Is 5.1 worth it? - Page 2

antimatter · 09-23-2004, 04:03 PM

Yea....grrr

JC-S60 · 09-23-2004, 04:43 PM

I think 40a is a lot for an amp

Well, I would put a capacitor in front of the device that looses signal, just to rule out the power as a problem (because it could be some interference coming from the signal that activates the light too, if it's digital, that is)...

And maybe a crucifix to rule out the haunting

lol

antimatter · 09-25-2004, 02:18 AM

Well on a side note i got the M-Audio Transit wich works very well at loud volumes and is compatable with DTS/Dolby Digital... HOWEVER it seems that you have to select the DD/DTS passthrough everytime you want to get Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound. Now in my opinion that is very lame and unacceptable in the especially car environment.

Although there are no problems with sound (cracking, skipping and so on even at high volumes) I did notice a large performance hit with the additional USB sound card, coupled with the manual selection of mode i have decided to send the unit back and work on perhaps a home built coax to digital convertor unless someone knows away around the lame M-Audio Drivers.

fliggil · 09-25-2004, 07:49 AM

I didnt read through this entire thread, because I'm in a bit of a rush, but I'm sure like it's been said, it depends on the user. I have a 5.1 setup through my headunit, it's a Panasonic that does CD/DVD/DVD-Audio. The big attraction to me on the HU was the DVD-A, and knowing I could hook it up to a screen later without needing a seperate DVD unit. If you're into DVD-A, you know the quality is amazing, it sounds like a concert, better than any CD you'll ever hear. Of course there is a limited library, and the discs can run upwards of $30, but if you want top notch, and you like the artists available, it's a great format to look into.

Joe_Collectible · 09-25-2004, 09:50 AM

Sorry Antimatter, I didn't realize you already removed the radioshack device from your system. I do not have hands on with the opus yet. - I need to go read up on them. From what I understand they can convert a variance of input voltages within a car's normal operating ranges.

I've seen some really weird stuff before: my guitar amp (kustom 200 all tube ~ which I modified) - big mistake... was picking up and interfering with air traffic control, and I nearly got arrested. - I'm like 20 miles from the airport.

But you still have the breaklight problem.
You are saying that the opus is wired to the battery. How? Is it direct w/in-line fuse, or through something else like an acc switch?

Have you tried removing the fuse that powers your breaklights to see if the cutting out stops?

ptk · 09-25-2004, 10:20 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by JC-S60

I've tested with a Creative Soundblaster Audigy 2 NX, which is a USB external 7.1 soundcard. Just tested 4 channels with a DVD and it really sounds great. I will put in a small amp to power the stock center speaker and a 400w amp for a sub to complete the system.

To power the Audigy, I'll use a 5v power supply, used for an ipaq (as it sucks 1,25a @ 5v)...

A nice feature (that I haven't tested though) is the possibility to upmix any stereo source to 5.1 (or 7.1 for that matter).

yeah man.. I am using Audigy 2 NX as well, hugh power sucker. I was using my TC's on board 5V rail to power it only to realise that the moment i crank up the volume, audigy drops my 5V rail's voltage so much that my TC board shuts down

now i used a Dc-DC convertor chip from universal microelectronics to power my Audigy 2

antimatter · 09-25-2004, 02:25 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by JC-S60

on a sidenote, antimatter, put a small cap in front of any device that acts strangely to power fluctuations/noise. It helps a lot!

And does your power supply put out 16v when connected to the converter too? Those cheap supplies can drop very easely some volts under load.

Looks like i missed this one...
Yea... the power supply puts out enough voltage\amperage... it is actually a power supply for using your 16v laptop off of the cig lighter.

The really strange thing that is going on with the M-Audio C02 is that it will only work when the Positive line is plugged in..thats right only the + and the negative line is connected to nothing, freekin strange if you ask me. But it still doesn;t work perfectly. i.e. it has the cracking and so fourth.

I will probably try a capacator for good measure. If nothing works i will probably go back the cheapo ebay crap and maybe power it off my power supply, that or build my own circuit.

This crap is frustrating. You think it would be simple to convert coax to optical

moahdib · 09-27-2004, 01:36 AM

I have an Acura '04 TL which has the 5.1 ELS surround sound built in. Unless you are playing DVD-A (DVD AUDIO) and its awesome. When i compare with normal CD's or MP3's burned on a CD, the sound isn't nearly as good...
I'm in the process of putting a car PC in it, for now I will only tap in to stereo input. Maybe later I'll get a USB 5.1 and connect straigh to the factory amp. =)