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In Reply to: Will 5.1 be obsolete in a few years? posted by Jim P. on October 11, 2000 at 07:43:05:

but this doesn't mean that you can't fully enjoy your system as is. This is why everyone is stressing backwards compatibility with the various new formats (DDex, DTS EX, etc.EX). The nice thing is that you can always add an external processor to pick up much of these effects if you wish (I have a Krell HTS and I added the ADA add-on unit for the EX effects along with an extra pair of speakers (for the back channel) and an amp. It was not a big deal to do it, and I enjoy the addition of the additional speakers for all listening (EX or not). However, EX doesn't render the system obsolete just as you can still enjoy dolby surround on a 5.1 system. Check out the recent issue of Widescreen Review for a further discussion of these various formats. My understanding is that the only potential problem will be some of the emerging formats surrounding (no pun intended) DTS.

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info on ADA? Jim P. 03:50:55 10/13/00 (4)
Where did you get the ADA unit? I have the amp and speakers and this would seemingly be pretty simple. How much does the ADA cost?
I don't want to be limited if the sound is worth it as I've not heard 7.1 yet.
Thanks,
Jim P.
- Re: info on ADA? chris e. 04:59:42 10/13/00 (3)
  I got the ADA from a local dealer -- you can call ADA and find out if they have someone local in your area (I don't know if they allow for internet/mail order sales). The ADA processor was $400 as I recall (there is an alternative made by Circle Surround, I think, that is $300 -- check Widescreen issues from last spring because they did a full review of the Circle Surround unit) and it is very simple to use and install. You just take your surround outputs from the 5.1 system and run them into the processor, and it provides outputs for two side surrounds as well as 1 or 2 back channels (they run in mono in any case -- I use 2 backs just to get a bit more uniform sound) that are then routed to your amp. The ADA even has a relatively simple calibration procedure so that you can set the levels of the sides and back using a sound (spl) meter. Once it is set, you can just forget it although there is an option to turn it off and then you'll just be running a straight 5.1 system (it routes the signal to just the side surrounds as I recall -- I just leave it on all of the time).
  The sound? It is very nice and a reasonable improvement beyond 5.1 for the coherence and wrap around of the soundfield. On a few disks like The Haunting it is VERY effective (a 5.1 ex disk), and you even get some nice "over the head" (sound seems to come from directly behind over your head to the front channels) effects (e.g., Austin Powers 2 scene in the disco).
  I had this contrasted with a 7.1 Meridian system that I used to have (the Meridian did an extra set of side surrounds several years ago) and the Krell-ADA system is much more convincing in my view. Mind you, I use 2 pairs of Martin Logan SL3's for my side and back speakers and they are very good at creating the enveloping effect.
  Is it worth it? It depends if you have the extra 400 to spend -- I find it worth it on all disks, not just ex ones because it creates this more comprehensive field.
  - ADA info Jim P. 02:34:01 10/15/00 (2)
    Thanks for the info and I'll definately look into the ADA processor. Sounds like it might save me some $ and be an improvement to boot. I really don't feel like telling the wife that I need a new receiver or pre/pro unit.
    - and the ada is a small box... chris e. 12:06:26 10/16/00 (1)
      Size counts (as they say) -- and the ada is small so it doesn't look like it must have cost much. I know, not terribly logical, but the spouse acceptance factor is always an important one.
      - Thanks Chris, I appreciate the response nad the WAF argument!!! Jim P. 02:45:43 10/17/00 (0)
        
        In Reply to: and the ada is a small box... posted by chris e. on October 16, 2000 at 12:06:26:
        
        I think, hope, that the ADA device will keeo me current in my progression through the H/T maze. I live on a "fixed" income through the VA and trying to convince my wife I "need" a new proccesor will probably get me commited! LOL!
        JIm P.

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