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What's Good 5.1 pre/pre with DD, DTS, DPL II

I decided to go 5.1 instead 7.1 at this time. Take some complexity out of it.

I figured what I'm goning to use the most is DD or DTS for DVD movies, and DPL II for VHS or TV viewing and occasionally for Music beside the good old 2ch stereo.

DPL II and DTS Neo:6 is equivalent and I heard DPL II is better .

So, DD, DTS, DPLII and
good internal DAC for CD playing.
5.1 analog input will be nice but not really necessary

What are the pre/pro choices for this at around $1500 - $2500 street price.
eandylee
distortion
571 posts
 
Bryston is a chip based software upgrade. I upgraded my SP1.7, it was $50.00 and included two chips, a chip tool, and all new case screws. It was easy.

The SP1.7 is devoid of bells and whistles, really straight forward, and downright easy to use. No video switching though!

I think the only difference between the two is the 5.1 input. I dont know about the SP1 and DPLII. I like it(DPLII) and wouldnt want to do without it, or DTS:Neo 6, for that matter. You better check with Bryston to see if those are available through chip upgrades in the SP1.
jamesw20
270 posts
 
I must agree, the bryston is simple but elegant. It is more refined if that's a good term. The meridian, and I prefer this to lexicon all day, is refined but yet a great toy for geeks like myself.

JWH
sdcampbell
2,136 posts
 
Distortion: you may have had a chip upgrade done to your SP1.7, but that is not the same as having a SP1 upgraded to the 1.7 version. The upgrade from 1.0 to 1.7 is very extensive: replacement of the rear panel inputs to include 5.1 jacks for SACD/DVD-A, output jacks for 6.1 and 7.1 channel output, updated surround-sound processor formats (such as Dolby PL2), etc. The last time I checked, the cost for the conversion was $1000, plus another $200 for the newer remote.
eandylee OP
124 posts
 
I don't need the rear panel changed for SACD/DVD-A, also I don't need output for 6.1 and 7.1

I just want the update for DPLII.

Is it something simple standard update?

I'm goning to cantact Bryston but if anybody has any experience with it...
distortion
571 posts
 
SD, thats true and I didnt mean to imply that. Sorry. The chip is a software upgrade only. The 5.1 inputs and the 7.1 outputs are unique to the SP1.7 or factory upgraded SP1's.

I am still not sure you must have a SP1.7 in order to upgrade to the newer surround software decoding/encoding (DPLII/DTS:neo 6). Currently my setup is 5.1. It seems logical that the SP1 "could" handle DPLII with the proper software. I digress, that logic could be flawed. For instance, the SP1's boards may not have the proper configuration for the DSP engine.

I would like to add that, not only is James Tanner extremely attentive. Ann Forbes with Bryston (who handled my chip purchase) is just as attentive and professional.
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