Surround Sound

Introduction

The Davaar 55 software release introduces Surround Sound (multichannel) support to all existing DSM products that feature both:

HDMI inputs & Outputs, that is, products with only an HDMI-ARC socket are not supported.

AND

Exakt functionality.

This document gives an overview of the surround feature and provides examples of the various configuration options available.

If you are using Exaktboxes, from Linn DSM firmware Davaar68 (Jan 2019):

• Speakers can be driven from any combination of:

• Direct analogue output from the DSM
• Exakt Speaker
• Exaktbox configured with crossovers for one or two speakers
• Exaktbox configured for surround playback

Speaker type set for

6 x Channel Passthrough for 5.1ch or

8 x Channel Passthrough or 7.1ch

• Linn Selekt DSM cartridge(s)

Examples of speaker setups can be found HERE

• The Exaktbox-sub can only be used with subwoofers,

The factory supplied products will only support decoded PCM surround audio. That is, already decoded into separate surround channels.
However:

For bitstream decoding (Dolby/DTS):

The Linn Surround module is sold only as an upgrade to any:

Selekt or Akurate or Klimax DSM

• with Exakt capability and
• fitted with a HDMI-2 board.

List of products that support the surround upgrade module

Selekt Products

• All variants of Selekt DSM (upgraded with Selekt HDMI switching module)

Akurate Products

• Akurate DSM (Exakt variant) (upgraded with HDMI-2 board)
• Akurate DSM (4K compatible)
• Akurate DSM (Katalyst variant)
• Akurate Exakt DSM (upgraded with HDMI-2 board)
• Akurate Exakt DSM (4K compatible)
• Akurate System Hub

Klimax Products

• Klimax DSM (Exakt variant) (upgraded with HDMI-2 board)
• Klimax DSM (KATALYST variant)
• Klimax Exakt DSM (4K compatible)
• New Klimax DSM
• Klimax System Hub

• The HDMI-2 boards have been fitted as standard since September 2016 and are available as an upgrade to all Akurate and Klimax DSM's.

Sneaky/Sekrit/Kiko & Majik Products
This Linn Surround Module upgrade is either not available or is not supported in these products.

Requirements

To support surround functionality:

• The DSM must have an Exakt interface to allow multiple speakers to be connected.
• The DSM must have an HDMI interface to enable delivery of surround audio content. A 3rd party source device (ex. Blu-ray player) must be used to deliver surround audio to the DSM via HDMI.
  
• The source device must be capable of delivering (non-encoded/uncompressed) PCM multichannel content if the Linn DSM does not have the Linn Surround module upgrade.

Terminology

Surround speaker configurations are expressed using two numbers separated by a dot (example "7.1"). The first number indicates the quantity of full frequency range (FFR) speakers in the system, and the second number indicates the quantity of low frequency (subwoofer) speakers. A 5.2 system would therefore contain 5 FFR speakers and 2 subwoofers. Linn surround systems support a maximum of 7 FFR speakers, with no limit on the number of subwoofers. Each speaker in the system has a specific role (type) which dictates the audio content that it plays.

The available FFR speaker types are:

• Front Left (FL)
• FrontRight (FR)
• Surround Left (SL)
• Surround Right (SR)
• Rear Left (RL)
• Rear Right (RR)
• Centre (C)

The available subwoofer (sub) speaker types are:

• Sub Mono (LFM)
• Sub Left (LFL)
• Sub Right (LFR)
• Sub LFE (LFE)

Rules

When configuring a surround system, the following rules apply:

• No FFR duplicates: Only one of each FFR speaker type can be used.
• No partial groups: The speaker types FL/FR, SL/SR, RL/RR, LFL/LFR must always exist in pairs.
• Fronts must be present: FL and FR must always exist
• No Rears without Surrounds: The RL/RR pair cannot be present if SL/SR are not present
• Only one type of Sub: You cannot have a mix of MONO, Sub Left, Sub Right or LFE in the same system
• ALL speakers are classed as LARGE in the Surround profile and cannot be changed.

All speakers, where applicable, should be set to factory default settings. (For Linn speakers, this can be found in the Owner manuals section).

If these rules are not adhered to, the surround speaker configuration will be invalid. The front panel will indicate this by displaying a "!" near the volume display. The audio may also be muted automatically.

Songcast does not share any surround audio.

• If you are listening to a Stereo source then this is shared to other rooms.
• If you are listening to a Surround Source this is NOT shared to other rooms by Songcast.

