Video Asylum

Posted by bstan (A) on February 26, 2003 at 14:01:19

In Reply to: Integrating 5.1 HDTV soundtrack in a 2 channel separates system-suggestions? posted by padreken on February 24, 2003 at 13:20:56:

You can probably get any receiver (with say 5 channels of amplification) that does DD/DTS/DPL-II these days. You just need to confirm that it has the following features:
1) 5.1 preamp outputs (this lets you still use your tube preamp's processor loop inputs for L&R mains)
2) 5 amplifier inputs(typically jumpered to the 5 preamp outputs)
3) Enough digital inputs for DVD, HDTV cable box, + future?
4) Enough watts/channel to drive your center and surround speakers

5) 5.1 analog inputs for SACD, DVD-A, or the 5.1 analog outs from your current DVD player. This last is not really necessary, but it would allow you to compare the receiver's DD/DTS processing to that of the DD/DTS processing from your DVD player.

You can probably select a receiver from Yamaha, HK, Denon, Sony, etc, as long as it has the above features (for sure #1-4) on it's spec sheet and meets your price targets.

The fundametal change is to let the receiver do the DD/DTS processing instead of your DVD player. It will probably have better bass management anyway, as well as DPL-II processing for any normal stereo TV or VCR sources.