Abstract: A sub woofer system is constituted of a real time digital signal processing part 5 that includes an A/D converter 5a, a low pass filter block 5b, a delay block 5c, and a D/A converter block 5d, an analog power amplifier 6 and a speaker 7. The length of delay time of the delay block 5c is set so that the length of group delay time of the digital signal processing part 5 may equal an integral multiple of the length of time corresponding to one wavelength of the crossover point frequency between the digital signal processing part 5 and a main speaker 4. The signal processing is performed under the conditions that have been set as such. In this case, a construction is made up wherein the length of a group delay time produced in the digital type real time digital signal processing part can be set to a given value. By this construction, it is possible to provide a sub woofer system which can improve the phase interference between the main speaker and the sub woofer system at the crossover point between the two.

Abstract: A surround speaker system according to the present invention includes an integral speaker in which a surround speaker is integrally formed with a front speaker, a canceling device for canceling a directly propagating sound of the surround speaker, and a reflective device for reflecting the output sound of the surround speaker.

Abstract: Three surround sound channels are provided within the current formats of the Dolby Digital, Sony SDDS and DTS digital soundtrack systems in a manner that provides compatibility with conventional two surround channel playback in standard 5.1 channel and 7.1 channel systems while allowing the soundtrack preparer to send the same signal to all surround sound channels and preserving the ability to pan among the three matrix decoded surround sound channels in an arrangement that employs an active matrix decoder to provide the three surround sound channels.

Abstract: There is provided a surround device which processes stereo signals decoded by a decoder of a multi-channel surround method comprises boost means which boosts middle and low frequency components of a center channel signal in the stereo signals. There is also provided a surround device which processes stereo signals decoded by a decoder of a Dolby Pro Logic method comprises boost means which boosts high frequency components of a surround channel signal in the stereo signals. The boost means is composed of a level detector for detecting an output level of the channel signal, an operation portion for calculating and determining an amount of boost based on a result of the level detector, and a signal boost portion for boosting the channel signal based on a result of the operation portion.

Abstract: A surround reproducing circuit includes a first adder for generating a difference signal of an L signal and an R signal which are inputted, a low-pass filter connected to an output side of the first adder, and second and third adders for mixing an output signal of the low-pass filter as a surround signal with the L signal and the R signal in an opposite phase relationship to each other. Change in a phase is lessened within a frequency band of 20 Hz to 20 KHz and the localization can become definite, and furthermore, a harsh high pass is also lessened. Consequently, it is possible to realize a surround effect having natural spread. Furthermore, the number of capacitors to be required can also be decreased.

Abstract: A sound system and method for modeling a sound field generated by a sound source and creating a sound event based on the modeled sound field is disclosed. The system and method captures a sound field over an enclosing surface, models the sound field and enables reproduction of the modeled sound field. Explosion type acoustical radiation may be used. Further, the reproduced sound field may be modeled and compared to the original sound field model.

Abstract: A system for adjusting delivery of sound to loudspeakers in a home theater includes a plurality of loudspeakers located in an area. The loudspeakers are coupled to a sound generating source. A camera is oriented to acquire images of the area. An image processing system and controller is coupled to the camera and the sound generating source. Image processing system identifies the positions of the speakers and a position of the listener in the area from the images. The controller adjusts the deliver of the sound according to the relative positions of the loudspeakers and the listener.

Abstract: A method for decoding an audio signal includes receiving a digital audio signal having a plurality of channels defined thereon, wherein one of the plurality of channels is a center channel and at least one of the other of said plurality of channels is a remaining audio channel; comparing the center channel with the at least one of the other of the plurality of channels to determine a ratio of the center channel to the other of the plurality of channels; and automatically adjusting the center channel and the at least one of the plurality of other channels when a predetermined value for the ratio is not met.

Abstract: A mounting system for loudspeakers is provided. In general, the system comprises a flexible arm having a first end and a second end. The first end of the flexible arm is suitably mounted to the loudspeaker. The second end of the flexible arm is suitably mounted to a surface. The surface may comprise a wall, another loudspeaker and/or a computer monitor. Various combinations and arrangements of speakers are disclosed, including mounting systems advantageously configured to provide surround sound experiences.

