JBL SDP-55 Dilemma

[Marty132]

Hi Everyone,

I recently purchased an SDP-55 with the intention of setting up a 9.4.4 system. The reseller I am working with said this would work. As I've started setting this up I've noticed that Sub1/Sub2 are not discrete channels so I can only integrate 3 of my 4 subwoofers. I really like Bass and want to make sure I can integrate all 4 subwoofers, so that leaves me with an interesting dilemma on how to set up the system. I see a few options:

- Buy a mini-DSP to integrate the 4 subs. I'm not sure how this then ties into what DIRAC is doing with the other 13 channels.
- Go with a 9.4.2. system
- Go with a 7.4.4 system

Thanks for any thoughts and suggestions.

 

[ryanosaur]

Hi Everyone,

I recently purchased an SDP-55 with the intention of setting up a 9.4.4 system. The reseller I am working with said this would work. As I've started setting this up I've noticed that Sub1/Sub2 are not discrete channels so I can only integrate 3 of my 4 subwoofers. I really like Bass and want to make sure I can integrate all 4 subwoofers, so that leaves me with an interesting dilemma on how to set up the system. I see a few options:

- Buy a mini-DSP to integrate the 4 subs. I'm not sure how this then ties into what DIRAC is doing with the other 13 channels.
- Go with a 9.4.2. system
- Go with a 7.4.4 system

Thanks for any thoughts and suggestions.

I would drop the wides, first, and stick with a 7-channel bed layer.
I know the HTP-1 has a wide-synth feature that will blend the fronts and surrounds to the wides… some like it, others don’t. In all of the conversation I’ve seen though, one recurring point is that there really is not much programming that actually supports the Wides.

Also, getting Top Front and Top Back is generally regarded as a must for higher quality Atmos effect. Downgrading to only two overhead channels will be a blow to what can be achieved.

Does the JBL have access to DLBC and will you use it? If so, you need to use discrete outputs for each Sub. Dirac will not process the bass correctly if you run through a MiniDSP or split/daisy chain your signals.

 

[Marty132]

Thanks for your response. Shame on the wides. Now I've got two extra KEF Ci3160RL-THX speakers. Yes, the JBL has access to the full license for DLBC and I'm intending to use it to integrate all 15 speakers.

 

[ryanosaur]

Thanks for your response. Shame on the wides. Now I've got two extra KEF Ci3160RL-THX speakers. Yes, the JBL has access to the full license for DLBC and I'm intending to use it to integrate all 15 speakers.

The HTP-1 crew has resoundingly supported full DLBC for multiple Subs. Most of the users have said that it equals all of their various best efforts with significantly less effort, from MiniDSP 2x4s... DDRC88As... MSO... all of it.

Out of curiosity, how big is your room?

 

[Marty132]

The room is 20'-30' with a 10' vaulted ceiling at the screen. There is a 16" riser in the back half of the room. 2 rows of 6 theater seats.

 

[ryanosaur]

Krikey!
That's a good sized room.

Arguably, this is the case for using Wides, where you may have a good distance from your Mains to the Surrounds.

That said without an "upmixer" of sorts to send a signal to those, I would still question how useful Wides may actually be. Does that JBL have anything similar to what I described with the Wide Synth of the HTP-1?

 

[Marty132]

It took me three years to build the addition on the house, so now I'm enjoying utilizing the space.

Yes, JBL has a 16 channel proprietary up mixer, but from what I've read and listened to it's not good.

If you have a good ATMOS track you will get some effects in the front wides when using ATMOS or DTS:X decoding. It does provide a little extra, but I'd agree 4 height speakers are probably better.

Guess I'll have to wait till the next processor I get to run the full 9.4.4, unless there are any other suggestions.

 

[ryanosaur]

It took me three years to build the addition on the house, so now I'm enjoying utilizing the space.

Yes, JBL has a 16 channel proprietary up mixer, but from what I've read and listened to it's not good.

If you have a good ATMOS track you will get some effects in the front wides when using ATMOS or DTS:X decoding. It does provide a little extra, but I'd agree 4 height speakers are probably better.

Guess I'll have to wait till the next processor I get to run the full 9.4.4, unless there are any other suggestions.

Storm or trinnov?