Home Theater Receiver with XLR output for Sound?

[crumpet75]

I would like to set up my next home theater system with Active Studio Monitors. To support this, the home theater receiver should support balanced XLR outputs for the different speakers. There's also no need for amplifiers, since the speakers already have their own.

Has anyone set up a system like this? If so, what kind of receiver are you using?

Thanks

 

[djoxygen]

I am working toward the same setup. Haven't acquired a pre/pro yet, but have 4 Mackie HR series monitors purchased toward the full system.

I was originally looking at the Sunfire Theater Grand series, but have kind of ruled them out after a less than glowing review on this site.

Next the Integra Research RDC-7 caught my eye. Supposedly its modular successor, the 7.1, is on the way "Any Day Now" but there hasn't been any news of late. The RDC-7 is still under consideration.

The most recent gem I've been reading up on is the Anthem D-1. Sounds like it might be the ticket, but it's more than stretching my budget, so I'm not sure I'll go that far.

I think I like the RDC-7.1 idea the best - buy the cards you want for the interface and features you need. Hopefully it'll actually be available when I have the $$ to make a move.

 

[crumpet75]

Thanks for the quick response. I didn't know what the proper term was - but you've gotten me on the right track. A pre/pro is what I am looking for. I found a lot of info on google when searching for pre/pros

On a related note:
Has anyone looked at building up pre/pro type functionality with an ATI All in wonder card and a studio sound card? I don't really need to switch a lot of video sources. One video input to an All in Wonder card would be fine and one SPDIF or Optical input for the audio. The DVD could be played from the computer's DVD player. As long as the audio card did decoding of AC-3 from my digital TV receiver to 6 XLR outputs, I'd be set... (http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/FirewireAudiophile-main.html) This might be a cheaper way to do it - and digital recording may be able to be added. Does this sound feasible or worth a try?

 

[crumpet75]

I just realized the Firewire Audiophile I pointed to doesn't have balanced outputs... so it isn't exactly what I want. But maybe there's something similar out there. Still looking.

 

[djoxygen]

If you're using a WinTel computer, I'm not sure what options you have for balanced surround out. Maybe one of the higher-end M-Audio boxes? I've never tried hooking up my Mac to more than 2 speakers, but the Audio MIDI Setup utility recognized that my MOTU 828 and 2408 each have 8 analog outs and can arrange them in a 7.1 layout. Someday I'll have time to kill and give it a shot. Rest assured that I'll let everyone here at Audioholics know what comes of it.

I also have no experience decoding external surround digital audio streams with a computer, although if you have an optical input it should be possible. Probably just a matter of finding the right software.

A couple other pre/pros you might want to check out: Parasound Halo C-series, Krell, and Classe. Unfortunately, they're all on the spendier side of things. A question: If you're using your computer to do surround processing and input switching, why exactly do you need an external pre/pro?

 

[Crumpet75]

"A question: If you're using your computer to do surround processing and input switching, why exactly do you need an external pre/pro?"

I was just considering using my computer for surround processing. I'd rather not have a dedicated computer for this... but thought it might be a cheaper solution that would do the job. I think I'd rather have an external pre/pro and keep my computers in my office. I am thinking of getting a DLink DSM-320 to stream movies etc from my office to the family room - so I don't need an extra computer.

Thanks for pointing out the additional pre/pros to look at.

 

[moverton]

Balanced outputs

1. You can wire non-balanced rca to balanced. You will not get the extra benefit of the balanced cables but it will work fine. I know genelec's web site has details on how to wire this.
2. I would think about getting a high production run receiver and just not use the amplifier. Many of these are better dollar for dollar than specialty preamp/processors even when you throw away the amps. Some of them even have balanced outs (high end of mass market lines).
3. There are unbalanced to balanced active converters out there. I know Genelec sells one. I think this only makes sense if you have long runs and a non-blanced source but I am not sure in this area.

I would like to set up my next home theater system with Active Studio Monitors. To support this, the home theater receiver should support balanced XLR outputs for the different speakers. There's also no need for amplifiers, since the speakers already have their own.

Has anyone set up a system like this? If so, what kind of receiver are you using?

Thanks

 

[mickster1972]

Integra offers the DTC 9.4 pre/pro with XLR outputs. Check out http://www.integrahometheater.com/model.cfm?class=Separates&m=DTC-9.4&p=i

I often go to their website to drool over this setup...

 

[djoxygen]

1. You can wire non-balanced rca to balanced. You will not get the extra benefit of the balanced cables but it will work fine. I know genelec's web site has details on how to wire this.

This is possible, but I wouldn't recommend it, especially for your cable runs to the surround channels, which are probably at least 15-20 feet, even in a small room. If you must use a non-balanced receiver or pre/pro, #3 is a better choice.

2. I would think about getting a high production run receiver and just not use the amplifier. Many of these are better dollar for dollar than specialty preamp/processors even when you throw away the amps. Some of them even have balanced outs (high end of mass market lines).

Certainly something to consider. Compare the features and specs of what you need/want and go from there.

3. There are unbalanced to balanced active converters out there. I know Genelec sells one. I think this only makes sense if you have long runs and a non-blanced source but I am not sure in this area.

At my day job we use a pile of Aphex AX124A boxes to interface balanced and unbalanced gear. While not as good as true balanced connections, they'll do the trick. Just remember that you'll as much as double your cable budget and add about $200 for the transformer for each pair of channels. It's likely you could move up to a true balanced system for the extra $1K you'll spend on a 7.1 system.