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Hi !
I have a basic problem
I am not allowed to more than two speakers in my home set up and still i would like to enjoy a nice sound
The usual problem is that to understand when they talk i raise the volume and then explosions/shots occur at an unbearable level
So i am taking the jump and buy a pre processor just for this, to have a complete control on the downmix process from 5.1 to 2.0
Will any HT preamp process give me a complete control of the levels of the different channels in the stereo downmix ?
Thanks a lot for any kind advice
Kind regards,
bg
Follow Ups:
You didn't mention what your set up was, mainly what sources you have, is sound from TV or DVD/Blu-ray? Either one most have a "night time" mode, it could be called something else depending on brand, however, this does exactly what you want, it limits the dynamic range so the vocals and other sound effects would be closer in volume, less peaks & dips in sound. You shouldn't need to buy any more gear unless you just needed an excuse :). 5.1 to stereo is mixed automatically inside the player, especially if using an analog connection. If digital there may be a setting you'd have to change to get it to output stereo only.
Another advantage if you decide to get a processor would be to use a "phantom center channel" setting which helps with dialog in most instances over a simple mix down.
Any pre/pro with Audyssey or Dolby (or both) loudness/volume control should do what you want but since you are only listening to 2 channel why spend the money on an un-needed pre/pro. You can use a high quality Gefen volume stabilizer with 5.1 to 2-channel downmix. It has been discontinued but can still be purchased. B&H has it for $142.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/763526-REG/Gefen_GTV_VOLCONT_D_Auto_Volume_Stabilizer_w.html
Thank you very much indeed for your kind and valuable advice
I will look for the unit but i am not completely against the idea of a pre processor
Could you suggest me a good entry level brand/model ? Emotiva ?
Kind regards,
bg
The Emotiva UMC-200 would be an excellent pre/pro and got a rave review in Sound & Vision but it does not have the loudness control that you want, not even a proprietary one. It is currently marked down from $699 to $499 on Emotive's website. I don't know if you can find a good entry level pre/pro with loudness control. Maybe a used one? You can get an A/V receiver, between $450 and $650, with loudness control and use it as a pre/pro though.
It does have an 11 band EQ and 3 storage "buckets" for retaining settings. You could easily develop your own loudness curve and store it to one of the buckets...
-RW-
The 11 band graphic equalizer adjusts amplitude at/around specific frequencies to compensate for room modes and equipment deficiencies. It is not a loudness control and would not solve the OPs issue.
Audyssey and Dolby loudness control do the following:
Boosts low and high-frequency content dynamically
Enables consistent volume levels
Delivers the perception of full-range audio at any volume level
This is a very good entry level preprocessor. They come up for sale on Audiogon periodically and you can also find deals on the EmotivaLounge.com - look in the Emporium section...
-RW-
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