why doesnt "cd direct" sound better ??


have a pioneer DV-10ax and when the "cd direct" is turned off through the programming menu, the unit takes on a entirely different sound (beautiful mid and slightly warm on top with rounder / fuller images)..

any idea why ? shouldnt the cd direct sound better ?
mikesinger
I think it depends on the recording. I have the same feature on both of my recievers(Kenwood ,Marantz) When running an average recording through it without the CD direct-it sounds enhanced-but very listenable(for a reciever) When ran through CD direct it can be very lifeless. It usually prompts you to turn up the volume and then it sounds even worse. When I'm listening to my C-D-E systems,I'm usually doing something around the house that has me out of my reference room. When this is the case I do whatever it takes to make the CD or radio sound better. If I'm "colouring" the music-so be it. Thats why their recievers.................................
thanks for the comeback....

i forgot to mention the pioneer dv-10ax is a dvd/cd/sacd player that was their previous top of the line ($6k)...
I suspect the Pioneer, and other receivers mentioned, "process" or "blend" the left/right channels in stereo mode whereas in direct it is pure left/right only. This is what the Denon I used to have did and I suspect the Pioneer and others are the same. Your user manual should explain the stereo mode effect.