On many (but not all DVD-A`s) I find that the easiest way to change between the 5.1 and 2-channel DVD-A mix is to Press Function and Play at the same time. This switches between the 5.1 and 2 channel mixes only and does not allow you to move the DD or DTS mixes that are many times available.

The biggest advantage that this offers over the above “Group Number” change is that using Function and Play changes to the start of the same track as you are playing.

e.g. If you are playing Track 5 of the DVD-A 5.1 mix and you press Function and Play, then the player will switch to playing the start of that same Track 5.

If you use the Group method, then the player reverts to the start of Track 1 of that Group. You would then need to fast forward to Track 5, if you wanted a back to back comparison.

Therefore, I find the Function + Play combination very handy for comparing the 5.1 and 2-channel MLP mixes on many DVD-A`s.

As stated, it does not work for all, but does work on many DVD-A`s. This also works on DVD-V`s Movies and allows you to change between DD and DTS and stay at the same point on the movie (i.e. does not go back to start of movie)

Skooby,
I`m surprised that there is not a 2-channel 96/24 (or at least 48/24) mix on the Frank Zappa DVD-A. In your 2-channel system, the 2-channel PCM mix (appears as LPCM on your 598 display) is probably the best mix to play.

You could also try the high resolution 5.1 96/24 mix thru the 861, as I believe that the 861 will “downmix” this into 2-channel for distribution to your amp and 2 speakers. Not absolutely sure about this though.

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