Video Asylum

Posted by John C. - Aussie (B) on April 15, 2002 at 23:48:27

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