5.1 Amplifiers with Optical inputs

**ptk** · 06-28-2009, 03:13 AM

the spec of that 5 channel amp is indeed for front, rear and sub.

a 5.1 amp is actually call a 6 channel amp. and MeeM is correct in that the .1 usually refers to the sub channel. There are plenty of 2.1 and 4.1 amps around, which are actually 3 and 5 channel amps respectively.

it's just a matter of terminology. Both of you were correct in your own assertion.

I use a Diamond Audio D5 5.1 amplifier. They have stop making it. It's fantastic for a compact 5.1 install. I drive it with a Alpine H700. To date, other then going high end sound like Red is doing, Alpine h700 remains the easiest way to create fantastic 5.1 sound field.

**hadaak** · 06-28-2009, 06:50 AM

what about this one:

http://www.aliencaraudio.co.uk/produ...ound_Amp_00346

**hadaak** · 06-28-2009, 06:58 AM

this one look cool !!! I'm not a spécialist

can this one be used without an alpine headunit?

http://cgi.ebay.fr/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?...3D12%26ps%3D33

**jschrauwen** · 06-28-2009, 07:36 AM

^^^ I guess I'll have to agree and disagree with you. The .1 designator in an amp also has a separately assigned channel for the sub whereas I'm not 100% that that's the case in all 5ch amps.
"Alpine h700 remains the easiest way to create fantastic 5.1 sound field" - I again might have to disagree with you on that. I chose the Comell LV675 MB specifically because it had SPDIF out as is the case I chose the Performance Teknique ICBM5.1 amp that utilizes SPDIF input. No DA converters needed, no extra cabling. Just one single optical cable from MB to amp for me to create "fantastic 5.1 sound field". I believe if you go back through this thread you'll see that.

5.1 amps with optical inputs

**hadaak** · 06-28-2009, 01:46 PM

how do you deal with the volume?
I'm very interested in this kind of install. I h'aven't bought anything right now. just searching for info....
Do you have any guide or how to?
Thanks

**MeeM** · 06-28-2009, 07:23 PM

I have my desktop connected to a 5.1ch amplifier via an optical cable. The Master Volume in Windows does not function when using optical, but the Wave volume and the other levels can be adjusted. So if you're using a front-end like RideRunner, you'll have to map the volume control to Wave instead of Master to get it to work.

**ptk** · 06-29-2009, 12:11 AM

jschrauwen

with regards to 5 channel amps, I do opined that it's probably better to label it as 4.1 if it's designed with sub channel in mind. while's it's not wrong either as 5 channel or 4.1, 4.1 is more precise.

as for PT ICBM 5.1. I will agree that it's a fantastic product, and was initially within my plan. However, as I wanted abilities not offer by ICBM (per channel EQ, Time Delay, cross over etc), i eventually opted for H700 to create a good sound field.

and it's not true that there is no DA by using direct optical to amplifier. The DA is within the amp itself. While in the case of using a sound processor, the DA is within tthe sound processor. The only difference is the analog sound path is much shorter if the DA is within the amplifier as compare to siting within the sound processor. The flip side of cause, considering the level of EM noise, having DA away from the amplifier might subject to less noise.

**hadaak** · 06-29-2009, 03:44 AM

Originally Posted by MeeM

I have my desktop connected to a 5.1ch amplifier via an optical cable. The Master Volume in Windows does not function when using optical, but the Wave volume and the other levels can be adjusted. So if you're using a front-end like RideRunner, you'll have to map the volume control to Wave instead of Master to get it to work.

Hi MeeM,

Which optical Amp are you using?
is it standalone (no need for additional unit)?
is it 5.1?

Thanks.

**MeeM** · 06-29-2009, 07:15 AM

Originally Posted by hadaak

Hi MeeM,

Which optical Amp are you using?
is it standalone (no need for additional unit)?
is it 5.1?

Thanks.

Hi Hadaak,

Just to remind that this is referring to my desktop PC in my room, not the car PC in my car

. It's a Kenwood KRF-V5100D. Yes, it is 5.1 (and apparently "7.1 channel ready", according to the sticker on the front) It's a home theatre receiver and amplifier. It only does 5 channels, namely the two fronts, the centre, and the two rears. It has a separate sub-out to connect to a powered subwoofer.