Receivers which can apply DPLIIx on 6CH Direct Input

amatala · 08-13-2005, 08:02 AM

Hello,

I know that higher-end H/K receivers like 435, 635 and 7300 can apply Dolby ProLogic IIx to the 6 Channel Direct Input, making it possible to listen to 5.1 discs in 7.1. According to some specialized reviews this function gives very interesting results with SACD and DVD-A.
Does anyone know if there are any other receivers than the above mentioned H/Ks which can offer the same functionality?

Thanks!

amatala · 08-14-2005, 06:41 AM

Well, I suppose the answer is 'no'...

FeisalK · 08-15-2005, 12:31 AM

I think poeple don't want to do it becasue it involves another AD/DA stage for that to happen, and totally renders SACD/DSD redundant

amatala · 08-15-2005, 05:51 AM

Well I currently have my Stereo SACD/CD player connected to my AVR via an analogue connection and I always use DPLII while listening to CDs and stereo SACDs. Even if a double A/D D/A conversion is involved, the result is great.
So, since this works so well with stereo SACDs I don't see why it shouldn't work to use DPLIIx on 5.1 SACDs ...
Of course that many people wouldn't want to do this, it's a matter of personal taste and opinion and I don't really want to discuss this.
I just want to know if there are any mid-range receivers that could use DPLIIx on 6CH Direct In. I'm rather interested in models like Denon 3805 or higher, Marantz SR7500 or higher, Arcam AVR250 or higher. I don't really care about Yamaha or Pioneer because I would never buy these brands, no matter which features they offer.

Thanks again!

FeisalK · 08-15-2005, 06:56 AM

I think the Anthem AVM20/30 does this .. but you're getting into the 3~4 K range of processors

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BrianWoerndle · 08-15-2005, 11:52 AM

Yeah, my AVM-20 will digitize the 6-ch input and then you can do what you want with it. You can probably find a used one for about $2k, just make sure to upgrade it to v2.20 for PLIIx. But the Anthem is only a pre/pro, so you will need seperate amps.

amatala · 08-15-2005, 04:00 PM

I have separate amps on all channels so this would not be a problem.
Still, I am quite surprised that H/K can make receivers with this feature for much less than $1000, while other mid-range products vendors don't offer this.
So it's either H/K or something like Anthem which is much more expensive ...

Ryan Leemhuis · 08-15-2005, 07:30 PM

um, I own a 435, which has most every feature that the 635 has and it can't do PLII on the 6 ch input...looks like you must be mistaken...

amatala · 08-16-2005, 01:43 AM

Hello,

I'm talking about DPLIIx (not DPLII) which is available only when you're running a 6.1/7.1 config.
Here is an excerpt from my AVR 430's owner's manual (this has been added to the manual only for the 'Software Version II' release and it only applies to the AVR430 with firmware upgrade):

'Dolby Pro Logic IIx is the latest extension of Dolby Pro Logic II technology that creates a discrete 6.1 and 7.1 sound field from matrix surround or two-channel
stereo sources in systems configured for surround back speakers. Both Movie and Music versions of Pro Logic IIx are available. These modes may also be applied to a six-channel source connected to the 8-Channel Direct Inputs so that the sound field is enhanced by adding back surround channels.'

Are you currently running in 7.1 ?

Ryan Leemhuis · 08-16-2005, 02:04 AM

ah that would explain it. Thanks for setting me straight.

No, I am not running 7.1. Sorry about my confusion

amatala · 08-16-2005, 01:58 PM

No need to apologize, it looks I was also wrong :b .
I have just contacted H/K support and they confirmed that this feature has been removed when they made AVR435 and AVR635 becaue 'It was found to be rarely used.'
So the H/K receivers which can offer this feature are AVR430, AVR630 (but both only with firmware upgrade to Software Release II !!!) and AVR7300.
So if I want to get a new receiver and keep this feature, my upgrade path looks kinda gloomy...

Seems like I'm stuck with my AVR430 forever (not really a problem for now since I absolutely love this receiver

).

Thanks again for all your replies!

rob-h · 08-16-2005, 03:04 PM

Yep, most receivers wont allow processing on direct inputs.