Audio only surround sound processor?
oxymoron -- Tue, 05/23/2006 - 08:41
So, does anyone sell a processor without all the video input/outputs?
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Perhaps not in the way you mean (assuming processor implies Dolby Digital decoding), but conrad-johnson has the MET-1 5 channel tube preamp, and similarly McCormack has a 5 channel preamp. I think Audio Research may have a similar device, and perhaps others. If you use these, you can use the DD decoding in the DVD player (and of course SACD/DVD-A players have only analog outputs).
But another question might be, what difference does it make if a processor has video switching?
CEO and Editorial Director, Nextscreen LLC
Tom,
You pose an interesting question. I think bypassing video switching offers several potential advantages:
* Reduced noise (consider the number of AVRs and controllers that offer switches to turn off video circuitry to achieve lower noise).
* Simpler signal paths (at the end of the day, the cleanest signal path is the one that runs straight from the source component to the display--provided the display offers enough inputs to handle all your source components).
* Reduced costs (my thought: good video switching circuits aren't free, and neither are video cables).
Your thoughts?
Best,
Chris Martens
Audio Editor, The Perfect Vision
Senior Writer, The Absolute Sound
Chris Martens
Editor, Avguide.com/Playback/The Perfect Vision