2 channel stereo to 5.1 surround

Be more specific about what you're trying to do, exactly.

With the proper reciever or pre/pro you can "convert" 2-channel stereo to non-discrete 5 channel sound with Dolby Pro Logic II.

Yes, you can. Your receiver or processor should already do that. Or you can buy an external processor to do it. Some do it better than others. I have an external Technics processor for DTS and an EFE processor for converting mono or stereo tracks to 5.1 (the best I have ever heard for making music sound like you are actually at a live performance and a component I can never imagine giving up).

Hello, I have the Onkyo TX-SR505

This is what the website shows..

DOLBY Decoder - PLIIx, DD, DD-EX
DTS Decoder - DTS, ES, NEO6, 96/24

So If I have this correct and I put in "any old normal cd" and I put my reciever on PLIIx it should utilize all the 5.1 system? I know, not discretely, meaning all the speakers will play the same thing..I guess, or does that mean that it will still split the left and rights for both front and rears and the bass will come out of the sub?

Is that correct?

Is DD, or DD-EX any better? or the DTS side? I am thinking I have to buy specialized DTS music to play on that side. But the DTS side will discretely seperate all the channels as they were set up by the recording engineer?

Thanks for clarification.

Greg,

Your receiver can use the PLIIx or Neo6 or any of Onkyo DSP modes to create surround ambiance from "any old normal CD" or other 2-channel source. Check the manual (I remember mine had something towards the end) for a description of each and recommendations which ones to use. Obviously "Movie" and "Cinema" work better for dialog-type content, and "Music" for everything else.

You'll find that for depending on content and even your mood you'll like some better than others. I use "all channel stereo" for background listening, for example.
Also, unless you play 'direct' mode, some sound should be sent to your sub even in stereo if you set front speakers to 'small'.
Enjoy the hobby!
- Val

I know my old Harman Kardon receiver could convert 2 channels into 5.1 or 7.1 (I think). I thought it sounded like crap, though. Actually, I eventually reverted back to just plain stereo sound, and like it much better than the processed junk. Disclaimer - I only listen to music (no home theater).

You can synthesize 5.1 surround from 2 channel but the results are variable. Some processes for doing this are better than others and some people are more satisfied by them than are others.