Hey all, i'm experimenting a bit with three-channel stereo on my next DIY speaker build. Not wanting to re-invent the wheel i was wondering if anyone out there has any recommendations for a decent surround sound decoder i could pick up used on ebay for say less than $150. I'm hoping to find electronics that attempt to create a true center channel, and left/right outputs from a standard stereo audio source. And not do the simple Center = L+R, L=L-R, R=R-L scheme often seen for simple setups. I think something like dolby pro logic II would do something like this, but to be honest that was a bit before my interest in audio and i'm having trouble understanding exactly what it's doing from reading online, and what products would be a good choice since they're a bit old now. Hoping to tap in to some knowledge here on the forum!
Just to clarify on my hopeful output of this box:
oh, and if it was able to be smaller than a full sized A/V receiver/amp combo that would be great, as I'm just after line level outs. But hey, i'll take what i can get!
thanks!!!
Just to clarify on my hopeful output of this box:
- a mono signal (same signal on left and right channels) only comes out the center channel
- a signal panned hard left, will only come out of the left channel (not left + center as you would get with the hafler/dynaco style center+L/R decode)
oh, and if it was able to be smaller than a full sized A/V receiver/amp combo that would be great, as I'm just after line level outs. But hey, i'll take what i can get!
thanks!!!
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You should be able to find Dolby Pro Logic decoder boxes on ebay; that would be the easiest option; you may find such boxes locally at pawn shops or used audio dealers. But it'd be easier to pick up an old AVR locally; almost anything will include Dolby Pro Logic. Some AVRs included preamp outputs. It might be feasible to extract the DPL processor board, if either a service manual for the AVR is available or a data sheet for the chip. There's probably a sweet spot in the years between Dolby Surround and Dolby Digital where the surround chip was highly integrated but not so complex that it depends on software to configure it.
Maybe this fits to your needs? Arcam Xeta 2, sturdy three channel Dolby Pro Logic amp Arcam A/V Processor XETA 2 Handbook (Page 5 of 17) | ManualsLib
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