Yamaha DSR-100PRO Natural Sound Digital Surround Decoder

Safety Instructions & Precautions

General Safety Guidelines:

• Read all instructions before operating.
• Retain instructions for future reference.
• Heed all warnings on the appliance and in the instructions.
• Follow all operating and other instructions.
• Do not use near water (e.g., bathtub, sink, wet basement, swimming pool).
• Use only with a recommended cart or stand; move with care to avoid overturning.
• Mount to wall or ceiling only as recommended.
• Ensure proper ventilation; do not block openings with beds, sofas, rugs, or cabinets.
• Situate away from heat sources like radiators or stoves.
• Connect only to the power supply type described or marked on the appliance.
• Route power cords to prevent them from being walked on or pinched.
• Clean only as recommended by the manufacturer (use a soft, dry cloth; avoid solvents).
• Unplug the power cord when left unused for a long period.
• Take care to prevent objects from falling into or liquids from spilling into the appliance.
• Refer servicing to qualified personnel if the power cord/plug is damaged, objects/liquids have entered, the appliance has been exposed to rain, it does not operate normally, or the cabinet is damaged.
• Do not attempt to service the unit yourself; refer all other servicing to qualified personnel.
• Locate outdoor antennas away from power lines.
• Take precautions to ensure grounding or polarization is not defeated.

FCC Compliance Statement:

This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy. If not installed and used properly, it may cause interference to radio and television reception. It has been tested and found to comply with Class B computing device limits per FCC Rules, designed to provide reasonable protection against interference in residential installations. If interference occurs, try reorienting/relocating the antenna, moving the DSR-100PRO, or plugging it into a different outlet on a separate branch circuit. Consult your dealer or an experienced technician for assistance. A helpful booklet, "How to Identify and Resolve Radio-TV Interference Problems," is available from the U.S. Government Printing Office.

Important: Please record the serial number of your unit below.

• Model: DSR-100PRO
• Serial No.: [Located on the rear of the unit]

Precautions:

• Avoid excessive heat, humidity, dust, and vibration.
• Avoid strong physical shocks.
• Do not open the unit or attempt self-repairs/modifications.
• Ensure power is OFF before making or removing connections.
• Handle cables carefully, gripping connectors, not cords.
• Always use the correct power source voltage matching your local AC mains supply.

Getting Started

Unpacking:

Carefully remove the DSR-100PRO from its packing box. The package includes the remote control unit, connection cables, and a pair of batteries for the remote.

Putting in the Batteries:

1. Open the battery compartment cover on the back of the remote control unit by pulling down the clip and sliding the cover outward.
2. Insert two SUM-3 or AA type batteries, observing polarity markings.
3. Replace the battery compartment cover.

Batteries should last a long time but require replacement if remote operation becomes erratic or fails from a reasonable distance. Always replace with two new, identical SUM-3 or AA type batteries.

Remote Control Operation:

The remote uses a highly directional infrared beam. Operate it while aiming directly at the DSR-100PRO's front panel infrared receiver window. Avoid strong light sources shining on the window, obstructions in the direct line of sight, or pressing keys while aiming away from the unit.

System Configurations

Amplification and Speaker Arrangements:

The Basic System:

The DSR-100PRO decodes Dolby Surround encoded stereo signals into multiple channels: a center channel for dialogue, main left and right channels, and rear surround channels. A typical setup uses five speakers with appropriate amplifiers: a center speaker near the screen, main speakers in their usual stereo positions, and surround speakers at the rear sides. If a center speaker is not practical, the "phantom" mode routes dialogue to the main speakers, though a five-speaker system yields best results.

A subwoofer and amplifier can further expand the system, with the subwoofer placed centrally at the rear.

The Yamaha M-35 power amplifier (4 channels) is recommended for additional amplification needs.

Dolby Pro Logic Surround Technical Notes:

The DSR-100PRO employs an "active" circuit configuration, similar to professional cinema decoders. Unlike "passive" home decoders, Dolby Pro Logic Surround uses logic circuitry to emphasize directional information by canceling unwanted crosstalk. It processes Left (L) and Right (R) channel signals to create L+R (center) and L-R (rear surround) signals. By comparing the levels of L, R, L+R, and L-R, it routes signals to specific channels: dialogue (high L+R) to the center, and surround effects (high L-R) to the rear. This provides high dynamic range and channel separation (26-40dB), with a true center channel for four independent channels. In contrast, passive Dolby Surround effectively has only three channels, and using a center speaker can degrade separation. The DSR-100PRO's active circuitry locks dialogue on-screen while maintaining stereo soundstage width and separation.

Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation.

Setup

Before You Start Making Connections:

Ensure the DSR-100PRO and all related electronic components are turned OFF.

Rear Panel Layout Description:

The rear panel features:

• INPUT: Main Input Jacks (L/R) for preamplifier, PRE OUT, or line-level sources. DSP units connect main outputs here.
• TAPE RECORDING AND PLAYBACK: TAPE PB/REC OUT jacks for connecting a tape deck if your amp/receiver's tape jacks are occupied.
• CENTER CH: Center Channel Switch (ON/OFF), Input Balance Control, Center Output Jack (for center speaker amp), Center Subwoofer Output Jack (low-pass filtered, for subwoofer amp).
• CENTER MODE: Switch (ON/PHANTOM). ON provides a center channel signal; PHANTOM routes center information to main speakers when no center speaker is used. (Center Channel Switch must also be ON).
• MAIN LEVEL: Switch (-10dB/0dB). Reduces main output level by 10dB for improved S/N ratio when connecting to separate preamps or PRE OUT/MAIN IN jacks.
• MAIN OUTPUT: Jacks (L/R) to connect to the amplifier driving main (front) speakers.
• REAR OUTPUT: Jacks (L/R) for decoded surround sound signals to the rear speaker amplifier. Also handles DSP rear effect signals.
• FRONT EFFECT OUTPUT: Jacks (L/R) for connecting to an additional stereo amp and speakers for independent DSP front channel reproduction (FRONT MIX switch OFF).
• DSP SYSTEM CONNECTION ONLY:
• FRONT MIX: Switch (ON/OFF). OFF for separate front effect speakers; ON blends DSP front effect with main speakers. (DSP unit's FRONT MIX must be OFF or 6ch).
• FRONT and REAR EFFECT INPUT: Jacks to connect DSP unit's "processing front and rear" outputs.
• Voltage Selector: For use in different AC voltage countries.
• Auxiliary AC Outlet: Unswitched outlet for other components (max 200W).

Main Level Switch Settings:

• 0dB: Use if connecting to the tape jacks of an integrated amp or receiver.
• -10dB: Use if connecting to PRE OUT/MAIN IN jacks of an integrated amp/receiver or to a separate preamp for improved S/N ratio.

Center Channel Switch:

• ON: For normal operation, providing a center channel signal.
• OFF: Used only for adjusting the input balance control.

Input Balance Control:

Adjusts left/right input signal balance (when Center Channel Switch is OFF) to fine-tune Dolby logic circuitry operation.

Center Mode Switch:

• ON: Use if a center speaker is connected.
• PHANTOM: Use if center channel information should be reproduced through the main left/right speakers.

Speaker Placement:

Full 5-Channel System:

• Main Speakers: Normal stereo positions.
• Rear Surround Speakers: Beside or behind listening position, facing inward, about six feet high.
• Center Speaker: Precisely between the two main speakers (use magnetically shielded speaker or keep away from TV sets).
• Subwoofer: Position is not critical for low bass tones.

DSP System Speaker Placement:

• Front Effect Speakers: Further apart than main speakers, slightly inward from main speakers, mounted several feet above and behind them.
• Rear Speakers (Surround/Effect): About the same height and distance apart as front effect speakers, ideally in room corners pointing inward.

Practical Solutions:

• Use one speaker for center and one for surround if speakers are sold in pairs (surround channel is monophonic). Not recommended with DSP units.

Room Furnishings:

Carpeted and curtained rooms (acoustically "dead") provide maximum realism by absorbing sound waves. However, the DSR-100PRO is effective in virtually any listening area.

General Instructions for Connections:

• Use supplied or high-quality stereo cables.
• Ensure correct Left (L) and Right (R) channel connections (red plugs for R, other for L; R jacks typically below L).
• Ensure correct speaker polarity: connect (+) to (+) and (--) to (--). Use marked speaker cable for identification.

Connections

Connecting the Main Integrated Stereo Amplifier, Stereo Receiver or Component Preamplifier to the DSR-100PRO:

Using an Integrated Amplifier or Stereo Receiver with "PRE OUT" and "MAIN IN" Jacks:

• Connect PRE OUT jacks to DSR-100PRO MAIN INPUT jacks.
• Connect DSR-100PRO MAIN OUTPUT jacks to MAIN IN jacks on the integrated amp/receiver.
• Connect MAIN SPEAKERS to the amp/receiver speaker terminals.
• (If using a 4-channel amp like Yamaha M-35, use channels 1&2 for main speakers, 3&4 for rear surround speakers).

