For those who want true 5.1 Dolby Digital and DTS - Page 3

l4tran · 05-14-2004, 01:28 PM

The ADS decoder I got was the 3000 series. Approximately the same size as a cdrom drive. The decoder is power by 12 volt dc directly from my home computer 350W psu while the computer is running. It takes analog input as well as digital spdif and output through 6 rca at the back. I followed the instruction posted by Antimatter to enable digital 5.1 sound for my epia m1000 board. Plugged in the spdif from the epia to the decoder and the 6 rca's to my home amp, turn on powerdvd select a movie and voila crystal clear sounds from all 6 speakers. My amp which is a sony something can also decode DTS. It accepts 6 opitcal and 2 spdif input as well as 6 channel rca analog. I had to pump up the volume quite a bit before hearing the sounds. When optical was selected the volume knob was set at 5, switch over to 5.1 analog the volume had to be turned up to 25 to get the same effect. One more thing, volume CAN be controlled through powerdvd. As I mentioned before, the decoder can also accept analog stereo input. This is nice when just listening to mp3's or playing games. In this mode, only the FR, FL, RR, RL and SW can be heard, the center speaker is disabled. Switching from digital to analog is done throught the unit's remote. Another nice feature from this unit is the balance. It is possible to individually adjust volume level of the 6 different channels. I find this feature useful if I'm sitting in the front seat and can't hear the rear speakers or not enough of the sub.

Before purchasing the ADS3000, I also tried the analog miniplug straight from the epia board. I had to go and buy miniplug to rca wire to do this. The sound qaulity is not even close, worse the movie was choppy.

Final thoughts. I am very pleased with this product. Very cheap solution for digital 5.1 dts sound. I bought this item used for $50.

Pros:
cheap
digital dts
no static
powered by 12 dc
small light weight.

Cons:
no volume knob on the unit
every function has to be done by remote
have to press power to power the unit. (Thinking of a solution to turn on automatically after windows starts.)

Hope this inspire someone

antimatter · 05-14-2004, 02:21 PM

I am glad that you got your 5.1 setup working. Great review and good information.

I have the same problem with the Digital volume being quit low as compared to the analog.

Do you have a link to the DSP that you ended up using?

What codecs does it decode DTS? Dolby Digital? Prologic?

l4tran · 05-15-2004, 09:19 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by antimatter

I am glad that you got your 5.1 setup working. Great review and good information.

I have the same problem with the Digital volume being quit low as compared to the analog.

Do you have a link to the DSP that you ended up using?

What codecs does it decode DTS? Dolby Digital? Prologic?

I was told by the manufacturer that the unit is identical to the ADS4000 except it would not decode DTS just Dolby Digital and prologic. The ADS3000 is discontinued.

numberone · 07-24-2004, 07:48 AM

to antimatter

Quote:

My Onboard soundcard had a Coax S/PDIF output and the CY-AC300EX had an Optical S/PDIF Toslink input so a converter had to be installed. I used this one: http://store.yahoo.com/trianglecables-site/pof-830.html

I got my CY-AC300EX and coax-to-optical converter yesterday. The only question I got at the moment is how to supply the converter with 6v. Did you use any kind of resistor for your converter?

antimatter · 09-21-2004, 07:37 PM

That is the same one i had. I tried upgrading to the M-Audio C02 and am having problems and now i am trying the M-Audio Transit.

That cheap unit worked great for me except when i stepped on the brakes the sound would cut out for a sec. I think it was my wiring but as of today i haven't been able to figure it out.

Get a radioshack converter for six volts or run it off of the 5v rail from your PSU

rmjjensen · 09-27-2004, 11:22 AM

I set up my Digital carputer installation using Alpine equipment. It's not difficult at all to do, but more expensive. However, it solved all my problems such as:

Slight engine noise could be heard
Preamp output voltage way too low from computer
Mess of wires for Front+Rear+Sub outputs by the computer
Hard to control output of speakers (EQ Fade, Sub out)

To hook it up I did the same as everyone else - Coax -> Optical converter. Takes a range of input voltages something like 9-15V, so I just hooked it up to the computer's +12V for 100% isolation between the car and the computer. Zero noise

I got the Alpine PXA-H701 and the RUX-C701 Controller to control the pxa remotely. I must say I love being able to control the volume seperately from the alpine instead of the computer. It's easier to rotate a physical knob than anything else.

