not prove that the source contained independent discrete channels for those speakers. A preferred expanded presentation is a legitimate listening choice, but it should be described as the selected processing mode. Keep loudness comfortable and focus on where sound appears, since a louder mode can feel more impressive for unrelated reasons.
Preserve configuration limits
Only compare modes that the exact receiver documents for its current input and speaker arrangement. Headphones and other configurations may alter availability. Restore the preferred mode afterward. When reporting an unexpected surround label, include both input-channel information and selected decoder/mode so support can separate incoming material from locally created output behaviour.
A focused way to proceed
- Play a lawful reference positively identified as stereo.
- Record the received input and current sound mode.
- Compare a documented stereo/direct presentation with a supported expansion mode.
- Keep source, volume and speaker arrangement fixed.
- Record input-channel count separately from active speakers.
Worked example · synthetic
Hypothetical example: a known stereo reference keeps the same two-channel input report while a supported expansion mode activates additional speakers. The user enjoys that mode but describes it as receiver-created distribution rather than native discrete surround from the reference.
When to stop or ask for help
Do not infer source format from speaker count or decoder badge. Supported sound modes depend on the exact receiver configuration.