Outboard decoders/processors (1 Viewer)

[Jay_H]

Does anyone currently make an outboard decoder for DD/DTS and the newer surround formats? I'm looking for something along the lines of the old Technics SH-AC500, but with additional format compatibilty. I haven't been able to find one, although I have not really kept up with audio components upstream of speakers since 1998 or so.

When these things were all over the place, I was not only a poor student, but a poor student who had recently moved across the Atlantic. So I never bought one to supplement my Marantz DPL preamp/proc/tuner (AV600). The Marantz is still working fine, still sounds good, and I am comfortable with it ergonomically. So I don't want to scrap it.

Does anyone make something that will fit the bill? Or should I scour eBay and Audiogon for an old Technics piece?
(The Marantz/HK one, if I remember right, did not support DTS.)


Peace,

Jay

 

[RichardMA]

You really don't have anything out there that will integrate
with your Marantz. Most "stand alone" decoders are single
format, either DD or DTS. They are generally not available
new anymore. Sony, Rotel, Adcom, Denon, Marantz all made
various types. You could buy a couple of them
but you need "pass through" capability to use them all
together. Also, you need more than 5 amplifiers to run
the new sound formats that require it. There are no stand
alone Pro-Logic II decoders except for one automotive unit
made by Fosgate. You are better off buying a new
preamp that supports all the modes.