Abstract: A method of down mixing a plurality of signals including at least a left surround signal, a right surround signal, a left signal and a right signal into a stereophonic pair that is a left transmitted signal and a right transmitted signal includes summing the left surround and right surround signals to provide a monophonic surround signal, filtering the monophonic surround signal to provide a filtered monophonic signal having properties related to the diffraction pattern around the head of a listener, multiplying the filtered monophonic surround signal with a right coefficient signal related to the ratio of the magnitude of the right surround signal to the sum of the magnitudes of the left surround signal and the right surround signal to provide a left product signal and multiplying the filtered monophonic surround signal with a left coefficient signal related to the ratio of the magnitude of the left surround signal to the sum of the magnitudes of the left surround signal and the right surround signal to prov

Abstract: In a first mode where no audio reproduction is to be executed in a second zone, each selector switch shifts to a Z1 contact. In a second mode where audio reproduction is to be executed in the second zone, each selector switch shifts to a Z2 contact. In the second mode, a DSP executes sound field correction on main and rear signals such that sound fields in the first zone have desired characteristics. Setting section can select either a first speaker mode where speakers connected to first output terminals and speakers connected to second output terminals are both positioned in the first zone, or a second speaker mode where the speakers connected to the first output terminals are positioned in the first zone and the speakers connected to the second output terminals are positioned in the second zone. When the output to the first output terminals is off while the output to the second output terminals is on in the second speaker mode, the DSP stops outputting the surround signals.

Abstract: A method for processing sound effects in a notebook computer to support several sound effect modes. First, the method determines whether or not the pre-assigned sound effect mode is the stereo mode, assigns a line-out jack as a dual-channel output terminal and assigns a Mic-in jack as a sound-effect input terminal if the sound effect mode is the stereo mode. If the sound effect mode is not the stereo mode, a 4-channel or 5.1 -channel determination is made. If the sound effect mode is the 4-channel mode, the Mic-in jack is assigned as an output terminal for front sound effects, and the line-out jack is assigned an output terminal for surround sound effects. If the sound effect mode is the 5.1-channel mode, the Mic-in jack is assigned as an output terminal for woof and center sound effects, the line-out jack is assigned as an output terminal for surround sound effects, and the build-in speaker is assigned as an output for front sound effects.

Abstract: The invention relates to an audio reproducing apparatus having a converting means for converting main audio signals included in an audio signal for a plurality of channels into audio signals that provide a reproduction sound field similar to that obtained in reproduction by means of speakers even when the audio signals are reproduced by means of headphones; and an adding means for adding an auxiliary audio signal included in the audio signal for a plurality of channels to an audio signal outputted from the converting means; wherein an audio signal outputted from the adding means is supplied to headphones.

Abstract: Surround sound encoding and decoding includes apparatus and techniques for encoding a number of major channels of a surround sound signal, such as left, right, center, left surround and right surround, into a lesser number of channels, such as left transmitted and right transmitted, and decoding the lesser number of channels into a larger number of decoded channels, such as left, right, center, left surround and right surround, for being electroacoustically transduced.

Abstract: Immersive environments for teleconferencing, collaborative shared spaces and entertainment require spatial audio. Such environments may have non-ideal sound reproduction conditions (loudspeaker positioning, listener placement or listening room geometry) where wavefront-synthesis techniques, such as ambisonics, will not give listeners the correct audio spatialization. A method disclosed for generating a sound field from a spatialized original audio signal, wherein the original signal is configured to produce an optimal sound percept at one predetermined ideal location. A plurality of output signal components are generated, each for reproduction by one of an array of loudspeakers. Antiphase output components are attenuated such that their contribution to the spatial sound percept is reduced for locations other than the predetermined ideal location.

Abstract: A method of producing reverberation effects is disclosed. A filter is implemented for modeling early acoustic reflections in response to an input signal using a first processor, the filter includes a delay buffer of a selected length and having a selected number of taps for tapping samples of corresponding amounts of delay and a summer for summing the tapped samples to generate a filter output signal. A reverberator is implemented for modeling late acoustic reflections using a second processor, the reverberator receiving the filter output and generating a plurality of output signals.

Abstract: A method for decoding an audio signal includes receiving a digital audio signal having a plurality of channels defined thereon, wherein one of the plurality of channels is a center channel and at least one of the other of said plurality of channels is a remaining audio channel; comparing the center channel with the at least one of the other of the plurality of channels to determine a ratio of the center channel to the other of the plurality of channels; and automatically adjusting the center channel and the at least one of the plurality of other channels when a predetermined value for the ratio is not met.

