Surround sound to pro amp

[not a wizard]

Does anyone know how to convert digital signals, such as HDMI, to multiple analog signals for surround sound? The pro amplifiers do not have the surround sound decoder built-in. Is it possible to use a pro amplifier for a surround sound system?

 

[Wayne A. Pflughaupt]

It requires a processor to decode a Dolby Digital or DTS signal and convert it to an analog signal that a professional amplifier could use as an input. There are stand-alone processors that can do it, but typically an audio-video receiver (AVR) is the most economical method. Most AVRs have their own amplifiers built-in, but also have pre-amp outputs that could be used to send signal to outboard amplifiers.

Regards,
Wayne

 

[not a wizard]

I have thought about using a receiver in some form. However, how does
One apply DSP to the surround signals? Thanks!

 

[Wayne A. Pflughaupt]

Most AVRs these days do that automatically.

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

 

[not a wizard]

My friend likes to control his DSP precisely. He wrote his own program to help his analysis and processing. He generally uses about 64 freq EQ. I’m also going to have him help me EQ my signals. So there lies the problem. Whether to have control over sound processing or give up control and have surround sound!!

 

[Todd Anderson]

The processing power of decent equipment, be it an AVR or standalone DAC, is so good these days, I'd go for the surround sound. The better the processor, the more control you have over the end result anyway. But, each to their own!

 

[RDaneel2]

Just catching up on the week's posts...

I was faced with the same question about 2 years ago - not really knowing if there is a solution to this problem, or what to call it if it exists... the functionality you are looking for is [these days] called a "pre/pro" - short for "preamp/processor".

This family of devices is essentially a modern AVR ("Audio/Video Receiver") - but without the amplification being built-in.

Basically, yes, you do need something that is able to decode the various formats of multi-channel material - as well as doing some potentially complex DSP work for you, ranging from simple "tone controls" to extremely sophisticated "room correction" equalization.

Once you have some or all of this in place, then you get to select your amplifiers... these of course come in 2-channel form (for normal Front Left and Front Right), 3-channel (adding a Center), possibly 4-channel just for your overheads in a full "immersive sound" setup, as well as various Rear and Side surround channels.

If you will be, say, using your home theater setup for at least semi-serious music listening also, then you could do something like using a higher-end 2 channel amp (and speakers) for your Fronts, and possibly more "average" amplification for the rest... but this discussion can turn into a "religious" war pretty quickly (opinions diverge).

Good luck!