The DSP solved every problem and there is zero noise - with the Multimedia Xpander in the Alpine it adjusted the MP3s so they sounds better than ever. 31 band EQ per channel or 5 band parametric and the sound is phenomenial. I'd recommend this unit to any and every audiophile. For the basics, you can always save a lot of money and just get the PXA-H510 instead.

All in all I'd say it was the best investment for better sound from the carputer....I love it.

Check out my project here: http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/show-off-your-project/32613-1992-subaru-svx-itx-xenarc-ts-dvd-rom-digital-audio-processor.html

LESLIEx317537 · 07-14-2005, 10:24 PM

I'm a little late on this thread...

I use to use the midiland system in my room.
I have the ADS-2000 and I blew the subwoofer so I still have the decoder and remote.

Here it is: Should I use it in my CarPC, cause I have the Audigy 2 NX and right now run 4.1 and I think when I use XM through the optical, its gonna not upmix it and go only through the front speakers. Or should I just ditch the whole 4.1 dolby stuff cause I only listen to Mp3's mostly...???

l4tran · 07-14-2005, 11:44 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by LESLIEx317537

I'm a little late on this thread...

I use to use the midiland system in my room.
I have the ADS-2000 and I blew the subwoofer so I still have the decoder and remote.

Here it is: Should I use it in my CarPC, cause I have the Audigy 2 NX and right now run 4.1 and I think when I use XM through the optical, its gonna not upmix it and go only through the front speakers. Or should I just ditch the whole 4.1 dolby stuff cause I only listen to Mp3's mostly...???

If the whole purpose is mainly to play mp3 then I would just stick to 4.1. For me I use my computer for all purpose including watching a flick or two while waiting in the parking lot. By the way, if you decided not to use the midiland. I have a buyer thats been searching forever to find one.

LESLIEx317537 · 07-14-2005, 11:54 PM

Waiting in the parking lot for what, a space? ehheh

I too have many DIVX and a DVD-ROM/CDRW SLot load slimline so I can watch videos. But I'm thinking of other ways to use my Audigy 2 NX when I get my XM going.

sq_geek · 07-15-2005, 12:29 AM

Looks like a sweet and unique idea, that's for sure.

Actually, you're not the only one who is "late to the thread" haha.. I'll probably be installing my Panasonic DSP this weekend, so I'll be updating this thread soon as well.

LESLIEx317537 · 07-15-2005, 06:42 AM

Cool, let me know how it goes.

Hahaha, you know what's funny. My License plate use to be CarPC, and it's now one of the words you used above.

antimatter · 07-15-2005, 01:56 PM

i would say don't bother if you arent going to be utilizing it.

LESLIEx317537 · 07-15-2005, 03:56 PM

I'm not trying to hijack this thread but:

I'm going to sell the decoder. antimatter are you the one who wants it?
Well asking here first, and then eBay it goes.
PM me if you are interested.

sq_geek · 07-18-2005, 11:17 AM

OK, so quick update here...

I hooked up my Panasonic CY-AC300EX DSP this weekend. All I can say is WOWSA -- it is awesome and did exactly what I wanted it to do -- no noise whatsoever.

I first used my laptop which has native optical digital output, to the DSP. That worked flawlessly and sounded amazing.

I then hooked up my M10000 CarPC. I had to use the TOSLink converter to go from coaxial to optical.

I am not as pleased with the results here. Some of the songs sound somewhat digitized and higher notes sound duplicated or echoed.

One song, which is a 192kbps track from a IASCA CD sounded crstal clear, though.

Any idea what is going on NOW?

This is just not going to end, is it.

I want crystal clear sound from my CarPC! It's been 2 friggin years working on this project! UGH!