Codecs/Bitstreams supported

This all depends on how your Linn DSM is set up.
Check Surround Sound variations for a better guide to your system configuration

Room Setup

The following diagrams show a range of typical valid surround room setups, indicating speaker types and positioning. Also shown are some invalid setups that break one or more of the rules outlined earlier.
Channel assignment and speaker offsets are set up in Konfig

Symbol Key

Stereo 2.0

Stereo 2.1

Surround 3.1

Surround 4.0

Surround 4.1

Surround 5.1

Surround 6.0

Surround 7.1

Surround 7.2

Invalid Surround Setup (No Fronts)

Invalid Surround Setup (No Surrounds)

Invalid Surround Setup (Partial Front Group)

Invalid Surround Setup (Partial Surround Group)

Invalid Surround Setup (Partial Rear Group)

Speaker Setup

In a traditional hardware surround system, speakers are assigned their type implicitly by the physical output they are connected to. With Exakt, any type can be applied to any speaker, using Konfig, regardless of how the speakers are physically connected. The following diagrams show various typical speaker connection examples for a range of surround configurations.

Symbol Key

An Exaktbox/Exaktbox-I that is "Configured for Surround" will have ALL of its outputs available for PASSIVE speaker operation. That is, full-range audio is available for each audio channel.

• When used in this mode, you CANNOT have the same Exaktbox used for Aktiv/Exakt'ed speakers.

DSM Surround Sound without DSP module

This page describes how to configure a surround sound system without using a surround decoder module in a DSM. In all the cases below, surround decode is performed in another device connected to the DSM by HDMI or HDMI eARC. Playback of PCM surround audio using SPDIF, TOSLINK or ARC inputs is NOT supported.

Non-encoded (PCM) surround audio playback is supported by the following DSM players

• Any DSM with HDMI and/or HDMI eARC inputs and Exakt outputs
• Selekt DSM (Classic and Edition) with HDMI and/or HDMI eARC inputs & 2 or more 2-channel modules

Summary

The most reliable configuration is as follows:

• access video streaming services (Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, etc.) through either Apple TV or Sony PlayStation connected to a DSM HDMI input. Switch the DSM to the HDMI[1…4] source for these
• access TV channels via eARC. Switch the DSM to the eARC source for these.

Many other configurations are possible. Some may be more appropriate for any given combination of TV, disc player and streaming device. More detailed notes on these are included below. Note that these configurations will need to be tested by the retailer or prospective purchaser case by case.

Definitions

• HDMI Source: Any device which can supply audio to the DSM HDMI input
  • Set-top boxes such as Sky Q, Apple TV etc.
  • Streaming devices such as Amazon Firestick, Chromecast, Roku etc.
  • Blu-ray players, Games consoles etc.
• TV: Any video output device
  • Television
  • Projector

Configurations

(1) HDMI Source ⇒ DSM HDMI input : DSM HDMI out ⇒ TV

The HDMI source device must supply PCM (i.e. decoded) surround audio to the DSM over HDMI.
If the original content is encoded (Dolby/DTS), the HDMI source device needs to decode to PCM audio and then output to the DSM over HDMI.

(2) TV HDMI eARC out ⇒ DSM HDMI out

The TV must supply PCM audio to the DSM over HDMI eARC
If the original content is encoded (Dolby/DTS), the TV needs to decode to PCM audio and then output over TV HDMI eARC over HDMI.

(3) HDMI Source ⇒ TV HDMI input : TV HDMI eARC out ⇒ DSM HDMI

The TV must supply PCM surround audio to the DSM over HDMI eARC

• The same requirements as scenario (2) above
• Additionally, decode of encoded (Dolby/DTS) media may be performed on either TV or HDMI source before passing (decoded) PCM audio out TV HDMI eARC over HDMI.

NOTES

• Due to the vast array of available HDMI source and TV devices, it is impossible for Linn to specify whether any given setup will function as required. Even within devices from any given manufacturer, there are different hardware and software variants which can affect this functionality.
• Behaviour can differ between different streaming services within the same source device

Tested Devices - HDMI & HDMI eARC sources

• Table shows DSM audio output channels (PCM) when no DSP module fitted
• All devices and services tested are UK specification

Device	Device Source
	Sat / Aerial	Blu-ray	Game	Prime Video	BBC iPlayer	Netflix	Plex 7.1 Track	External HDMI
Amazon Firestick 4K	---	---	---	2.0	2.0	2.0	2.0	---
Apple TV	---	---	---	5.1	2.0	5.1	5.1	---
Sony PS4	---	7.1	7.1	5.1	2.0	5.1	5.1	---
Sony PS5	---	7.1	7.1	5.1	2.0	5.1	5.1	---
Nvidia Shield	---	---	5.1		5.1	5.1		---
Oppo Disc Player	---	7.1	---				---	---
Sky Q	2.0	---	---	2.0	2.0	2.0	---	---
LG eARC TV		---	---	2.0	2.0	2.0		7.1
Sony TV eARC TV		---	---	2.0	2.0	2.0		7.1
Panasonic eARC TV	2.0	---	---	2.0	2.0	2.0		2.0
Samsung eARC TV	2.0	---	---	2.0	2.0	2.0		2.0

Other options

Panasonic / Pioneer / Samsung all offer streaming Blu-ray players that the manual states can output encoded audio over HDMI as up to 7.1 PCM. Other devices will no doubt offer this to but not all devices, please check the manual for the required settings.