Abstract: An external input audio processor includes an input terminal for inputting an audio stream, an input terminal for inputting an audio serial data, an input terminal for inputting digital data obtained by analog-to-digital conversion of an analog input, an input terminal for inputting external digital audio data, a selector for selecting one of the digital data supplied from the four input terminals, and an audio processing circuit for carrying out audio processing of the digital data selected by the selector. The external input audio processor can reduce the circuit scale of the system.

Abstract: A method and a system for loudness calibration of a multichannel sound systems, wherein the test signal is psychoacoustically shaped. The psychoacoustically shaped test signal is preferably a pseudorandom test signal suitable for both automatic and subjective loudness calibration. Further, the psychoacoustically shaped test signal preferably has essentially constant specific loudness on the frequency range essential for aural perception.

Abstract: Face of a listener (user) is photographed by a CCD camera, and a face width and auricle size of the listener are detected on the basis of the picture of the listener's face. Head-related transfer functions, which are transfer functions of sounds propagated from virtual rear loudspeakers to both ears of the listener, are calculated, using the detected face width and auricle size as head shape data of the listener. Then, a filter process is performed by a DSP of a USB amplifier unit so as to attain characteristics of the head-related transfer functions, as a result of which sound image localization of the rear loudspeakers can be achieved via front loudspeakers.

Abstract: In correspondence with the left and right external ears of a listener occupying a seat, a three dimensional sound field reproducing unit includes at least more than two speakers disposed on a headrest on the top of a backrest of the seat, and three dimensional signal processing means which converts an output signal from a sound source into a three dimensional sound field signal for supplying it to each of the speakers. Three dimensional sound field with high accuracy and fidelity is reproduced near the external ears of the listener.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for recording and playing back sounds, especially music, whereby stereo recording and playback techniques are at least partially used. The aim of the invention is to allow for a three-dimensional acoustic reproduction, especially music reproduction, that comes as close to a natural experience as possible. According to the inventive method, the aim of the invention is achieved by at least one 2+2+2 recording and playback technique and by means of a corresponding number of sound tracks for producing a sound impression which is realistic, three-dimensional and closely resembling nature in width, depth and height.

Abstract: A multi-mode sound reproduction device is disclosed including a direct radiation sound device, a diffuse radiation sound device and a selection device in signal communication with both the direct radiation sound device and diffuse radiation sound device, the selection device capable of selecting between the direct radiation sound device for one mode of operation and the diffusion radiation sound device for another mode of operation in response to a received control signal.

Abstract: Means for compensating rear sound effect, comprising a headphone-like or an earphone-like device with rear speakers carried therein, the headphone-like or earphone-like device including an opening for receiving the front speaker signal, wherein the headphone-like or the earphone-like device includes a housing for receiving the rear speakers, wherein the housings opposite each other, the two housings being joined by a headband, to compose the headphone-like structure; an input plug with conductive wire connected to the housing; and wherein the earphone-like or headphone-like device cannot cover the whole ear for receiving the sound from the front speakers and sub-woofer speaker, the opening allowing the ears to listen the sound from the front speakers, the rear speakers being respectively located on both sides of the earphone-like or headphone-like device to provide virtual speaker of rear side without losing rear bass.

Abstract: A vehicle audio system having a subwoofer mounted in the vicinity of a rear seat is provided for permitting a user or passenger in the rear seat to receive or listen to audio information without having a sense of incongruity upon listening, even when he/she selects an audio source different from that selected on a front seat side. A vehicle audio system 10 comprises audio sources 11 to 13, an audio signal output means (including a headphone 4 for the rear seat, a subwoofer 3 disposed in the vicinity of the rear seat, and the like), an audio output selector 40 for selectively switching the audio signal from the selected source to connect it to the audio signal output means, and a controller 20. If the controller 20 detects predetermined input information while the audio signal is being provided from the subwoofer 3, the audio output selector 40 interrupts the connection of the audio signal to the subwoofer 3 based on control by the controller 20.

Abstract: A 3D sound reproducing apparatus for multiple listeners includes an inverse filter module for filtering an input sound signal such that each of the listeners can have the same virtual sound source, time multiplexing module for sequentially selecting one of the sound signals filtered by the inverse filter module at a predetermined interval, and a plurality of speakers for outputting the sound signal selected by the time multiplexing means as sound. Thus, the 3D sound reproducing apparatus for multiple listeners can concurrently present the same 3D sound effect to multiple listeners.

