Dolby 5.1 and DTS decoders

[Gabevee]

Hello all,

I am thinking of getting my home theater wired up for full surround sound. Being in this group I hope you are assuming that I make my own amplifiers. However, I do not have enough knowledge (though I could work from a schematic and parts list, hint hint) to make my own Dolby digital and/or DTS decoder. I would like to know if anyone here knows of a model I can purchase.

My only other alternative is to buy a system with it built in and just rip out the crap amplfiiers and run it to my amps. Although that may be a waste, as I read and see that there is a movement to Dolby 6.1. Center channel rear. Give me a break!!! But, it may be cool after all.

Thanks much in advance!

[tiroth]

Bump. I'm also looking for a quality seperate that does DD/DTS96. DAC quality is not an issue, but cost is.

Anyone have any luck with the samplerate.com people?

[Gabevee]

I took a look at that site and below in fine print they say they only deal with manufacturers of systems. I am just going to buy a 5.1, DTS, etc. Receiver and make power amps. It would be cheaper that way. I can always replace the crap op amp chips with high quality ones, and since I am using tube power amps, well...

I didn't even think about the fact that I would need 5 or 6 ganged potentiometers for volume control. Yikes!

Gabe

[MazzPotential]

Hi, Gavebee,

You're thinking my thoughts.
I've trying to compose my own dd/dts or even THX(small or EX) system.
It's not that easy to find a decent schematic of a good dd/dts decoder. Even if you can find one, it's expensive to build one that meets good standards.
I was thinking of starting with a Harman Kardon reciever , not to expensive but 96 k/bitrate at 24 bits wide pre-outs, combined with some, yet to build own power amps. And take it from there?

If got some power-amp schematics if you're interested,

Mazz.

[tiroth]

Schematics are actually the easy part; the hard part is the application code. None of the surround-sound DSP chips that I am aware of are closed systems; they require an application code download at boot.

[Gabevee]

Thanks Mazz,

I am thinking of making four 300B tube SE amps for the five surrounds and center channel, and my p-p 15 WPC for the sub woofer. I never need more than those put out as they are now in stereo.

Otherwise, a MOSFET output p-p design I have been working on for some time.

But I wouldn't mind taking a look at your shcmeatics.

Thanks!

[Gabevee]

Jeepers. I must be suffering from dyslexia of the fingers!

I meant schematics, not shcmeatics.


Later!

[MazzPotential]

Geavebee,

If you could give a direction what kind of amplifier type you want to build. Are you looking for Tube schematics.
I've got several schematics ranging from 10 W to 100 W based on the EL34 tube, avail in three mode types : Ultralineair, Penthode and triode mode ?
If you're looking for SS schematics just give me some specs and we can discuss best maching schematics.

Mazz.

[blu_line]

I do not think it is worthwhile making your own DTS decoder.
Buy a good DVD player with 5.1 channel out and make a good pre- and power amp.

Probably, with good results, you could upgrade your DVD player by using other DAC's.

And if you are realy in to it, make 6 digital outputs and do the DA, pre- and power amp your self. Then you have the advantage of the decoder after all.

For those who are really not convinced, Hiteker uses a commercially available DTS decoder which could be used.

http://www.dvd-wizards.com/darrenk/ES4408.pdf

grtz

Simon

[promitheus]

Making your own decoder is not the easiest thing to do for a lot of reasons. As stated above there isn´t so much information on the chips. It´s better to buy somehting ready and use your own amps.