Apple TV info

Example setups for multi-channel PCM:

You get the HDMI sources to either detect the coding required or turn OFF the "Passthrough" option.

Apple TV 4

Apple TV > Settings > Video and Audio > Audio Format > AUTO

Examples

The following diagrams show various typical speaker connection examples for a range of surround configurations for a standard Linn DSM. Note: 1. The only surround audio accepted for this setup, (no Linn Surround Module Upgrade), is Multi-channel LPCM audio. This is where the audio has already decoded from a single Surround audio bitstream and split into the different surround channels. 2. The Exaktbox can be used as either a loudspeaker Exakt Crossover or a Surround Speaker decoder. As a Linn DSM only has two analogue outputs, there needs to be a way to get the rest of the channels. This is done via the Exakt link: The Exakt-link will allow you to Add Exakt speakers as the Surround channels & Add ExaktBox for use as an Exakt crossover for individual speakers or for full-range outputs for Surround channels. You can assign these channels to any loudspeaker for any channel use 3. The Selekt DSM has the option to add Cartridges to fully support 5.1ch Surround sound within the single product When the Exakt Box is configured "Surround speakers" this is Konfig filter type "6 x channel passthrough" or "8 x channel passthrough". No other filter can be loaded into the Exaktbox to drive any other speaker at the same time. This means that all the Exaktbox outputs are dedicated to an audio channel playback. The Linn DSM audio outputs can also be used as any audio channel, as well as Exakt loudspeakers and/or other Exaktboxes setup with filters for other loudspeakers.

Stereo 2.0

Surround 3.1 With Non Exakt Centre and Sub

Surround 4.0 All Exakt

Surround 5.1 With Integrated Exakt Fronts & Exaktbox "Surround" speaker

Surround 5.1 With analogue Fronts & Exaktbox "Surround" speaker

Surround 5.1 With Integrated Exakt Fronts

Surround 5.1 With Non Exakt Centre and Sub

Surround 5.1 With Integrated Exakt Fronts & Surrounds, Non Exakt Centre & Sub

Surround 5.1 With ExaktBox for "Surround" speaker

Surround 7.1 With Integrated Exakt Centre And Sub

Surround 7.1 With Integrated Exakt Fronts, Surrounds And Rears

Surround 7.1 With Non Exakt Centre And Sub

Surround 7.1 All Exakt Box

Surround 7.1 All ExaktBox set for "Surround" Speaker

Linn DSM with LINN SURROUND MODULE upgrade

If you want to add a Surround Decoder, (to take bitstreams instead of already decoded PCM). You add a LINN SURROUND MODULE. This means that you can use the same diagrams as above with the Surround module installed. The following diagrams show various typical speaker connection examples for a range of surround configurations with the LINN SURROUND MODULE installed: Note: 1.Encoded Bitstream are formats such as DTS, Dolby Digital, etc. 2… The Exaktbox can be used as either a loudspeaker Exakt Crossover or a Surround Speaker decoder. As a Linn DSM only has two analogue outputs, there needs to be a way to get the rest of the channels. This is done via the Exakt link: The Exakt-link will allow you to Add Exakt speakers as the Surround channels & Add ExaktBoxes for use as an Exakt crossover for individual speakers or for full-range outputs for Surround channels. You can assign these channels to any loudspeaker for any channel use When the Exakt Box is configured "Surround speakers" this is Konfig filter type "6 x channel passthrough" or "8 x channel passthrough". No other filter can be loaded into the Exaktbox to drive any other speaker at the same time. This means that all the Exaktbox outputs are dedicated to an audio channel playback. The Linn DSM audio outputs can also be used as any audio channel, as well as Exakt loudspeakers and/or other Exaktboxes setup with filters for other loudspeakers.

