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In Reply to: All the sound is in PCM digital, it is .... posted by John C. - Aussie on October 11, 2000 at 14:29:56:
I am not looking for surround sound. However, something is lost when playing back Dolby Digital DVDs in this type of configuration. Stereophile had an article a few years back about how Dolby Digital can be down converted, or something, for those who do not have a Dolby Digital capable system. They noted, and I concur, that there is a loss in dynamics, particularly bass. Yes, the ideal would be to simply go the home theater route, but at present I can't do that. There are no problems with Dolby Pro Logic material in terms of dynamics (again, I am not talking about surround effects behind my head). My question is whether or not a surround processor capable of handling Dolby Digital can be configured for two channel thus avoiding this down conversion process and maintaining the dynamics. I recall that my old Pro Logic processor had the feature of placing all ambient info in the two front left and right speakers. I don't know if Dolby Digital processors can do the same thing. Again, thanks for any help.
Follow Ups:
Our Meridian has a selection of sources including "Direct", which is not truly direct because the volume is in the digital domain so all analog signals are upconverted, then down again. Fortunately it is an utterly transparent process with this unit although not so for all processors.So, to answer your question, what you need is a processor with a choice of DSP's which includes "direct". I guess this will achieve what you want and give you the option of Dolby surround later if you want it.
However it is only fair to add that many of the latest Dolby releases are well engineered and the surround sound is a pleasure to listen to. Some non movie documentaries and musical concerts are also sucessfully DD encoded although some are not so hot.
With SACD & DVD-A surround around the corner I suggest you choose a processor carefully with these in mind. The best option now might be a good used unit which will depreciate less when you are ready to make the next move. Many inmates have praised the earlier Meridian units and these occur relatively frequently on the used scene. However there could be quite a few others which would suit your purpose. Warning though, I read that many (e.g. Lexicon) that do movies well are not so good on music.
Hope this assists
Peace at AA
John
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