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pre-pro for only 129.99??? (1 Viewer)

Geno

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Oct 1, 2001
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I purchased the Midiland ADS 4000 last week and finally got time to play around with it over the weekend. For reference, I have a jvc dvd player and a b&k video 5 [5x105]
My speakers are no bigger than bookshelves so I cant really get too trechnical.
Although I believe this was designed for a pc/gaming application, it works with my HT. I purchased this unit because 1) I am trying to stay within budget, 2)I wanted a remote control. I previously used the dvd player's decoder and used a DIY passive preamp [no remote] 3)I wanted DPL for cable tv.
This little bugger has DD, DTS, DPL, 3speaker, stadium, theater, and music settings. Bass management, delay settings, volume settings. DD and DTS are auto-detected.
First off, here are the only problems I have encountered so far. When I turn on my TV, there is a gap in sound for a second. If I isolate my tv from the Midiland, outlet wise, this shouldnt happen. Also, when I am changing volume, I hear a click or something at multiples of 10. Lowest volume is -74 db and highest is 0. I listen from -40 to -15 depending on time of day/what I am listening to.
Besides those things, I am happy with my purchase. It did sound a bit bright to me, but as I said, my speakers are far from perfect and I cannot make many assumtions. This unit is great for those just getting into seperates or for those looking for a receiver just for the pre-outs. It does not include a tuner. Also, it does not deal with any video signals at all, which might make things a bit confusing when switching inputs.
All in all I give it a 8/10
It could probably use better circutry inside and I wish it was THX capable.
For more info, go to www.midiland.com
Model # ADS 4000
Price: $129.99
go to http://www.midiland.com/manuals.asp
for detailed info.
I will try to answer any questions you might have
geno
 

Geno

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Oct 1, 2001
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637
I know, there was no way I'd spend $2000 on a nice pre-pro.
Just not in my budget. This unit basically completes my setup. now I can upgrade to some nice speakers and have some $$$ left over! I wonder if any other companies have any products like this one
 

Jason Wilcox

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Feb 21, 2002
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652
klipsch makes something very similiar....pretty much identical

only downside is the lack of 5.1 analog inputs for SACD or DVD-A...right?

Edit: also, what is the LFE crossover set at? is it adjustable?
 

Geno

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Oct 1, 2001
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Yeah, dang I would have spent just a bit more for the klipsch if I had known. Analog inputs on the midiland are mini jacks. I only use one input though so it dont really matter.
Bass management has 4 settings, I havent hooked up sub yet so I havent played with it.
 

John Parris

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Aug 10, 2002
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I can't find the product on Klipsch's website-- anyone have a link to the product info site?
Anywho- very interesting development. I know a lot of people with soundcards with optical output but no onboard DD/DTS, so this would be of great interest to them I think. Thanks for the heads-up. Great idea. :emoji_thumbsup:
 

Geno

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Oct 1, 2001
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Link Removed
There you go John
PS Klipsch is selling Star Wars computer speakers????
 

Jason Wilcox

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Feb 21, 2002
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geno....when you have the time i'd really appreciate it if you could find out what frequencies you could set the LFE crossover at.
 

Geno

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Oct 1, 2001
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look at the link to the manual above, it might tell you otherwise, ill let you know tommorow
 

Arthur S

Senior HTF Member
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Jul 2, 1999
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This is an interesting critter indeed, especially the Klipsch version. It reminds me of the Technics SH-AC500D except maybe the 500 can do a little more with 6 channel pass through.

My SH-AC500 is not functioning properly and this could be an inexpensive replacement.

Geno

Thanks for the interesting post.

Artie
 

Martin Rendall

Screenwriter
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Dec 5, 2000
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Reading the manual (available online), it crosses over at 120 htz only. But combine this device with an Outlaw ICBM, and it could be a pretty winning combo - if it sounds any good, of course.

It even offers time delay for the surround speakers!

Martin.
 

Jason Wilcox

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Feb 21, 2002
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hmm....it mentions the LFE for dolby digital being 20-120hz. but it's sorta sketchy. hopefully it isn't 120hz as that would make it easy to point out where the sub is due to localization at the higher frequencies.

Edit: martin beat me to it! anybody know what the LFE crossover is on the klipsch?
 

Geno

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Oct 1, 2001
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Ill do some tests tonite to see If I can change the LFE xover point. I thought I read somewhere that i could...
 

Jason Wilcox

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Feb 21, 2002
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652
oh! ok

hmm...i say we all write some emails to the guys at klipsch and midiland to include 6 channel analog inputs and an adjustable LFE crossover on the next version of their decoders. midiland especially because klipsch makes a pre/pro (aragon).
 

Martice

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Jan 20, 2001
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hmm...i say we all write some emails to the guys at klipsch and midiland to include 6 channel analog inputs and an adjustable LFE crossover on the next version of their decoders. midiland especially because klipsch makes a pre/pro (aragon).
I think it was mentioned above that for the price of the Midiland processor and a seperate ICBM form OUtlaw Audio, why would internal bass management be a big issue? The ICBM is $249.00 and the Midiland is $180. Hmmm, that's $430.00 for both which is still a steal.

I'm waiting for the sound quality feedback because this sounds very interesting.
 

Jason Wilcox

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Feb 21, 2002
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652
yeah but i think it is sorta silly to buy the ICBM for $70 more than the pre/pro. for $430 you can get a pretty descent receiver to use as a pre/pro (with 6 channel analog inputs and an LFE crossover less than 100hz)

a logitech speaker system which should be released in a few months comes with a decoder with dts, DD, DPLII, and 6 channel analog inputs. Hopefully they sell it separately.
 

Martice

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Jan 20, 2001
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a logitech speaker system which should be released in a few months comes with a decoder with dts, DD, DPLII, and 6 channel analog inputs. Hopefully they sell it separately.
Now that sounds interesting. If it comes off with limited bugs and sounds competative and sells for under $200.00 then it's something to scratch my chin at. However, I doubt that it would when this is the same company that sells a remote control keyboard for $100.00. Then again you never know.
 

Miklsan K

Agent
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Jan 9, 2002
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Just out of curiousity, what is the least expensive preamp or receiver on the market that features analog bass management for SACD and DVD-A?
 

Geno

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Oct 1, 2001
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637
Looks like a few more pc/gaming speaker companies are joining the bandwagon. Ive seen a couple of other "little boxes" like the midiland and the Klipsch. Ill try to post them as I see them
 

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