Stereo 2.0

Surround 3.1 With Non Exakt Centre and Sub

Surround 3.1 using all Selekt modules for Centre/Sub channels and Exakt Fronts

Using a Selekt combined cartridge in the Linn Selekt DSM

Surround 4.0 using all Selekt modules for Surround channels and Exakt Fronts

Using a Selekt line out cartridge with external power amplifier or a Selekt power amplifier cartridge in the Linn Selekt DSM

Surround 5.1 With All Exakt

Surround 5.1 using all Selekt modules

Surround 5.1 using all Selekt modules and Exakt Fronts

Using Exakt speakers and either

• a Selekt combined 1.1 cartridges plus Selekt power amplifier cartridge(s) or
• Selekt line out cartridge(s) with external power amplifier(s)

in the Linn Selekt DSM

Surround 5.1 With Integrated Exakt Fronts & Exaktbox for "Surround" Speaker

Surround 5.1 With Exaktbox Fronts & Exaktbox for "Surround" Speaker

Surround 5.1 With Front analogue and Exaktbox for "Surround" Speaker

Surround 5.1 With Front Exakt speaker, Centre and Sub from DSM analogue and Exaktbox for "Surround" Speaker

Surround 5.1 With Exaktbox for "Surround" Speaker

Surround 6.0 With Exaktbox for "Surround" Speakers without centre or LFE

Surround 6.0 With Selekt DSM for "Surround" Speakers without centre or LFE

Surround 6.1 With Exaktbox for "Surround" Speakers without centre

‎

Surround 7.1 With Integrated Exakt Fronts, Surrounds And Rears

Surround 7.1 With Exakt Front and Selekt module surround

Using Exakt speakers/Exaktbox with either a

• Selekt combined 1.1 cartridges plus Selekt power amplifier cartridge(s) or
• Selekt line out cartridge(s) with external power amplifier(s)

in the Linn Selekt DSM

Surround 7.1 With Exaktbox for "Surround" Speaker

Surround 7.1 All ExaktBox set for 5.1 "Surround" Speaker and Selekt module for front

Using a Selekt line out cartridge with external power amplifier or a Selekt power amplifier cartridge in the Linn Selekt DSM for the front speakers. Plus an ExaktBox configured for Surround speakers.

Selekt DSM - front Exakt speakers & ExaktBox configured for Surround mode for 7.1 Surround Sound

Encoded Setups

Some HDMI source devices (e.g. Sky Q) only output encoded audio streams. To use these devices with a Linn DSM without the Linn Surround Module, a 3rd party AV processor or HDMI repeater must be used to decode the stream. (Although the Surround processor will need to have delay options > 60mS for speaker timings.) The diagrams below indicate how these setups may be connected.

Encoded 7.1 Without Exakt

Encoded 5.1 With Integrated Exakt Fronts

FAQ's

Operation

Linn DSM products with HDMI Audio pass-thro and surround processing

Release Davaar 4.2.3 (14th Oct 2011)

The Linn DSM products HDMI output will:-

1. Pass-throu the HDMI audio when the Linn DSM is in Standby.

2. Pass-throu the HDMI audio when the Linn DSM is listening to an Analogue or Digital Audio input.

3. BLOCK the HDMI audio to the TV if the the DSM is listening to a HDMI input.

From Davaar50 (Sept 2016) the 'stripped' surround audio is no longer fed out of the Linn DSM - HDMI OUT to a surround processor. This is now processed with Exakt speakers, check Surround speaker setup.
The HDMI pass-throu and HDMI block still occur as above.

Common setup

The Klimax Exaktbox has 6 outputs, can I use each output to drive a loudspeaker in my 5.1 surround system?

Yes if your Linn DSM has Davaar68 or higher firmware. This will allow you to setup individual surround channels for specific outputs of the Exaktbox.

How can I configured the SUB to only work with Movies

If you want to use a Sub-woofer with the Stereo speaker you can add these as a "Front Left", "Front Right" or "Mono" channel.

If you declare this as "LFE" then this output will only be available with HDMI surround playback.(When set to MONO then this is fed LFE plus Front Left and Front Right audio)

Note: using both Analogue and Exakt output then the analogue output will occur approx 45mS BEFORE the Exakt playback.

What setting do I put on my Linn Sub-woofer with this Surround setup?

Put all Sub-woofer settings back to their default settings. (Check the Product Manuals for a guide to reset Linn speakers.)

I have an exclamation mark icon (!) on my DSM display. What does this mean?

Your DSM has not detected all the speakers that were originally configured for surround. Open Konfig, select your DSM then the Exakt tab to see which speakers have been detected.

If you have removed a speaker from your system (e.g. a centre channel), you may need to temporarily change channel assignment of another speaker. When you return this to its original value, Konfig will allow you to save the new surround configuration.

Do my front left/right speakers always have to be Exakt speakers?

No, you can configure the analogue outputs of you Majik/Akurate/Klimax DSM to feed the front left/right and the Exaktbox/Exakt speakers for any other channels. However this will not be the best Musical option as the passive speaker will never sound as good as the fully Exakt'ed speakers.