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In Reply to: affordable dd/dts processor posted by kslim on December 12, 2001 at 09:41:38:
I have a Technics SH500 DD/DTS processor (about $150 on ebay) that does a very good job for me of decoding DD-5.1 and DTS-5.1 for HT, with an optical connection to the DVD player. I'm 90%/10% music/HT.But, I don't like the way the SH500 seems to butcher a digital PCM signal for 2-channel, so I've incorporated a separate 2-channel preamp for music into this combo music/HT system - i.e. my CDP and TT are connected to my 2-channel preamp and the processor isn't even turned on when I'm listening to music.
bstan
Follow Ups:
... which the dealer repaired - some of the soldering joints had dried out. However it sounded pretty dreadful in this system so it was disposed of. Maybe the unit was still faulty although I had no complaints from the guy I sold it to (via Audiogon).The SH500 is relatively old technology and DACs has improved dramatically in the last few years so I'd be surprised if better units are not around within your budget. Having said that I cannot advise you of any particular DAC to gun for :-(
Maybe you might do better to upgrade to a DVD player with inbuilt DD processor. I have a Philips Q50 with built in DAC coming in the next couple of days and I understand this highly praised player can be purchased there for around the $400+ mark. Unfortunately my processor is not fitted with inputs for 5 or 7 analog channels so I will not be able to tell you how good the Philips internal DAC is vs the external(I'm too lazy to want to shift all those interconnects!).
Bottom line is you are correct in targetting the DAC. IMO most criticism of bad digital sound, either 2CH or surround, can be zeroed back to the DAC.
Good hunting
John
John,Sorry for your troubled experience, but for me the DD and DTS from the Technics are quite good - despite the age of the product. Yes, I have listened to many high-end HT systems including Meridian, Proceed, and McIntosh.
My main complaint of the Technics is the PCM output from this processor, it is harsh and brittle compared to the analog output of my CDP.
Since I don't use the PCM output from the Technics processor, this is not an issue. If anyone is looking for a cost effective DD5.1/DTS5.1 processor, I still think this is a heck of a bargain.
If music is your primary passion with a desire to have some HT capability, this is a certainly a viable and inexpensive option.
bstan
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