Dolby DPLIIx Upgrade - Do you think it will have this?

[Chris CRt]

I found this on the Anthem forum for their D1 unit, and it appears they just got the DPLIIx upgrade (sigh). It's in "beta" format, but here's the list of what they get in the upgrade:

"Changes from v1.03 to v1.04x:

1. Added Dolby Pro Logic IIx
2. Added THX Games Mode
3. Added ability to engage THX Re-Equalization when THX is off
4. Added ability to engage PLIIx on top of DTS material
5. Added ability to engage Neo:6 on top of Dolby Digital 5.1"

Can't we apply Neo:6 to DD 5.1 right now? I'll have to go confirm that. I know I would take advantage of the DPLIIx, THX Games Mode and the Re-Eq with THX off.

The poster is also having problems with the upgrade, which explains the beta part. I guess this is also why Parasound probably will have their dealers install the upgrade...

http://www.cruznet.net/~mrv/anthem_fu.gif

Got to love the FU part! :M

[nicholtl]

Well for now, THX Surround and THX Ultra2 on our C2's should suffice/tide us over as a 7.1 sound field experience with 5.1 source material, until DPLIIx arrives.

[goldear]

It's hard to say what Parasound is going to add to their DPLIIx code since I haven't heard if this is also going to include a hardware revision for the DSPs. One of the reasons for the PLIIx delay from so many manufacturers was because Dolby was trying to write the code for the current crop of Motorola single-DSP 56367s already in the field.

Anthem appears to have eleviated part of this problem with the D1 by adding more processing power with the inclusion of dual-DSP 56367s. As an aside, I remember talking to Tony many months ago and he did mention that they also wanted to go with the AKM 4395 DACs (same as the D1) which appear to have the same pin layout as the now current 4393. Hopefully will hear something soon.

[nicholtl]

Chris, when units of different companies use identical DAC's, what is it then that makes them sound different, considering those are arguably the most important internal component? Or do they even sound THAT different? I've never listened to 2 units utilizing identical DAC's or DSP's.

[goldear]

From what I understand, a lot of it has to do with the particular implimentation and quality of corresponding components. Units such as the Halo, B&K 50 and Anthem AVM20v2 all seemed to have similar DACs and DSPs...yet they also seemed to have distinct sonic differences and features. I don't know how far out of the chain some of these other changes matter...like Op-amps and dual-differential design, but Halo did do some things differently to take advantage of S/N, and especially in the design of their digital switching power supply, which is completely different from the others.