Splitting Toslink / Multiple Amps / 5.1

jschrauwen · 09-16-2006, 07:26 PM

Since it appears trying to source a good 5.1 amp with optical input is nearly impossible, I've been thinking of alternatives.
First I have to find out if splitting the Toslink is possible/feasable?
If so, than perhaps trying to source 2 amps that utilize optical inputs to cover the 5.1 spectrum?
I'm not sure what combination of amp configuartions I should look at or consider? The searches that I've done so far don't seem to solve the center channel in so far as finding an amp that can separate that signal. If at all possible, I'd like to stay away from a DSP. The sole thread that I found that came close to this mindset never did have a conclusion to it.

Jahntassa · 09-17-2006, 12:52 AM

I would think that any amplifier that could accept a TOSLINK signal would be a 5.1 amplifier, and that it wouldn't do a 'pass-thru' of any sort, because it was designed to handle and decode all the channels. I'm pretty sure there are TOSLINK splitters out there, but i've no idea where or how expensive.

It sounds like the only solution to your issue would be either find that single 5.1 amp that does what you want, or the DSP. Alternatively, you would have to take an analog signal from your PC to your amps.

scott_fx · 09-17-2006, 01:59 AM

just curious, what do you have against the dsp units out there?

Memorex · 09-17-2006, 07:10 AM

Optical Toslink Splitter
10 bucks
http://www.ramelectronics.net/html/a...s.html#pof-810

jschrauwen · 09-17-2006, 12:07 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by scott_fx

just curious, what do you have against the dsp units out there?

Hi Scott. Nothing against the DSP's. I was hoping to keep the system as simple as possible and by trying to source a 5.1 amp with optical input and a DSP integrated within seemed the opitmal solution. Hence, I ordered and recieved the Performance Teknique ICBM 5.1 but unfortunately it come without the IR remote apparatus and they (millionbuy.com) can't/won't source the deficit IR remote/reciever. Without the remote, that amp is useless. So I have to come up with some other method to achieve 5.1. I'd even consider an amp option that provides that "Phantom" setting of the missing 5th (center channel) speaker.
I'm not sure of the best way to achieve that and still use the optical out from the MB. Again, in an effort to keep things simple, running a single optical cable from the front to back of the car seems better than running 5.1 sets of RCA's. I'd be receptive to the DSP's if theey didn't require to mount an accompanying HU to the dash. My 2DIN cavity is already occupied by the transflective display. A stand alone DSP where I could make the necessary settings and then leave it - only to return for the occasional tweak now and then. It seemed that the PXA-H701 requires the use of the RUX-C701 ( a head unit) also thus straying from the simple approach. I find it very strange and humerous that Alpine's brochure states for the RXA-H701

Quote:

"Stand alone operation with RUX-C701"

Not really stand-alone in my books if it requires another component.
I also looked into the ADD51T. They seem to be a hard item to find and seem to be quite expensive. Even if I was to get a DSP like the ADD51T, what combination of amps could/should I look at to get as close to 5.1 as possible. The only idea I had been thinking of was a 4Ch amp for the front and rears and a 2Ch amp for the subs. But what or how do I produce an amplified signal to the 5th center channel?
Scott did you not achieve the 5.1 sound that I believe you were looking for a year or so ago? I also notice in your sig;

Quote:

xenarc, m10k, 512mb, 80gb, xtant, CDT, ID, Alpine PXA-H700 -- Old --
Transreflective Xenarc, m10k, Echo, Phaze, Zapco, Cdt, ED -- New --

that you are no longer using the H700 and I don't know what you've replaced it with, if anything. And this noob doesn't quite know the abbreviations - Echo, Phaze, CDT,and ED stand for? As much as it's nice to come up with an audio solution that's unique and set apart from others, I prefer at this time to use something that is tried and true. Has been proven to work in the past and if others are willing to share their configurations for others to emulate.

Memorex · 09-17-2006, 03:46 PM