Abstract: The production of multidirectional or instantaneous live virtual surround sound broadcasting is obtained by positioning a plurality of microphones on an oval frame in a predetermined pattern and with a predetermined orientation, connecting the microphones to a virtual surround semiconductor chip and connecting outputs from the semiconductor chip to a pair of speakers.

Abstract: The invention provides a sound field correction circuit for a surround playback apparatus wherein a decoding circuit is formed from a comparatively simple circuit and similar effects to those of a ordinary sound field correction circuit can be achieved at a reduced cost. A sound field correction circuit includes a decoding circuit for restoring 2-channel stereo signals encoded for a multi-channel surround effect to obtain multi-channel surround signals. The decoding circuit includes an adder for adding the encoded 2-channel stereo signals to each other, a subtractor for subtracting one of the encoded 2-channel stereo signals from the other, a level adjusting volume for adjusting the output level of the adder, and another level adjusting volume for adjusting the output level of the subtractor. An output of the level adjusting volume is used as a center channel signal while an output of the level adjusting volume 6 is used as a surround channel signal.

Abstract: An audio reproducing device is provided with an input for receiving an n-channel input signal, an output for supplying an l-channel output signal to l loudspeakers, and an audio processing unit for processing the input signal. The audio processing unit comprises enhancing means for enhancing an m-channel signal part of the n-channel input signal, whereby m≦n, the enhancing means having for each channel signal part of said m-channel signal part a non-linear anti-symmetric monotone transfer function. The audio reproducing device is further provided with a speech-music discriminator, which, in response to one of the channel signal parts of said m-channel signal part designated for speech, generates a control signal indicating the probability p that said one of the channel signal parts comprises speech signals. By means of this control signal the enhancing means are controlled.

Abstract: A sound processing system reduces speaker distortion at high volume levels by attenuating the filter gain and/or tone of audio and mixed output signals. The sound processing system has one or more filters to attenuate the filter gain and tone in response to the high volume levels. The sound processing system also can attenuate the filter gain and tone in response to a sound pressure level, which may be provided by a microphone.

Abstract: This invention provides a system capable of transitioning from surround sound effect to stereo sound effect, and then to a monophonic sound effect using front speakers. A user may control the amount of surround sound effect that is combined with stereo sound effect, and the amount of stereo sound effect that is combined with monophonic sound effect. The user may also control the system to hear pure surround sound effect, stereo sound effect, or monophonic sound effect. The system may allow a user to control the contribution of a particular sound effect by controlling the relative proportions of the filtered dipole signals and the attenuated unfiltered dipole signals. The signal processing may be also done through an analog device. The system may also process some audio channels in an inverted form and compensate for these inversions by reversing the polarity of that output to the speaker, as well as accept two-channel and four-channel audio inputs.

Abstract: A three-dimensional sound system and a method utilizing a head related transfer function (HRTF) for providing a three-dimensional sound effect from a two-channel stereo signal source having first and second signals are disclosed. The system includes a first high-pass filter for removing a direct current (DC) component from the first signal and a second high pass filter for removing a direct current (DC) component from the second signal. The system includes a first FIR filter having a modified head related transfer function (HRTF) M1(ejw) for re-localizing a first position of a sound source of the first signal input to the first high-pass filter to a second position. The system also includes a second FIR filter having a modified HRTF M2(ejw) for re-localizing a third position of a sound source of the second signal input to the second high-pass filter to a fourth position.

Abstract: A multi-channel stereo converter is described comprising stereo magnitude determining means for generating a stereo information signal (a/b; &rgr;), which represents a degree of stereo between audio input signals (L, R), and transforming means for transforming said audio signals (L, R) based on said stereo information signal (a/b; &rgr;) into at least a surround signal (S). A space mapping interpretation is presented and an audio center signal may be derived from the stereo input signals as well. The result is more flexibility in application and design, without substantial cross talk in the audio signals.

Abstract: A surround sound field reproduction system and method is disclosed by which, in such a case that a listener changes its posture so that a portion of a video image to which attention should be paid may be observed in front of the listener, a sound image can be localized accordingly in a direction in which the video image is observed in front of the listener. Specifically, the surround sound field reproduction apparatus includes a plurality of horizontal panners for receiving a plurality of sound signals from microphones disposed horizontally and cooperating with each other to control the horizontal localization, and a vertical panner for receiving sound signals from microphones disposed vertically to control the vertical localization. The horizontal panners level-distribute the received sound signals to a plurality of output channels provided corresponding to surround reproduction output channels.

