Outboard DTS-HD Master Processor

[prerich]

I think a unit like this is just around the corner. Just like AC3 and DTS, when they came out - they made it to receivers first. Two wise companies - Pioneer Elite and Yamaha made outboard processors for people with seperates systems. They were soon followed by Harman Kardon, ADA, Chiro, Denon and Marantz, this only makes since. I for one would not hesitate to buy an outboard processor. Here's my ideal of one.

1. It would handle TrueHD, DTS-HD, DTS-HD Master, DVD-Audio, and SACD.

2. It would consist of HDMI inputs, 7.1 analog outputs (it will connect to a preamp's multi channel inputs, all next-gen processing would be handled by the ...processor), 7.1 loop for DVD-Audio and SACD switched at the processor.

3. Built in HDMI switcher with 3 assignable HDMI outputs for multiple displays.

4. Convert all codecs to lossless, uncompressed, LPCM - output to analog.

5. Firmware upgradable via USB port to a PC or from a jumpdrive.

I know many of the receiver types will deem this uneccessary and over the top, but some of us really like to keep our paths separate. If one part breaks down - we don't have to trash the whole thing. I am and will always be a diehard separates person.

Receivers are only for functioning as pre/pros (IMO) plus, to get the neccessary preouts - you generally have to buy the best receiver. An outboard processor generally only cost as much as an entry-level receiver - you get what you really need without buying uneccessary amplification or source selection.

How many of you separates people would do this (if you haven't already bought the Denon for $6,000 or the Integra for $1600? Would you buy a $350to $500 outboard processor that offers these things?

[richteer]

Originally Posted by prerich

How many of you separates people would do this (if you haven't already bought the Denon for $6,000 or the Integra for $1600? Would you buy a $350to $500 outboard processor that offers these things?

Very interesting idea. I'd certainly consider it, assuming the quality was up there.

[prerich]

Originally Posted by richteer

Very interesting idea. I'd certainly consider it, assuming the quality was up there.

Good to hear from you! I would think that the top notch CE's would jump on this opprotunity. Customeers would appreciate the new life added to their expensive Pre/Pro's and would more than likely upgrade when a breakthrough product was produced.

[rarredoa]

I think this would be an awesome idea!!!!!!...

[Sir Terrence]

Originally Posted by prerich

I think a unit like this is just around the corner. Just like AC3 and DTS, when they came out - they made it to receivers first. Two wise companies - Pioneer Elite and Yamaha made outboard processors for people with seperates systems. They were soon followed by Harman Kardon, ADA, Chiro, Denon and Marantz, this only makes since. I for one would not hesitate to buy an outboard processor. Here's my ideal of one.

1. It would handle TrueHD, DTS-HD, DTS-HD Master, DVD-Audio, and SACD.

2. It would consist of HDMI inputs, 7.1 analog outputs (it will connect to a preamp's multi channel inputs, all next-gen processing would be handled by the ...processor), 7.1 loop for DVD-Audio and SACD switched at the processor.

3. Built in HDMI switcher with 3 assignable HDMI outputs for multiple displays.

4. Convert all codecs to lossless, uncompressed, LPCM - output to analog.

5. Firmware upgradable via USB port to a PC or from a jumpdrive.

I know many of the receiver types will deem this uneccessary and over the top, but some of us really like to keep our paths separate. If one part breaks down - we don't have to trash the whole thing. I am and will always be a diehard separates person.

Receivers are only for functioning as pre/pros (IMO) plus, to get the neccessary preouts - you generally have to buy the best receiver. An outboard processor generally only cost as much as an entry-level receiver - you get what you really need without buying uneccessary amplification or source selection.

How many of you separates people would do this (if you haven't already bought the Denon for $6,000 or the Integra for $1600? Would you buy a $350to $500 outboard processor that offers these things?

What you are describing can be incorporated into a pre-pro, so creating a product like this will be looked at as redundant.

[musicman1999]

I have to agree with Sir T on this one, i would have no interest in any such unit it would complicate your system needlessly. I recall the AC-3 units you talked about and if you recall they were not on the market long.

bill

[prerich]

Originally Posted by Sir Terrence

What you are describing can be incorporated into a pre-pro, so creating a product like this will be looked at as redundant.

Not including the complex switching of a prepro (rather simple HDMI and little else) would drive the cost of such a unit down from the $2000.00 average pre/pro price. Who wants to replace their new Lexicon all because it doesn't have HDMI 1.3?

[prerich]

Originally Posted by musicman1999

I have to agree with Sir T on this one, i would have no interest in any such unit it would complicate your system needlessly. I recall the AC-3 units you talked about and if you recall they were not on the market long.

bill

Where I worked - we sold a lot of them. That was my major way of upgrading people that were not willing to take the plunge into a full scaled Denon AVP-8000 - because they just bought a Fosgate Model 3A just 8 months prior. Even in the high-end we have people that look for value.

[richteer]

Originally Posted by Sir Terrence

What you are describing can be incorporated into a pre-pro, so creating a product like this will be looked at as redundant.

I respectfully disagree. I agree that most people would just go for the all-in-one solution, but it occurs to me that such an external DTS-MA (et al) processor would be the AV equivelent of a phono preamp. Yes, if one looks hard enough, one can find preamps with a built in phono preamp. But not many vinyl junkies would consider a high end system complete without a decent separate phono preamp.

[Woody]

Originally Posted by richteer

I respectfully disagree. I agree that most people would just go for the all-in-one solution, but it occurs to me that such an external DTS-MA (et al) processor would be the AV equivelent of a phono preamp. Yes, if one looks hard enough, one can find preamps with a built in phono preamp. But not many vinyl junkies would consider a high end system complete without a decent separate phono preamp.

There is a big difference between the need for a good phono preamp and what the OP is suggesting.

[richteer]

Originally Posted by Woody

There is a big difference between the need for a good phono preamp and what the OP is suggesting.

OK. Perhaps a more apropos comparison would be the use of external DACs on high end CD/SACD players?

[Woody]

Originally Posted by richteer

OK. Perhaps a more apropos comparison would be the use of external DACs on high end CD/SACD players?

Maybe a little more similar, but still very different.

External DACs for CD and high end phono preamps are available to "improve" on what is already "there". These are normally very expensive and esoteric pieces. ie: you can play your CDs in a normal player and your records through a normal phono preamp. Normal CD players have DACs, and normal preamps have phono preamps in them.

Their external versions "function" is to improve your AQ.

The piece that the OP is suggesting decodes DTS HDMA/THD/PCM as its only "function". Will this piece decode DTS HDMA "better" than the 1 player that currently decodes it and outputs it via analog? Or will it decode PCM/THD "better" than the numerous players that decode these 2 codecs?

Most current receivers and a few current pre/pros will decode this internally along with PCM and Dolby THD.

Also the OP comparing this to AC3 decoders at the advent of DVD is not a good comparison. AC3 was a complete revolution in AQ the differences between AC3 and Pro Logic were enormous in AQ AND technology. The new codecs are "jazzed up" versions of DD and DTS. (discreet audio channels 1 sub, etc)

We have 3 avenues to get lossless audio on BR. At the advent of DVD there was 1 way to get AC3, there were no other options. Also I don't believe even high-end preamps back then had 6 analog ins. (I could be wrong, I forget on that)

For $350-$500 would it have a better internal decoding (better processing)and better analog section (bass management, speaker distances, crossover points, multiple crossover points for all channels) than say a $400 BR player or the $2000 Denon?

IMO there are just way too many variables for this to be effective nowadays.