M10000 5.1 through 6 channel amp?

**fly_dutchie** · 05-09-2004, 05:45 AM

Hi,

Does anybody use the M10000 onboard 5.1 option with a 6 channel amp?
Is there a way to control the volume externally this way?

Michael

**coachreed** · 05-09-2004, 11:59 AM

Just a thought about the 5.1 and a SIX channel amp... to do this right, you need an amp that was meant for 5.1... Alpine has a new five channel amp coming out soon... 5 x 60w... and then you need a 1-2 channel amp for the sub depending on what your plans are. Six channel amps are meant to be front pair, rear pair and a pair of sub channels... I don't think you can properly do this from one of these amps as the sub channels are usually crossed-over for subwoofer use only. I don't think I'm wrong about that.

I personally plan to run 6.1 off of an Audigy 2zs Platinum sound board... I have an Alpine MRV-F540 (four channel) for my front mains and surround channels, an MRV-T320 (two channel) for my front and rear centers, and two MRV-M501's for my pair of 12" subs.

Good luck and TTYL!

Coach... I mean Randy (I often forget who I really am)

Undergoing LS1 Conversion as we speak!
Click Image to Visit My Website!

**antimatter** · 05-13-2004, 12:58 AM

Well since this thread was overlooked by others and I have been through this whole thing before let me offer my expertice (by trial and error)

First off for a six channel amp I use the Soundstream D'artigan 5.1 Six channel amp. I have had no problems with it thus far and it seems to be a quit high quality amp.

Secondly In my Opinion I would ditch the idea of onboard sound card. Some have got it working but it is horrible for noise. The only thing I see the onboard sound is good for is the S/PDIF out.

Run the S/PDIF out to an external DSP (i used the Panasonic CY-AC300EX which offers external volume control with 1 din control unit) and then run the six chanels to the amp bypassing all of the analog noise problems.

This might be more expensive but it is definitly the clean way to go.

Also with sound cards for the computer they don't offer DTS decoding and they suck processor use. I can't honestly compare the two paths to go (analog/digital) but i can tell you that I havn't had to track down any ground loop or hardrive/mouse activity noise like you will using the EPIA onboard sound.

If you want to skip the cost of the external DSP then get an audigy or extigy they are popular around here. The problem with these are they use up USB bandwidth (performace may not degrade depending on the number of devices that operate on USB) and CPU time

Good luck in your decision

**fly_dutchie** · 05-13-2004, 06:01 AM

thanks for your time!

@antimatter

does the dsp from panansonic include a HU or does it only work with certain HU's? It uses 'toslink' right? so I have to get an spdif > toslink adapter?

I checked the Audiobahn dsp mentioned by port20. It has this 1/2 din control unit with volumeknob and EQ. Does that mean I can ditch the HU? The Audiobahn takes spdif rca too, so I guess there lies my preference.

Furthermore, you guys are positive all other 6 channel amps are 2 by 2 by x-over 2 mono, except for all dedicated 5.1 amps?

if not, that's a lot of $$$ to get a proper 5.1 going.

Thanks again, Michael

**Jamez_Warner** · 05-13-2004, 06:57 AM

talking of this can the m1000 output to 4 channels on an MP3 source?
James

**antimatter** · 05-15-2004, 03:28 AM

@fly_dutchie

No prob, glad I can help. Here are some answers (hopefully)

does the dsp from panansonic include a HU or does it only work with certain HU's

I wouldn't call it a head unit but I guess the simple answer is yes. It is actually a control unit and it fits in a 1 din spot but is only like 1 inch thick. It is used to control the base unit. If you need exact specs check out the PDF online from panasonics website

It uses 'toslink' right? so I have to get an spdif > toslink adapter?

Thats right. I got one for like 20 bucks off ebay and it works great

I checked the Audiobahn dsp mentioned by port20. It has this 1/2 din control unit with volumeknob and EQ. Does that mean I can ditch the HU? The Audiobahn takes spdif rca too, so I guess there lies my preference.

Port20 is a professional car audio installer so i would trust what he says. Honestly if I would have know about the audiobahn before hand i would have probably got that one. When you say ditch the head unit do you mean control unit or the cars head unit. I don't have a HU in my vehical... it is all powered by the computer-->DSP-->AMP-->Speakers

2 by 2 by x-over 2 mono

I am a little confused on what you mean here. I was afraid of mixing channels so I bought an amp that was specific for 5.1 but you don't have to do that (i think), you could in essence get a 6 seperate mono amps or 5 channel amp and a 1 channel mono amp. Just as long as the channels arent mixed with eachother.

I recomended the D'artigan becasue that is what i have and I am very pleased with it. One thing to keep in mind is the digital sound's gain is going to be lower than analogs (don't ask me why)

@Jamez_Warner

talking of this can the m1000 output to 4 channels on an MP3 source?
James

Nativly the M10000 can output either stereo (2 channel) or Smart 5.1 (6 channel). I hear the 5.1 from the EPIA isn't great and music is choppy but i haqvn't tested it. Thats why i went with the S/PDIF from the get go.

Now if i can only find a way to use the Line In and MIC and have that come out of the S/PDIF port.