Surround sound processors

[PartTimer]

Just wondering....is anyone else out there using an Add-On processor for dolby digital etc? I have a (old) Rotel RDA980 which processes Dolby digital before it hits my pre-amp, but am considering upgrading it to a 6.1 or 7.1 processor. Not sure if it is worth it or not....any thoughts appreciated.

Also, I found this link. It's a shortlist of what 'should' be in a highish-end AV/HT amp. Its USA dollars.....they call 'middle of the road' level kit what most NZ'ers refer to as High end. Still, an interesting link for those looking at buying an HT amp.
http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volum...y-11-2003.html

Cheers.

[Max Christoffersen]

The list is a good one - I tend to side with some of the more functional 'features' and less on the soundfield side. For example, there is no use for DPL2 in my system.

The Onkyo 989 is one of the few that can claim outstanding user interface - it has some of the features listed.

Along with time alignment and bass EQ I would also like a second tactile output channel with a dedicated 40 Hz and below bass output with EQ function on board.

Unfortunately what appears as a common sense list of 'should-haves' is not
readily available.


Max Christoffersen

[Tony Davey]

Very interesting list.

As I read through it, I could mentally pitcure some of the receivers reviewed here, and thought yep got it, got it, got it, dont got it etc.

A dedicated tactile output?? Dunno, although I guess on "high end" equipment there could be an argument that those likely to purchase such equipment are entheusiasts and may also be looking to run tactile sound.

Sen

[Max Christoffersen]

Originally posted by Senator

Very interesting list.

As I read through it, I could mentally pitcure some of the receivers reviewed here, and thought yep got it, got it, got it, dont got it etc.

A dedicated tactile output?? Dunno, although I guess on "high end" equipment there could be an argument that those likely to purchase such equipment are entheusiasts and may also be looking to run tactile sound.

Sen

It already exists.

Clark Synthesis has joined with processor manufacturers to provide a tactile output which is dedicated (and seperately identified) as being one on the rear outputs of amp/processors.

It's not a major - what is though are more sophisticated controls for bass EQ and crossover and pre-set turn of volume levels etc. and time alignment.

All of which is easy to implement, but some manufactrurers (Onkyo not included) do not see them as a priority.

Perreaux I think offer a comprehensive array of such (turn on) controls.

I hope the new Yamaha flagship goes this way - it's way overdue!

Max Christoffersen

[wizard]

"Just wondering....is anyone else out there using an Add-On processor for dolby digital etc?"

Yeah,
Use a Cambridge V500 for DD and a Millenium 246 for DTS. Just grew that way because I wan't the best of both worlds.

Because I can bi-amp the front combination for stereo, and using home theatre dedicated recievers you just can't bi-amp.

[Max Christoffersen]

Originally posted by wizard
(snip)

Because I can bi-amp the front combination for stereo, and using home theatre dedicated recievers you just can't bi-amp.

Of course you can.

You use two amplifiers like everyone else does.

Max Christoffersen

[PartTimer]

Hi Wizard,
Are your processors still the best? Ive read reviews from 97 -98 when mine (Rotel RSP980 and RDA980) hit the market, and it was one of the best back then. Somehow...I think the mass-market receivers have better DSP's these days than my old dinosaur. Am trying to figure out if its worth upgrading the DSP.

Then again, I'm still trying to sort out my two channel setup, and that takes priority over HT for me.

Have a good one!

[Michael Wong]

Separate surround preamp/processors are a dying breed at the affordable end of the market.

A few such as the Outlaw 950, Rotel 1066 provide very good VFM.

Unless you are falling bigtime for HT you could consider buying a cheapish AVR.

Most of these have all the new fangled decoding and video options and should handily out-perform the old Rotel ensemble.

Easy to integrate into a good 2 channel system too.


cheerio
t o M

[wizard]

Hi Part timer I'm not sure how my separates rate in todays market- they did in there time - they work for what I want them to do today, don't require 6.1 or 7.1, so the 5.1 is all that I need. The amps used are all designed for good Stereo reproduction (The fronts are audiolab 8000s and 8000P (aka tag maclaren) and the rear amp has pre out so could be bi-amped if needed) having decent power supplies to feed the stereo and transients etc from music and (how does one bi-amp a dedicated HT reciever Maxcat?, must admit I didn't know they had pre-amp outs for bi-amping. So please educate the un washed). The separates I have do allow SACD or DVD-audio inputs as they have 6 additional inputs for that purpose if so required.
They're old but still work and as michealw said they're hard to find at the affordable end of the market nowa days, so they will be around for a bit longer.
Cheers all and Merry Xmas.

[coleus]

Wow , this is an old thread , resurrecting it from the dead...
I see even in 2003 a processor is a "dying breed" , does this still ring true today ?
The reason for this post is that I have no HDMI switching on a bloody expensive AV receiver and am starting to need it , what I want is a device that offers multi HDMI in , HDMI video to panel , but strips out the audio to 5.1 analogue out and by-passes volume control so I can use the pre-ins and the power/volume of my existing 200WATT AVR , is there such a thing ? I am hesitant to re-invest in a Receiver, I have seen the Rotel RSP1570 , but that does so much more than I need and if that was an option I would probably just invest in a similary priced reciever.
Any help or insite the forum members can offer would be appreciated .
Cheers Coleus

Just found this , http://www.hdtvsupply.com/hdmi-to-7-channel.html maybe the answer to my prayers.

[Boris]

What sources have you got that you need to use HDMI for audio? I use an old processor with no problems - Bluray/DVD/SACD/DVD-A 5.1 analogue, CDP stereo analogue, MySky HDi & DVD recorder digital coax. Only problem would be if I wanted to connect two 5.1 analogue sources, not sure what the 2nd one would be though.

I would have thought any 'audio stripping' is only going to compromise the sound quality of your bloody expensive AVR You may find HDMI a compromise fullstop, it certainly wasn't developed to improve sound quality

There's plenty of options for HDMI video switching if your display doesn't have enough inputs.

That said, if you want simplicity of connection and ease of use, probably better to just get a new AVR. Relatively cheap these days.


B

[Michael Wong]

Unless you have some strong emotional attachment to your old AVR, give it the flick for a new HDMI equipped one.

Much less hassle than using adaptors/strippers and other fudges.

Even I, lover of obsolete formats, have resigned myself to an HDMI world, nightmare that it is.*

* the other night spent a good 30-40 minutes trying to get my media player to talk nicely to my HDMI chain.

[bizzar]

Michael (correct spelling from little fat fingers)

[Boris]

Michael (correct spelling from little fat fingers)

Quite understandable mistake, you were obviously traumatised.

Convenience over quality from a bloody Audioenz reviewer!

No wonder Maggie got divorced for someone smaller and prettier. Heading down the slippery slope of form over function. What's replacing the Well Tempered, iPad2?

[bizzar]

Miheal I'm shocked.

I would be quite happy to persist with my 5.1 analogue connections through my "old" Rotel RSP 1068 from the Panasonic BD80. I find that for the quality of audio this way as opposed to that from the "convenience" of HDMI, I am far happier to connect the extra cables for the rewards.

Of course the picture quality cannot be better than that offered through HDMI for that I use.

But that is only my humble opinion.

Cheers.