Abstract: A home theater system configured as a combination television stand, audio/video component cabinet, and multi-channel, multi-speaker system cabinet. Individual full range speakers or speaker systems are pre-wired to speaker terminals mounted on the cabinet and provided for transmitting a separate channel of full range of audio reproduction from separate channels of full range electrical audio signal transmitted from an amplified audio/video component. A center speaker system is mounted on an upwardly tilted panel at the top of the cabinet. Right and left front speaker systems are mounted on an outwardly angled front corner panel of the cabinet and include a tweeter and midrange loudspeaker. A woofer loudspeaker is mounted facing outwardly from at least one of the side panels of the cabinet. Finally, left and right rear surround speakers are mounted to outwardly angled panels at the rear comers of the cabinet to complete the five channel speaker system.

Abstract: An non-hybrid electrostatic speaker system is provided. Each electrostatic speaker contains a diaphragm positioned between pair of electrically charged stators. A central unit is provided having a plurality of slots for receiving a plurality of printed circuit boards. Each speaker employed within the system has a printed circuit board assigned thereto and is mounted within the central unit slots. A single DC power source within the central unit supplies a constant DC voltage to each electrostatic speaker. All electronics needed to operate the speakers are “de-coupled” from the speaker and located within the central unit. The central unit couples to an audio amplification device which is coupled to an audio sound producer.

Abstract: An audio mixer system is described for producing coded output in which at least a left audio signal, a right audio signal and a surround audio signal are encoded in two output channels so that the surround signal can be decoded from the difference of the two output channels. The system comprises means for generating position data designating a desired position for a sound source in a 360 degree sound field. Logic is provided for determining the relative volume of the sound source in the left, right and surround audio signals from the position data. A signed continuity factor is maintained so that the sign of the continuity factor is changed in response the desired position crossing a nominal position of the surround signal in the sound field and logic is provided for encoding the sound source data into the two output channels in accordance with the determined relative volume of the sound source in at least two of the left, right and surround signals each multiplied by the continuity factor.

Abstract: A sound system and method for modeling a sound field generated by a sound source and creating a sound event based on the modeled sound field is disclosed. The system and method captures a sound field over an enclosing surface, models the sound field and enables reproduction of the modeled sound field. Explosion type acoustical radiation may be used. Further, the reproduced sound field may be modeled and compared to the original sound field model.

Abstract: A method for decoding an audio signal includes receiving a digital audio signal having a plurality of channels defined thereon, wherein one of the plurality of channels is a center channel and at least one of the other of said plurality of channels is a remaining audio channel; comparing the center channel with the at least one of the other of the plurality of channels to determine a ratio of the center channel to the other of the plurality of channels; and automatically adjusting the center channel and the at least one of the plurality of other channels when a predetermined value for the ratio is not met.

Abstract: In an acoustic apparatus, one or more front and rear speakers are provided in a space such as a car compartment. The volume levels of the audio signals output from the speakers are controlled by the volume control unit. Also, the valance between the volume levels of the audio signals from the front speaker and the rear speaker is controlled by the balance control unit. The balance control unit generally controls the balance according to the input by a user. To the front speaker or the rear speaker, an external audio signal can be supplied. When the external audio signal is supplied to one of the front speaker and the second speaker which has not been attenuated by the balance control device and the balance control device attenuates the volume level of said one of the front speaker and the second speaker, the volume level of the audio signal is attenuated. Therefore, the external audio signal becomes easy for the user to hear.

Abstract: A system reproducing surround phonic sound is simply constructed by a multichannel acoustic signal reproducing apparatus having at least a DVD reproducing section. A DVD, a CD, a radio or the like and speakers are provided integrally with the multichannel acoustic signal reproducing apparatus and the integral system is made movable. The acoustic signal reproducing apparatus is connected to a television receiver by an IEEE1394 interface or a USB interface. Speakers of the television receiver are used as main speakers and the speakers of a multichannel acoustic signal reproducing apparatus main body are used as sub-speakers such as rear speakers. The main speakers are controllable from the main body side.

