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In Reply to: You guys are not answering my question. posted by DickW on May 31, 2004 at 09:23:51:
This problem has been documented by several HomeTheater magazines and forums. The common complaint is that center channel information isn't as loud or as clear as one would expect with a discrete digital format. The only cure is to raise the center channel level a few dBs to bring it to a level that is comfortable for the user.Since you do not have a new surround receiver/processor, you are not decoding these new formats (Dolby Digital, DTS) in their native state. That said, are you using a DVD player that can decode Dolby Digital and DTS and output the down-converted 2-channel information on the analog stereo outputs or are you just listening to the 2-channel Dolby Surround track on the DVD? I have found that players doing the decoding and down-converting internally for 2-channel analog output are, at best, sub-optimal. That shouldn't be the case, but experience has proven otherwise.
By the way, no movies are Dolby Pro-Logic II encoded on DVD, but they can be Dolby Surround encoded.
If you don't want to spend big bucks, I would suggest the new Yamaha HTR-5760 receiver. You can get them for <$400 on the net (I saw a few units on ebay recently -- brand new, from online vendors -- with Buy It Now prices of $339 + shipping). Talk about inexpensive! If you'd like to use outboard amps and just let the receiver do the decoding of the DTS and Dolby Digital soundtracks on the DVD, this model also has 7.1 preamp outputs.
Here's a link to the HTR-5760. I would suggest that you do not go below this model (above is fine) for consideration:
Follow Ups:
Your response is succinct and hits my concerns with accuaracy. I have been too much a dedicated analog guy over the years and only in the last year have realized just how far behind the curve I am.So, my plan is to get an Outlaw 950. I am not a fan of receivers, although I guess they have improved in the last few years. I am willing to spend a few bucks to get movie sound satisfaction and assume the Outlaw 950 might be a step up from a receiver.
My next concern is whether to get the Outlaw or go to a Rotel 1068. The Rotel costs almost double the Outlaw 950 and the nearest dealer is 90 miles away. Is the Rotel worth the extra cost and inconvenience? CD playback sound is not a great concern. So many choices, so little time. . . .
Thanks again for your help.
Dick
You can find some reviews of each processor on the web. If you definitely need a processor, you might want to take a look at the new Sherwood Newcastle processor (P-965). It goes for about the same price as the Rotel and there are comparisons available at AVS Forum. I believe there is a dedicated thread comparing these two processors.I am not familiar with any of them (Outlaw, Rotel, Sherwood), as far actual listening goes, so sound-wise it's your decision. Here's a link to the Amps, Receivers and Processors part of AVS forum. You may have to use the Search function to get to the comparison threads:
Actually I have already read about all the reviews of all the products you mentioned, plus a lot of very favorable comments about the Outlaw 950.My main concern was dialog clarity and would it improve if the movie were decoded with DD or DTS instead of with my old DPL. You and others have convinced that digital is the way to go.
So, the Outlaw is convenient (on-line ordering) and it has a 30 day no questions asked return policy. Why not give it a try?
Dick
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