Using an Integrated Amplifier or Stereo Receiver without "PRE OUT" and "MAIN IN" Jacks:

• Connect amp/receiver TAPE REC (or TAPE OUT) jacks to DSR-100PRO MAIN INPUT jacks.
• Connect DSR-100PRO MAIN OUTPUT jacks to TAPE PLAY (or TAPE IN) jacks on the amp/receiver.
• Connect MAIN SPEAKERS to the amp/receiver speaker terminals.
• If tape jacks are occupied, connect tape deck to DSR-100PRO TAPE PB/REC OUT jacks.

Using a Component Preamplifier and Power Amplifier (or Direct Connection from a VCR):

• Connect preamplifier output jacks (or VCR audio output jacks) to DSR-100PRO MAIN INPUT jacks.
• Connect DSR-100PRO MAIN OUTPUT jacks to the power amplifier input jacks.
• Connect MAIN SPEAKERS to the power amplifier speaker terminals.

Connecting the Surround Power Amplifier and Speakers:

• Connect DSR-100PRO REAR OUTPUT jacks to the input jacks of the power amplifier for the REAR SURROUND SPEAKERS.
• Connect the speakers to the amplifier.
• If using the subwoofer output jack (low pass), connect to a subwoofer system or Yamaha Electronic Super Woofer System.

Connecting a Center Amplifier and Speaker and/or Subwoofer System:

• Connect the DSR-100PRO's upper CENTER jack (Dolby Pro Logic Surround center channel output) to the input jack on the center channel power amp.
• Connect the CENTER SPEAKER to the amplifier's speaker terminals.
• Use the lower CENTER SUBWOOFER OUTPUT jack (low pass fc=200Hz) for a subwoofer system.

DSP System Connections:

Connecting the Main Integrated Stereo Amplifier, Stereo Receiver or Component Preamplifier to the DSP Unit:

• With PRE OUT/MAIN IN: Connect PRE OUT to DSP unit input jacks.
• Without PRE OUT/MAIN IN: Connect TAPE REC/OUT to DSP unit input jacks.
• Preamplifier/Power Amp: Connect preamp outputs to DSP unit input jacks.

Connecting the DSP-Series Unit to the DSR-100PRO:

• Connect DSP main output jacks to DSR-100PRO MAIN INPUT jacks.
• Connect DSP processing front/rear output jacks to DSR-100PRO FRONT/REAR INPUT jacks (marked "FROM DSP PROCESSING OUT").

Connecting the DSR-100PRO to the Amplifiers (DSP System):

• Connect DSR-100PRO MAIN OUTPUT jacks to the amplifier for MAIN SPEAKERS.
• Connect DSR-100PRO REAR OUTPUT jacks to the amplifier for REAR SURROUND speakers (also handles DSP rear effect).
• Connect DSR-100PRO CENTER jacks to the amplifier(s) for CENTER SPEAKER and/or SUBWOOFER.
• Connect speakers to amplifiers.
• For separate front effect speakers: Set DSR-100PRO FRONT MIX switch to OFF. Connect DSR-100PRO DSP FRONT OUTPUT jacks to the amplifier for DSP front effect speakers.
• For no separate front effect speakers: Set DSR-100PRO FRONT MIX switch to ON. Front effect signal blends with main stereo for MAIN SPEAKERS.

Controls & Adjustments

Front Panel Controls:

• Power Switch: Turns the unit on/off. Sound is muted briefly after power-on. Previous settings are recalled.
• Delay Time Display: Shows selected delay time (20ms or 30ms) for Dolby Surround. Selectable via remote.
• Rear Level Control: Adjusts Dolby Pro Logic Surround rear channel signal level (does not affect DSP rear effect).
• Center Level Control: Adjusts Dolby Pro Logic center channel signal level (no effect in "phantom" mode; does not affect subwoofer output).
• Test Button: Generates pink noise sequentially to right, center, left, and surround channels for system calibration.
• Tape Monitor Switch: ON (depressed) to listen to a tape deck connected to DSR-100PRO tape jacks; OFF for normal operation.
• Dolby Pro Logic Surround Channel Level Display: Shows signal level in each Dolby Pro Logic Surround channel when the Dolby Surround Mode switch is ON.
• DSP Mode Switch: When ON (lit LED), accepts input via rear panel DSP front/rear effect input jacks.
• Dolby Pro Logic Surround Mode Switch: When ON (lit LED), actively decodes Dolby Surround encoded input signals. Turn OFF if the listening source is not Dolby Surround encoded.
• Master Volume Control: Controls signal level for all DSR-100PRO outputs (MAIN, CENTER, REAR, DSP FRONT). Does not affect TAPE REC OUT level.