Abstract: A multi-channel stereo converter is described comprising stereo magnitude determining means for generating a stereo information signal (a/b; &rgr;), which represents a degree of stereo between audio input signals (L, R), and transforming means for transforming said audio signals (L, R) based on said stereo information signal (a/b; &rgr;) into at least a surround signal (S). A space mapping interpretation is presented and an audio centre signal may be derived from the stereo input signals as well. The result is more flexibility in application and design, without substantial cross talk in the audio signals.

Abstract: A modular multiple channel audio signal interface for use with discrete component audio entertainment systems such as home and car stereo systems. The interface contains, within a single housing, signal conditioning means for compensating for signal level imbalances which occur when components having incompatible audio signal voltage levels are connected within the same entertainment system. Manual adjustment means allow for selecting the correction or compensation most appropriate given the incompatibility of the components of the system. The interface is designed for use in component or modular systems having a head unit such as a preamplifier. The head unit receiving inputs from a variety of devices such as CDs, cassettes, DVDs, stereo cable boxes, tuners, etc. The output from the head unit is connected to the interface, which conditions the signal before outputting it to an amplifier.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sound-field production apparatus comprising a direct-sound-generating means for generating a direct sound from a sound signal supplied to the direct-sound-generating means and a reflected-sound-generating means for generating a sound serving as a substitute for a sound obtained as a result of reflection of the direct sound at a level lower than the direct sound with a timing lagging behind the direct sound from the sound signal supplied to the reflected-sound-generating means. The sound-field production apparatus makes it possible to reproduce an impressive sound field that gives a better feeling of presence on the scene as a sound field in a movie theater or the like does by creating a sound-field space having an effect of sound-image broadening.

Abstract: Taking maximum advantage of the Madsen effect and means of extending the fusion zone; incoming mono or stereo audio is processed by the following equations, where the delay for any repetition is within the fusion zone for attenuations K.

Abstract: A setup to be used in a home theater or sound reproduction system for handling low frequency sound signals with a signal source providing several full bandwidth digital sound channels and at least one digital low frequency subwoofer channel includes a delay-and level control unit at least for each full bandwidth signal channel, which is equipped for a speaker not capable of reproducing low frequency sounds. A first summing stage creates the sum channel by summing the delay-and level controlled signal channels. A second summing stage adds a low frequency subwoofer channel to the sum channel in order to create a digital bass channel. A DA-conversion, amplifying, lowpass-filtering and volume control unit processes the digital bass channel in order to create an analog bass channel.

Abstract: A sound recording and reproduction system for testing hearing and hearing aids is disclosed. Recordings of sound are made in a real word acoustic environment, for example, which are stored as audio signals. In a testing environment, a plurality of loudspeakers is located about a listening position where a test subject is placed during a testing procedure. The plurality of loudspeakers receive at least a portion of the plurality of the stored audio signals, and convert those audio signals received into a combination of sounds that produce, at the listening position, acoustic elements of the real world acoustic environment where the recordings were made. The system enables, in a clinical or other test setting, the evaluation of hearing and/or hearing aid performance as if in a real world environment.

Abstract: A multi-channel surround sound system and method is described that allows automatic and independent calibration and adjustment of the frequency, amplitude and time response of each channel of the surround sound system. The disclosed auto-calibrating surround sound (ACSS) system includes a processor that generates a test signal represented by a temporal maximum length sequence (MLS) and supplies the test signal as part of an electric input signal to a loudspeaker. A microphone coupled to the processor receives the signal in a listening environment. The processor correlates the received sound signal with the test signal in the time domain and determines from the correlated signals a whitened response of the audio channel in the listening environment.

Abstract: A sound system and method for modeling a sound field generated by a sound source and creating a sound event based on the modeled sound field is disclosed. The system and method captures a sound field over an enclosing surface, models the sound field and enables reproduction of the modeled sound field. Explosion type acoustical radiation may be used. Further, the reproduced sound field may be modeled and compared to the original sound field model.

Abstract: A sound reproducing system in which virtual image orientation processing of audio signals for at least two rear speakers disposed in directions from a listener close to the right-back direction from the listener is performed by a virtual sound orientation processor so that the listener can have a sound image at a position different from each of real speaker positions at which the rear speakers are placed, and/or so that the listener is unconscious that sounds are radiated from the rear speakers placed at real speaker positions. This virtual image orientation processing is performed according to acoustic transfer coefficients of transfer of sounds from the rear speakers to the listener's ears when the rear speakers are placed at virtual speaker positions different from the real speaker positions.