Small problem parasound 7100?

[eduardw]

I own the parasound 7100 pre and enjoy the pre very much but just recently I’ve noticed some small problems
I used the pre in a 5.1 configuration so I could not use the Dolby prologic IIx sound modes, but a week ago I bought 2 back surround speakers so now I can use also Dolby prologic IIx.
This soundformat works perfectly with 2chanel audio source, but when I use is with a Dolby digital 5.1 or dts5.1 format then the front center speaker does not produce any sound so there is almost no dialog.
When I use direct or any other sound format except the 2 Dolby IIx format the center speakers works perfectly. (I've tested it with more then 3 dvds). I’ve also noticed the following some times during dvd or cable/vcr play back I hear a hum/buzz for about 30 seconds and then is disappears again. I have not noticed it during cd play back.

Any idears



Eduard

[jermmd]

Eduard,

I have the 7100 in a 5 channel setup so I can't be of much help. I've never noticed any buzzing although I have had audio drop outs rarely with some DVD's. This could actually represent a problem with my DVD player so I've switched it out. I'll post if I note any drop outs with the new DVD player. Other than that, I haven't found a single bug.

Joe M.

[eduardw]

Thanks Joe, I think the buzz is caused by my projector it has 2 connection to my ht setup one with svideo and one rgbhv.
Joe could you do a small test for me. Please activate your backsurround speakers in the setup menu(it does not matter if you have them or not). And then try out some dd5.1 or dts5.1 with prologic IIx movie sound filed

Eduard

[eduardw]

I want to reset the unit to factory defaults, does anyone know how to do this?

[dBeau]

Speaking of small problems.... has anyone else tried the upconversion
from s-video to component? It doesnt work all that well for me with
my TiVo connected to the 7100 via s-video and watching it on my
panasonic plasma through the component inputs. Switching to the
s-video input on the panny cleans it all up, but that seems to defeat
the point of upconversion. The problem shows itself most when the
image is very dim.

Other than that, I love the 7100. It's great replacement for my old
Rotel RTC-965.

[Chris D]

Eduard, I've got the C1 and don't have any experience with the 7100 itself. What you're describing does sound a little strange. What I would check first is your DPL settings. (I assume the 7100 is like the C1 in that there are available settings specifically for DPL/DPLIIx like panorama) This will affect how the sound is spread out among the front channels. Now you saying that no dialogue is showing up--that's odd. Even if DPLIIx doesn't send it to your center channel speaker, it should show up somewhere in another channel. So the next thing that would make me check is your speaker settings. If you have 7 speakers and a subwoofer, make sure that's reflected in your settings. Then next I would check the speaker levels. Is your setup specifically working in every way in a 5.1 setup and with other modes? DPLIIx works for me on my C1 in 7.1 with every input type.

jermdd, welcome to Club Parasound and the Guide! :banana:

dBeau, same for you! :banana:

eduard, did you save the original settings? Again, I'm not sure about the 7100 specifically, but what you would want to try is to turn off the unit with the hard power switch, unplug the power cord, and wait a minute before plugging it back in. This would be a hard reset.

[eduardw]

Thanks Chris, I tried everything you mentioned but no luck, I changed the panorama settings. Checked the speaker’s settings. I even run the thx test tones from the star wars attack of the clone dvd, in direct mode I got the test tone on all 7 seven speakers. But when playing the dvd with PLIIx movie there was no sound from the center speaker and the dialog was almost entirely gone. I also tried the reset but the pre still kept all the settings a made. A upload from my pc previously with saved setting also did not help.

I also contact parasound, they offered to pick the unit up to check it out, but unfortunate I live in the Netherlands (Europe) so a pick up would be a bit difficult. I’ve asked them if it is possible for me to upload the firmware. I’ve asked this today so no answer yet.

But Thanks for the help.

[Chris D]

Well, I can't speak for Parasound, but yeah, you should be able to upload the latest firmware. I'd try that first, and then turn it over to Parasound to check.

[jermmd]

Eduardw,

I'm sorry I haven'y gotten back to you sooner. I hadn't checked back hear until now. I'll check the rear channels when I get home this morning and report back after I wake up. I haven't really found any bugs yet.

Joe M.

[eduardw]

Thanks Joe,
I also have a small update, parasound is convinced that is it not a software problem so the unit has to be sent for a checkup and repairs.
Parasound is going to arrange that I can ship my pre to Finland to have it checked.
I bought the unit in the states but live in Europe so shipping it back to VS is a bit costly(and not international shipping is not covered by the warranty). Shipping to Finland is cheap and quick.

[eduardw]

Problem is fixed, today I've recieved my pre back from finland and now it works great, they have uploaded new software to fix my problem.


Thanks to parasound for the great support.

[Chris D]

Glad to hear it, Eduard. :T