Video Asylum

Posted by CB in MD on October 06, 2002 at 08:41:29

In Reply to: Is there a low cost processor that will do Dolby digital and prologic with volume control? posted by mistergroovy on October 04, 2002 at 12:33:04:

Another approach I've taken to integrating HT with purist 2 channel audio is the McCormack MAP-1 preamp.

I recently took delivery of the 5th unit off the assembly line and it has been wonderful. Basically, it is a revamp of the RLD-1 expanded to allow 2x 5.1 inputs and 1x 5.1 outputs. I use the onboard decoding of my Sony NS500 DVD/SACD player to feed the mutli-channel outputs. It works great with multi-channel Video and pure Audio (SACD) material. I also feed my TV/VHS (little used these days) through the MAP-1. To enhance 2 channel material, the MAP-1 has an optional circuit you can engage called ARM (Ambience recovery module) which using only analog methods extracts rear and center channel information if so desired. The cool thing about this is it happens all in the analog domain so it works on all two channel material including cd, vinyl, vhs, etc. Details are scarce but I am led to believe it uses some ideas borrowed from the old Hafler circuit wiring method (e.g send left and right pos signal to third channel which outputs only ambience because everything else cancels out). As a side note, I had a hafler hookup in my VW Bug in the late 70's with the third speaker mounted behind the rear seat on a ledge!

Anyway, you might want to check out the MAP-1. There's more than one way to skin the HT beast.

-CB

• McCormack Audio