In 1988 Bob Katz wrote an article for Stereophile titled, “Extraction vs Generation,” in which the DSP-1 is highlighted. It offered both ambience synthesis and ambience recovery. If you knew how to fiddle with it, which is what Bob describes in his piece, you could get it to output mostly recovered ambience.
Schiit Audio has a surround synthesizer gadget.
- Thread starter gene_stl
- Start date
Help Support QuadraphonicQuad:
himey
2K Club - QQ Super Nova
- Joined
- Nov 11, 2013
- Messages
- 3,933
How does it compare to Oppo's DTS NEO:6 mode?
johnnyangel
Member
That’s an excellent question. Unfortunately I can’t say I ever used the Oppo‘s NEO:6 mode much so I can’t compare knowledgeably. Since it was there “for free” and certainly gave me surround effect, I would’ve used it more, but I didn’t like that you have to have a screen active and go into the setup program to toggle it on and off. (Unless, of course, there actually is a way to do it from the remote that I was too dumb to ever find.)
Also, like some other Oppo owners, I’m just slightly paranoid about keeping mine going (I know that’s dumb since I’m 67 and the 105D is likely to outlive me, plus I have a 103 in reserve). It does tend to run warm and it’s relatively power-consumptive so it’s nice to only have to power it up when I really need to, for SACDs, multichannel FLACs, etc.
Also, like some other Oppo owners, I’m just slightly paranoid about keeping mine going (I know that’s dumb since I’m 67 and the 105D is likely to outlive me, plus I have a 103 in reserve). It does tend to run warm and it’s relatively power-consumptive so it’s nice to only have to power it up when I really need to, for SACDs, multichannel FLACs, etc.
himey
2K Club - QQ Super Nova
- Joined
- Nov 11, 2013
- Messages
- 3,933
This is where the app comes in handy along with tweaking the channel levels.
johnnyangel
Member
Topic drift here, but yes, I’m aware of the app. Problem is, it crashes most of the time on up-to-date versions of iOS, which are my preference. I wonder if Magnetar or any of the vendors of Oppo/Mediatek clones have any updates that would work.
I still prefer the Syn for the power- and device- saving reasons mentioned above. And my Parasound preamp can adjust levels conveniently from its remote!
I still prefer the Syn for the power- and device- saving reasons mentioned above. And my Parasound preamp can adjust levels conveniently from its remote!
I've owned a Syn for a couple of weeks now - it hasn't seen much use yet, but I can say that I'm really enjoying the sound-field it sets up. Are there any user/owners who can comment on these question?:
- has it been determined just what matrix scheme is employed?
- does the Width control affect only the front channels or does its also control matrixing?*
- does the Surround control adjust for level only, or does it control L-R matrixing?*
Contrary to a comment above, my experience is that the rears are stereo.
* Thanks to Sonik Wiz for these questions (see post # 89)
- has it been determined just what matrix scheme is employed?
- does the Width control affect only the front channels or does its also control matrixing?*
- does the Surround control adjust for level only, or does it control L-R matrixing?*
Contrary to a comment above, my experience is that the rears are stereo.
* Thanks to Sonik Wiz for these questions (see post # 89)
It's not that Involve has anything against HDMI; it's more the royalty fee, per unit, they'd have to pay to include that technology, and the fact that it would raise the price of a SM v. 4, if that model included HDMI. That, along with the A to D converter needed, would drive up the price of the unit.
(found this recently, it could be useful to help determine what the decoding scheme is and what the adjustments do)
Kirk Bayne
The impression I got, after reading their literature on the SYN, that it was nothing more than an enhanced, non-passive version of a Dynaquad-type processor. If anyone from "S" wants to refute me on this, please, let's hear your side of this.
Truly a great test record. I've used it many times to verify proper system set-up. There's a great version of the theme from "Shaft" on it, too!
I believe your left and right channels were reversed on this when you posted it.
Yes they are, I just sent a feedback comment to YouTube to please swap L and R.
Kirk Bayne
Kirk Bayne
Question: Has anyone yet definitively determined just which matrix system is utilized in the Syn? Thanks: JR
johnnyangel
Member
It seems as though overall the Syn landed with a thud here, with no discussion for over a year -- and the consensus apparently being that one "ought to have" an Evolve Surround Master instead. Maybe the Syn isn't doing well in the market either; I note that Schiit has cut the price from $399 to $299.
I'm still glad to have mine, whose analog outputs are connected to a Parasound P7. Most of my surround listening is from SACD, a streamer, or files played through my Oppo 105D, but it still is nice to have upmixing from two-channel sources. I prefer the results from the Syn to the Oppo's DTS Neo:6 mode.
Of course, I'm aware that instead of using the Syn, I could have plumbed a pre/pro or even thrift-store surround receiver into the system. But, "been there, done that." The Syn's simplicity, small size, and relatively low power are virtues I'm glad to have.
I'm still glad to have mine, whose analog outputs are connected to a Parasound P7. Most of my surround listening is from SACD, a streamer, or files played through my Oppo 105D, but it still is nice to have upmixing from two-channel sources. I prefer the results from the Syn to the Oppo's DTS Neo:6 mode.
Of course, I'm aware that instead of using the Syn, I could have plumbed a pre/pro or even thrift-store surround receiver into the system. But, "been there, done that." The Syn's simplicity, small size, and relatively low power are virtues I'm glad to have.
Have you messed around much with the "Width" and "Presence" controls on the Syn? If so, what can you tell us about them?
[Edit: I see in an earlier post that you weren't using the Width and Presence controls.]
