Easy,cheap modification to make my 10 year old sony A/V receiver decode digital dolby 5.1?

Question

It's a pro logic decoder with high-end specs. STR-DE605.----------It delivers near studio quality sound. Works great with VHS dolby surround,pro logic encoded,tapes but sucks at DVD digital sound decoding. Can it be custom modified at a thrifty price?

Answer 1

Short answer - full 5.1 cheap & easy: no, but why?

Most any DD 5.1 source (DVD, HD cable, game console) will also put out down-converted 2-channel signals that are compatible with your pro-logic receiver. That is, the source component is doing the decoding work you want; the resulting mix is not 5.1 but is something like 4.0 (which is what pro Logic provides), and, assuming everything is set up correctly should sound equally great on your good DPL system as any VHS tape.

I'm assuming you know this and really want the full 5.1 experience (that is, discrete full-range surround channels). I'm afraid there's no cost-effective and/or easy way to do this. One kludgy option is to use a source that puts out 5.1 analog channels (that is, it has a dolby digital decoder built in and full RCA outputs for each channel), and run the surround channels to a *different* stereo amplifier as L and R inputs, letting that amp do the rear-channel work. You can run the subwoofer (.1) channel to a powered sub directly from the source component. You still have a problem, however, with the center channel in this situation and, depending on whether your DPL unit has a center channel input (doubtful) you may have to devise a way to create a "phantom" center.

In the long run, you'll probably be happier with your DPL system, properly set up, than any such kludge. If you must have 5.1 (or 6.1 or 7.1 for that matter) you'd best upgrade your receiver.

Good luck

Answer 2

I have not seen an outboard Dolby Digital processor in years. I saw Yamaha DDP-1 on e-may for about $500, but nothing else lately.

If you reciever has 5.1 input, you can plug DVD using this input. If not - you are out of luck.

If you have more than one Dolby digital source - DVD and Cable/Satellit reciever, you can get a cheap reciever with Dobly DIgital processor, and plug it's 5.1 output to your reciever's 5.1 input.

Of just get a new receiver - DE605 is nice, but there are newer ones which can deliver compatible or better sound. Check out Rotel, Arcam, better Denons, Outlaw. New Sony ES serioes is not bad either.

Answer 3

If your receiver is 10 years old- I wound not put any more money into it than you have to.

You would be better off purchasing a newer unit, but for the money- you may want to consider separates this time around. You'll get even better sound, but if you keep your equipment until it fails, you'll get more mileage out of this set-up as when the processing changes (which happens all the time) you will only need to get a new preamp/ processor- your existing amp would still power everything, and as your system grows/ gets more "hi-end" you can always add amp channels, bi-amp, or if you're a freak like me- tri-amp...

Answer 4

You need a digital processor. I don't see many new but saw some on e-bay.

You will need to input your digital devices into whichever decoder you get and connect with audio cables( highest quality you can afford) to the 5.1 input of your receiver. I was only able to see that the 625 had this not sure about the 605. then select the 6 channel input and you are good to go.

Answer 5

He's 10 they're probably just his friends. Stop reading too much into it, if they are those kind of calls why does your son give out your number and think this is okay? Take some responsibility and show the boy some morals instead of coming to Yahoo talking nonsense, how old are you? 15? Acting like a child.

Answer 6

You need an external dolby digital processor. These used to be pretty common a while back but since a/v amps have the processor built in they aren't as popular as before. You may need to look at sites like ebay for people who might be getting rid of theirs.