Has anyone else yet managed to try out the direct B-format ambisonic mode in a G series DSP or 806Vx yet? It uses the MA1 inputs on the G series decoders, not digital.

I ask in part because it's a feature that's sort of half hidden in the handbooks and I had to ask Meridian how to use it, such as how to map the B-format horizontal channels, WXY, to specific MA1 inputs (Nb. it's W > L, X > R & Y > C, WAV channels 1 to 3, respectively once converted from the .amb file downloaded). The DSP recognises the 3 channel input as compatible with ambisonic mode and displays a slightly different set of user adjustments than you find in the usual UHJ implementation - no Row setting and the DSP no longer has to apply the (entirely hidden) focus and dominance features.

Having downloaded a good few B-format .amb files, converted them to 3 channel .WAV format in Audacity (channel 4, if present, can be ignored as it's the elevation component, Z, that Meridian DSPs can't use, though not sure of the 806V8), I failed to get my DVD players to output the 3 channels, just 2, even when they displayed the file as multi channel. Then recently I found an eight channel USB asynchronous DAC and played the .WAV files in VLC (Macbook Pro) through the DAC to my G61RSL. I have to say I am pretty impressed by the sound. If anyone has used the ambisonic decoder for UHJ encoded material and liked the sense of space and involvement then, even though never released commercially, it is worth trying B-format for the fun of it. There are some works available for direct legitimate download to which I could provide a link. These are a mix of classical (e.g. Beethoven's 4th Symphony), world music and electronic experimental, plus some test tracks. The sense of focus and immersion is well above that of the UHJ encoded music I have heard so far. The rear & side image phasyness that UHJ has is entirely gone and image stability is even better in relation to head movement. I have a good few Nimbus Records UHJ CDs in my collection for comparison.

It would be good to know if anyone is interested in trying to use the B-format decode mode or has used it.

G61RSL, G98-DH, G01, Quad 606, Quad 306 (x3), Quad-ESL63 (x 2 pairs, F&R), KEF LS50 (S), Quad 10L sub, Martin Logan Motif (CF) + miniDSP