Remote Control Unit:

• DSP Interface On/Off Key: Same as front panel DSP Mode Switch.
• Dolby Pro Logic Surround On/Off Key: Same as front panel Dolby Pro Logic Surround Mode Switch.
• Delay Time Keys (20ms, 30ms): Select delay time for surround signal.
• Master Volume Keys (Down/Up): Adjust master volume remotely.

Initial Setup Procedure:

1. Set volume to minimum on preamplifier, integrated amplifier, or receiver.
2. Turn on power to all components.
3. Select Dolby Surround encoded program source.
4. Begin playback.
5. Set preamplifier/receiver volume to halfway.
6. Set DSR-100PRO master volume near center.
7. Adjust volume on each power amp to a comfortable level.

2-1. Input Level Adjustment:

DSR-100PRO accepts up to 3V input. Adjust preamplifier/receiver volume to minimize noise (effects speakers) and distortion (effects speakers, especially on music peaks). Note this setting for optimum sound quality.

2-2. Input Balance Adjustment:

1. Set rear panel Center Channel Switch to OFF.
2. Play Dolby Surround encoded material.
3. Adjust Input Balance control to minimize dialogue volume heard from main/surround speakers (dialogue should be primarily from center channel).
4. Return Center Channel Switch to ON.

2-3. Main/Center/Surround Speaker Balance Adjustment:

1. Turn ON Dolby Surround Mode switch and TEST button.
2. Turn up DSR-100PRO master volume. A test tone cycles through right main, center, left main, and surround speakers.
3. Adjust amplifier volume/balance controls so volume is equal from each speaker at the listening position.
4. If no center speaker, set Center Mode switch to PHANTOM (center tone from main speakers).
5. Use DSR-100PRO REAR/CENTER LEVEL controls if center/surround amps lack level controls; otherwise, leave at maximum.
6. If surround volume is insufficient: turn down source amp volume, or set rear panel MAIN LEVEL switch to -10dB.
7. Turn OFF TEST button.

Use only the DSR-100PRO master volume for listening volume adjustments thereafter.

Playback & Recording

3-1. Playback with Dolby Surround:

1. Turn on all components.
2. Turn ON Dolby Pro Logic Surround Mode switch.
3. Select input source. If using tape deck connected to DSR-100PRO tape jacks, turn ON front panel Tape Monitor switch.
4. Adjust DSR-100PRO master volume.
5. Use remote to change delay time if necessary.
6. Adjust front panel Center and Rear Level controls if necessary.

3-2. Ordinary Stereo Reproduction:

Set Dolby Pro Logic Surround Mode switch to OFF. Operate system as usual. Ensure DSR-100PRO power is ON. If using tape deck, turn ON Tape Monitor switch.

Note: Dolby Pro Logic Surround is designed for Dolby Surround encoded material. Results with non-encoded material may be unnatural. Turn OFF any built-in surround/ambience processing on your source amp/receiver when using the DSR-100PRO.

3-3. Source Selection with Tape Loop Connection:

If DSR-100PRO is connected via tape jacks, the amp/receiver treats it as a tape deck. Set amp/receiver REC SELECTOR to desired source. Turn ON amp/receiver TAPE MONITOR switch. Pay attention to all tape-related controls on the amp/receiver.

3-4. Recording on a Deck Connected to the DSR-100PRO:

Tape recordings can be made regardless of DSR-100PRO switch settings. The DSR-100PRO's TAPE REC OUT jacks provide the same signal as its MAIN INPUT jacks. However, the recorded signal does not include the effect of the Dolby Pro Logic Surround decoder.

Operation with DSP-Series Units

4-1. General Settings and Recommendations:

• The DSR-100PRO can be used with DSP-Series Sound Field Programs. Experimentation is needed to find suitable programs for movie scenes. Do not use the Dolby Surround preset on the DSP unit.
• Connect the DSP unit between the source unit (preamp, etc.) and the DSR-100PRO.
• Set DSP unit's MAIN LEVEL switch to 0dB.
• Set DSP unit's FRONT MIX switch to "OFF" or "6ch" in all cases.
• If using PRE OUT/MAIN IN jacks on an integrated amp/receiver, use them instead of TAPE PB/REC jacks.
• Example DSP Presets for use with Dolby Pro Logic Surround Decoding:
  • Music Video
  • Adventure/Mystery
  • Musical
• Note: Ensure DSP unit's FRONT MIX switch is OFF. If ON or "4ch", DSP front effect information will interfere with Dolby Pro Logic Surround decoding.

