Thread: 5.1 Amplifiers with Optical inputs

So basically, given the lack of products that work (ie, Alpine D550 needs a HU, so does the ODR by the sounds of it, others have discontinued) and either a "sorry, we dont have that any more" response, or no response at all.... regarding "remaining stock/etc"....

It comes down to this: there aren't any current options for an amp that accept a digital signal, using either Optical or Coax...


I can't believe this.

So basically the only options currently, are

• a 1/4" mini-jack -> RCA adapter, and RCA "splitter" or Y cables. (effectively just stereo sound) into a 4+ channel amp.
• a USB/Firewire/PCI/etc sound card with RCA's running to a 4+ channel amp
• optical/coax digital to an external Decoder/EQ with 6channel RCA -> amp(s)

does that somewhat accurate?


the closest anything seems to be, to the ideal product, is that Pioneer Decoder (DEQ-P7650) that does 50x5 (MAX?) as well as 6channel RCA out.. anyone know what its RMS is? im not after "boom boom boom". I'll leave that to 17 year olds in <insert local typical car with stereo 3x price of car here >... I just want decent quality sound, and the flexibility of a carputer.

i briefly considered the alpine deck with touch-screen ipod control (to use with a D550 over optical) but at $AU2000 its a bit steep, given what it does (or doesnt do, actually)...


Am i missing anything, or is that a pretty depiction of the current state of affairs??

Originally Posted by pengu

the closest anything seems to be, to the ideal product (for me), is that Pioneer Decoder (DEQ-P7650) that does 50x5 (MAX?) as well as 6channel RCA out.. anyone know what its RMS is? im not after "boom boom boom". I'll leave that to 17 year olds in <insert local typical car with stereo 3x price of car here >... I just want decent quality sound, and the flexibility of a carputer.

please note my addition. There is not an ideal solution for everyone. The Pioneer you've mentioned doesn't have the functionality that I would need for instance.

My question to you, how do you propose to control that piece?

Just because people are into audio doesn't mean they are snotty little kids.

The install in my car and equipment is worth more than the car.

Don't fault people because of their interests. To each their own you know...



Currently, there is not an option out there that is ideal for the CarPC market. Thus the reason for this thread. To outline all of the options that are out there and to facilitate conversations on new products as they are found or become avaliable.

Regarding the RMS power. Chances are it's no different than a typical HU. Which isn't much at all.

sorry for the confusion.. should have actually typed what i was thinking lol.

the pioneer offers the built-in amp (which may or may not be enough, depending on needs) as well as 6ch RCA out (ie, to run to "real" amps, if u need to )

u raise a good point. ive been looking at the alpine stuff so long i expected to see "requires IP-bus (the pioneer equiv. of AI-Net, no?) compatible control unit" somewhere...

as for the last bit. apologies if i caused any offence. I didnt mean to fault you for being into audio, or anyone that is.. My comment was based on the average car seen/heard here (australia) that would fall into the "boom boom boom" classification... Most of them seem to cause more noise from the rattling of boot (er. u call it a trunk, right?) lids/etc than actual music being played. making a boot (trunk) lid rattle is nothing to be proud of, in my opinion...

hehe - most kids do what's popular, and that's whats popular. It's not just limited to Australia. Unfortunately it's like a phenomenon...spend the money on the system, and forget about the rest of it..

kinda like buying a motorcycle then forgetting that you should probably get full coverage if it's a new bike....

xtronic currently has a 5.1 digital amp with optical/coaxial inputs in development. Check it out at the bottom of the page http://www.xtronic.be/

Originally Posted by Kalt

xtronic currently has a 5.1 digital amp with optical/coaxial inputs in development. Check it out at the bottom of the page http://www.xtronic.be/

How long has it been "in development"?

TBK in Korea has an amp that looks great (spec-wise) but it either doesnt exist, or they dont want to actually sell any.

Xtronic emailed me back on that amp about 5 months ago and said they had no idea when it would be available. I wouln't hold my breath on that one guys.

Brent

I dug up these 2 hopefulls.
http://www.tbk.co.kr/eng/products_so...um=3&idorder=0


And;
http://www.tbk.co.kr/products_soluti...um=2&idorder=1



I haven't seen or heard much on them and google doesn't come up with any venders for these either. I'm not sure which of the 2 is a better choice but it does appear that they both accept SPDIF inputs.

*edit*
I also found someone mention these some time ago also.
http://translate.google.com/translat...lr%3D%26sa%3DG

http://www.zenec.com/en_flash/index_flazub.html

I would like to try the Zenec ZE-5.1D if i could find somewhere to buy it