Processors with best steering logic for HT

[tigerhonaker]

Here is what I would like to read about here on AA.

I'm really not sure if this is the correct place for this question.
But had to pick a spot and this is where I ended up.

I have been reading about the Integra DHC-80.3 surround processor.
I now have the Integra Research RDC7 processor.

The real reason I have been checking into this new processor is this;
the new audio formats that have come out since mine was new,
especially the 7.1 surround.

So let me see if I can word this to where my question makes sense to you guys.

I'm wanting to know which processors have the best ability to steer the sound to each individual speaker in a HT system.

Like a 7.1 or in my case mine would be I suppose a 7.4 as I have 4-Subs.

I'm wondering if all of them are actually very close to one another as far as sending the information to each speaker.
I do know that the source one is listening to and watching has to contain the 7.1 in the 1st place.
What comes to my mind is a BD with the audio that has the 5.1 or 7.1 encoded on it.
Then the processor has to have the ability to decode that information.
That is why I am reading about the New Integra 80.3 processor.

I may be doing a very poor job of explaining what I am wanting to know here.
But hopefully some of you that are really into this sort of thing know what I am asking.

If any of you in (Simple) words could add some insight into this subject I certainly would like reading what you have to say.

I really like movies that have things going on with all the speakers in the system.
I am thinking this Integra would do what I am thinking but would as I said like to read what you all have to say.

I'm much more into the HT thing than many of you here that are into 2-channel audio listening.

So I hope I have this Thread in the right area here on AA.

If one does not know something I am of the opinion, ask others for their input.

I also would like to see if I am thinking right about this,
the only way to actually get the full effect of surround information is on BD.
Streaming from Dish will not have all the audio information as I understand it.
Also what if you are watching an HD movie on Dish from HBO, etc.
Does it contain all the audio information for the surround to work correctly?

Terry

[Dj_AmTraX]

Hi Terry,

I think you can't beat Denon when it comes to HT surround processing. Most Denon processors can be upgraded via over the web firmware update. Just look at all the logos on the front of this processor.



I have the same JMLab speakers.

[tigerhonaker]

Originally Posted by Dj_AmTraX

Hi Terry,

I think you can't beat Denon when it comes to HT surround processing. Most Denon processors can be upgraded via over the web firmware update. Just look at all the logos on the front of this processor.



I have the same JMLab speakers.

Hi Mike,

I did see that you have the same Mezzo Utopia front speakers as me.
I also have the JM Lab Utopia speakers for all the rest in my HT system.
Front, Center, Right, Sides & Rears.
They work great I think.
I'm a movie watching fellow.
All kinds of movies from old to new.
Sci-Fi I really like for the special effects.

I have also read about the Denon and they are an out standing product.

I'm going to make a change in the near future but I will do my research before making that decision.

The one thing I never see in write-ups is the coverage of the Steering ability of the processors in reviews.
They go on and on and on and on about everything but that.
Seems to me that would be one of the things a HT person would wish to read about.

Makes me think that they all are about the same in regards to that.

Thanks for the Post and the Denon picture gives me something to consider.

Integra use to have what was called Integra Research which was their high-end gear.
That has long since went to the way side.

Terry

[Pider]

What do you mean by "steering"?

[Doug Lax]

Originally Posted by Vesuvius

Entry level:
The Marantz AV7005 is still a winner in my book, but it is unbelievable susceptible to gobs of ground hiss (from a myriad of places, it just seems to attract the crazy, though).

Mid-fi:
Anthem D2v. Constantly rated as a solid performer.

Hi-fi:
A full blown Theta CB. Fully modular, fully kick-ass. And I love the way Theta stuff sounds; even with the ATI buyout, they are still top notch (and built like tanks).

I will quote what a wise chap added to a post the other day

[tigerhonaker]

Originally Posted by Pider

What do you mean by "steering"?

That might not be the correct term.
I am referring to the processor sending information to each of the 7-channels.
Or it could be 5 channels according to what is being listened to.

Let me say it like this.
You have 7-speakers plus in my case 4-subs.
The subs really don't have anything to do with the question.

I am wondering if some processors are better at sending/steering the information to each speaker better than others?

Example,
A BD that has the 7.1 sound encoded on it.
The processor decodes that information, then sends that info. to each individual speaker.
Do some processors do it a lot better than others?

I have noticed you never really see this discussed on Reviews about the processors.
So I am thinking they must all be about the same in regards to that function.

Terry

[Doug Lax]

Maybe do some procesors decode and have better channel seperation?

You may want to look at the Krell 1200 on the used market . Ivan and LuJr are really impressed with the one JR. got for Christmas

[PHC1]

Krell S-1200.... Man is it great!!!

[Masterlu]

Originally Posted by PHC1

Krell S-1200.... Man is it great!!!

+1 we just upgraded to the S-1200u for the 1080p up-scaling.

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by Masterlu

+1 we just upgraded to the S-1200u for the 1080p up-scaling.

"U" model here too but I also use the Lumagen. Very happy with the results but overall the S1200U did an outstanding job by itself with video as well. It was very important for me that the PRE/PRO gets out the way for 2 channel. The S1200 does just that with Class A preamp stage that has no op-amps.