DSR100PRO + DSP Signal Paths:

A diagram illustrates signal flow for Main Speakers, Front Effect Speakers, Center Speaker, and Rear Surround (Effect) Speakers, showing how DSP signals and Dolby Pro Logic Surround signals are routed.

Speaker System Configuration for DSP Units:

• For optimum results, add a pair of speakers for DSP front effect output (total 7 speakers).
• Without extra speakers, a 5-speaker system is possible by setting DSR-100PRO's FRONT MIX to ON.
• For a 4-speaker system without a center speaker, set DSR-100PRO's CENTER MODE switch to PHANTOM.
• DSR-100PRO surround speakers handle DSP rear effect signals.
• DSR-100PRO center channel output does not reproduce DSP signals.
• DSR-100PRO center subwoofer output reproduces DSP signals.

Speaker Placement for DSP Units:

• Place DSP front effect speakers above and behind main speakers, facing inward.
• Place rear speakers beside or behind listening position.
• Experiment for best results.

4-2. Connections for DSP-Series Units:

Connecting the Main Integrated Stereo Amplifier, Stereo Receiver or Component Preamplifier to the DSP Unit: (Connections are similar to connecting directly to the DSR-100PRO, using PRE OUT/MAIN IN or TAPE REC/OUT jacks).

Connecting the DSP-Series Unit to the DSR-100PRO:

• Connect DSP main output jacks to DSR-100PRO MAIN INPUT jacks.
• Connect DSP processing front/rear output jacks to DSR-100PRO FRONT/REAR INPUT jacks (marked "FROM DSP PROCESSING OUT").

Connecting the DSR-100PRO to the Amplifiers (DSP System):

• Connect DSR-100PRO MAIN OUTPUT to main speaker amp.
• Connect DSR-100PRO REAR OUTPUT to rear surround speaker amp (also handles DSP rear effect).
• Connect DSR-100PRO CENTER jacks to center speaker/subwoofer amp(s).
• Connect speakers to amplifiers.
• If using separate front effect speakers: Set DSR-100PRO FRONT MIX to OFF. Connect DSR-100PRO DSP FRONT OUTPUT to front effect speaker amp.
• If not using separate front effect speakers: Set DSR-100PRO FRONT MIX to ON. Front effect signal blends with main stereo for MAIN SPEAKERS.

4-3. Input Balance Adjustment (DSP System):

1. Turn down all volumes, turn on power. Set DSP unit volume to max, MAIN LEVEL to 0dB, FRONT MIX to OFF/6ch.
2. Select source, begin playback.
3. Set preamp/receiver volume to halfway.
4. Set DSR-100PRO master volume near center.
5. Adjust power amp volumes to comfortable levels.
6. Set DSR-100PRO rear panel Center Channel Switch to OFF.
7. Adjust DSR-100PRO Input Balance control to minimize dialogue volume from main speakers.
8. Return Center Channel Switch to ON.

4-4. Main/Center/Surround Speaker Balance Adjustment (DSP System):

1. Turn ON Dolby Mode switch and TEST button.
2. Turn up DSR-100PRO master volume to hear test tone cycling through speakers.
3. Adjust power amplifiers driving MAIN, CENTER, and SURROUND speakers so volume is approximately equal from each at the listening position.
4. Use DSR-100PRO REAR/CENTER LEVEL controls if necessary.
5. If surround volume is insufficient, turn down source amp volume or set rear panel MAIN LEVEL switch to -10dB.
6. Turn OFF TEST button.

Use only DSR-100PRO master volume for listening adjustments.

4-5. Additional Adjustments for DSP Unit:

• Turn OFF Dolby Mode switch, turn ON DSP Mode switch on DSR-100PRO.
• Use DSP unit's remote to "main mute" function. Adjust volume of front effect speaker amp to match rear speaker level. Turn off mute.
• Use DSP unit's remote for individual effect balance adjustments. Refer to DSP unit's manual.
• Use DSR-100PRO front panel rear/center level controls for further adjustments if needed.

4-6. Operation with DSP-Series Units:

1. Turn on all system components.
2. Select listening source.
3. Turn ON DSR-100PRO DSP Mode switch for DSP effects.
4. Adjust DSR-100PRO master volume knob.
5. Operate DSP unit as usual (refer to its manual).

DSP Mode and Dolby Mode can be used simultaneously if source is Dolby Surround encoded. For normal stereo, both modes must be OFF. Ensure DSP unit power is ON even if not using DSP effects.

Troubleshooting

Most problems can be corrected by checking connections or control settings.

Specifications