Last edited:
- Joined
- May 24, 2014
- Messages
- 46
I'm loving mine. I have to laugh. The purists among us made their feelings known. I just wanna play a large collection of SQ & QS albums, I know that Schiit used a 4 channel matrix, per the J. Stoddard interviews. Said he did it by listening, then used summed L&R for the center channel. filter for the sub. Viola - 4 or 5 channel surround. Dolby did the same thing. One day its Quad, the next day it Dolby surround sound, same quadraphonic chips to do it.
It's marketing, something I know a bit about. I have to believe Schiit designers did some research. Width & Presence kinda like the old contour circuits on Nakamichi's & Yamaha's. It's quite useful in adjusting a soundfield off a Quad record. It's the extra sauce that gets it over the line for me. It's a learning experience.
Universal Quad & CompatiQuad were always the likely targets, but if you're Schiit. Why would you tell anyone the details about the Matrix... Simply based upon the collective history of Quad...avoid all lawsuits. Nobody is getting rich selling these for $399, never mind $299.
The Electrovoice EVX-44 Universal Quad with the (SQ patent) printed on the side. Lots of comments. Decoder chip with no history anyone has ever offered up. It's a Texas Instruments IC SN16852N, used in Heathkit units as well. The circuit board is some resistors, capacitors and the IC... Previously, it was my go-to easy decoder. I've got piles of vintage gear. I call it toast or on its way to toast... most need soldering serious component replacement.
Now, is it our holy grail, no its not. Certainly not, but they shipped something that freaked me out what I played an SQ copy of Aerosmith - Toys in the Attic. Granted, I had to buy an equalizer to make it sound right, no Eq controls on the SYN Preamp. Again, a gamer unit. Headphone jack & amp & microphone input that I've never used. A center channel control knob, on the face, that I've never used.
What he came up with is a decent fully adjustable matrix decoder, of unknown matrix. Think about it. Every manufacturer and label would laugh you right out of their office asking for a hardware relaunch of anything Quad? They decide to make it a gamer preamp box. Gamer stuff and car stereos often our only quad. So its stay mum. Never once have I seen anyone from Schiit discuss or suggest playing SQ or QS records across the unit.
What I'm hoping; Please make a Vinyl SYN with EQ and a couple of matrix choices, leave them unlabeled don't name or identify the matrices. RCA inputs for 4 channel (Tape Decks) Processor Loops a full fledged Quad Preamp and bring back the 4 channel headphone plugs. There are spatial headphones costing thousands. It could work.
Honestly, I have never used the center channel or the subwoofer on mine. Bought it for one reason. Just SQ & QS records. It doesn't have 4 channel input capability anyway, no demodulators around, so obviously no CD-4 records. Using this unit, made me realize how difficult the conventional wisdom is around Quad. It's not a small undertaking.
Now Quadio Blu-ray's are everywhere, but no Vinyl. Can you imagine the battle. They have all those masters... those poor labels. The battle over encoding matrices years later? Keep them up at night. It's a nightmare, but count on the sales of Vinyl continuing like this for a few years. Its irresistible. Sony could sell its quad catalog. Separate from the stereo??? Dumber stuff happens on a average news broadcast these days. Believe in the greed. I can wait.
It's marketing, something I know a bit about. I have to believe Schiit designers did some research. Width & Presence kinda like the old contour circuits on Nakamichi's & Yamaha's. It's quite useful in adjusting a soundfield off a Quad record. It's the extra sauce that gets it over the line for me. It's a learning experience.
Universal Quad & CompatiQuad were always the likely targets, but if you're Schiit. Why would you tell anyone the details about the Matrix... Simply based upon the collective history of Quad...avoid all lawsuits. Nobody is getting rich selling these for $399, never mind $299.
The Electrovoice EVX-44 Universal Quad with the (SQ patent) printed on the side. Lots of comments. Decoder chip with no history anyone has ever offered up. It's a Texas Instruments IC SN16852N, used in Heathkit units as well. The circuit board is some resistors, capacitors and the IC... Previously, it was my go-to easy decoder. I've got piles of vintage gear. I call it toast or on its way to toast... most need soldering serious component replacement.
Now, is it our holy grail, no its not. Certainly not, but they shipped something that freaked me out what I played an SQ copy of Aerosmith - Toys in the Attic. Granted, I had to buy an equalizer to make it sound right, no Eq controls on the SYN Preamp. Again, a gamer unit. Headphone jack & amp & microphone input that I've never used. A center channel control knob, on the face, that I've never used.
What he came up with is a decent fully adjustable matrix decoder, of unknown matrix. Think about it. Every manufacturer and label would laugh you right out of their office asking for a hardware relaunch of anything Quad? They decide to make it a gamer preamp box. Gamer stuff and car stereos often our only quad. So its stay mum. Never once have I seen anyone from Schiit discuss or suggest playing SQ or QS records across the unit.
What I'm hoping; Please make a Vinyl SYN with EQ and a couple of matrix choices, leave them unlabeled don't name or identify the matrices. RCA inputs for 4 channel (Tape Decks) Processor Loops a full fledged Quad Preamp and bring back the 4 channel headphone plugs. There are spatial headphones costing thousands. It could work.
Honestly, I have never used the center channel or the subwoofer on mine. Bought it for one reason. Just SQ & QS records. It doesn't have 4 channel input capability anyway, no demodulators around, so obviously no CD-4 records. Using this unit, made me realize how difficult the conventional wisdom is around Quad. It's not a small undertaking.
Now Quadio Blu-ray's are everywhere, but no Vinyl. Can you imagine the battle. They have all those masters... those poor labels. The battle over encoding matrices years later? Keep them up at night. It's a nightmare, but count on the sales of Vinyl continuing like this for a few years. Its irresistible. Sony could sell its quad catalog. Separate from the stereo??? Dumber stuff happens on a average news broadcast these days. Believe in the greed. I can wait.
Similar threads
- Poll
