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How to build a flexible (& good) surround

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O'le Silver

Instead of buying a surround amplifier, I'd like to make use of the great sound/$$ value of vintage amps (like Scotts) to power each one of the 5 or 7 signals separate, so front R&L will get the bennefit of my two MC-30's driving Lowthers, while rear R&L can be driven by a stereo Scott integrated amp & the center by a mono amp. I conceive this to be ideal since I can control the level of amplification and even eq settings for each speaker individually. My question is what do I need to buy that "decodes" the signal from a CD/DVD/Sat Receiver into the 5 or 7 signals, not amplified, that make up the surround system?. How can I add an active subwooffer? Am I crazy or on a worthy track?

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Re: How to build a flexible (& good) surround - Estes 11:25:36 04/14/02 (0)
There are a number of processors on the market. The type you are considering are most likely found on the used market. Aside from the Meridian, Sony, Rotel and others made seperate Dolby Digital and DTS converters. Be sure to have lots of electrical outlets ;-)
Re: How to build a flexible (& good) surround - John C. - Aussie 18:44:05 04/13/02 (5)
Nor crazy at all as that is the track I've chosen.
BUT, be very careful about the DAC chosen as few are good on music as well as HT. Meridian is highly recommended although other inmates might be able to suggest more affordable options.
You can see what we have ended up with after nearly half a century of this affliction at
http://www.audioasylum.com/upload/johnc/HardwareschematicJan2002.JPG
John

Peace at AA
- Re: How to build a flexible (& good) surround - O'le Silver 09:43:16 04/14/02 (4)
  Impressive.... so it seems that what I need to start with is a "DAC" (I thought that meand Digital to Analog Converter) signal Processor like the Meridian 861.
  I'll look further into it, thanks John for the leading tip.
  Silverio
  - DAC is as you say but ... - John C. - Aussie 16:28:04 04/14/02 (3)
    ... the term "processor" is a better one which I should have used as not only does the Meridian here convert digital to analog but it processes the digital signal into a number of different forms, some good, others I can live without.
    The obvious ones are to process are encoded Prologic and DD 5.1 but it also attempts to create pseudo surround from 2 CH with varying success. It is in this attempt at processing non encoded 2 ch music that many processors do not do well. However great improvements are evolving so that the latest units are much better than those of even 12 months ago => I would generally steer away from used processors. A net search on this and other sites should reveal which of the latest units are good at music as well as HT (which implies pro logic & DD 5.1).
    Good hunting
    John
    
    Peace at AA
    - Re: DAC is as you say but ... - O'le Silver 22:08:56 04/15/02 (2)
      John, I've spotted a few "processor pre-amps" (that's what I feel comfortable calling them) they are listed on e-bay as:
      "SONY TAE-9000ES DD/DTS Pre Amp Processor,Item # 1346105350 "
      and "SONY DIGITAL PROC.CONTROL AMP.TA-E1000ESD, item # 1345791613"
      or "Rotel RTC 965 Preamp- AV Processor - Tuner
      Item # 1346613317"
      However, I think some are not pre-amps but provide amplified channels, do you know any of these models?
      Silverio
      - Re: DAC is as you say but ... - michael w 04:46:41 04/17/02 (0)
        
        In Reply to: Re: DAC is as you say but ... posted by O'le Silver on April 15, 2002 at 22:08:56:
        
        You can also call them "pre-pros".
        Of the ones you mention, the Sony TA-E9000ES is the pick.
        Very flexible soundfield and setup adjustments.
        Software upgradable but unable to play the latest surround formats.
        Pretty good sound quality, The Perfect Vision called it the best pre/pro for less than $2000.
        Checkout the link for more on this unit.
        
        cheerio
      - Re: DAC is as you say but ... - John C. - Aussie 23:48:27 04/15/02 (0)
        
        In Reply to: Re: DAC is as you say but ... posted by O'le Silver on April 15, 2002 at 22:08:56:
        
        Sorry but I cannot assist with those particular units. A post on the digital board would soon tell you whether or not they were any good at processing for music.
        Apologies about my loose use of the "DAC", "Processor" etc terms. You are (again) correct. They are a preamp with a processor meaning that a CD or DVD digital signal in, is processed and the outputs are there at a suitable line level for amplifiers. A processor really has only 2 ch whereas what you want and are discussing has 6 channels out -> surround sound. To complicate terminology more, if the pre-processor has amplifiers as well it is called a receiver. In my old days a receiver was a tuner-pre & amp together, but no longer.
        If I was in your position I would be looking for a pre-processor that has a "direct" out, meaning no special processing apart from digital to analog -> stereo [signal to the main stereo amp only]. As mentioned above, check with others the "direct" gives you good sounding music.
        If you are buying new, make sure it has the capacity for Pro Logic II. IMO this is very close to DD 5.1 and is a significant improvement on PL I. As for other digital signal processing (DSP) with modes of odd sounding names, I would not be too fussy as all I have experienced so far mess up the stereo soundstage and detract from the music.
        Good hunting
        John
        
        Peace at AA

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