[jsrstereo]

dear surround soundoids:


the arrival on the scene of the Smart CS-3X Jr. unit brings to mind the Rocktron Circle Surround matrix decoder introduced a couple of years ago to some very interesting reviews (Widescreen Review, Audio, Stereophile, etc), all of which touted its ability to create a convincing soundfield from both regular stereo and encoded analog 2-channel sources by providing a dynamic center channel (same as the SMART) and split surrounds. I've never been able to get my hands on the unit for an audition, so I ask if there are any owners of this decoder out there who can comment on its effectiveness as a surround decoder for music?


I'd also like to point out to all who may be interested that the SMART 3X unit can also be used as a full-blown 5.1 channel matrix decoder (with split surrounds). See page 7 of the owner's manual.


Thanx for any responses.

 

[shelly]

jsr, I have been using the Rocktron CS decoder for several years--in fact, I had two systems built around them. I recently sold one of the units and replaced it with a Lexicon DC-1, v. 3.1 to get the DD I needed for my setup. The Lexicon Music Surround sounds very similar to CS and the Lex preamp eliminates many interconnects for me (as opposed to adding the CS unit to a preamp with 5.1 inputs, as I am using in my other room.)


Once you listen to music and movies with the CS, you will neverr go back to plain stereo or dolby pro logic. What you have read is very true.


the music mode passes unprocessed left,right front signals and full range, stereo rears. The video mode adds steering to the fronts but also passed full range stereo rears.


Hopefully, the CS chip will be incorported into some receivers in the near future, as the Logic 7 chip is now being used this way.


The CS music mode is the most natural and warm sounding presentation I have heard. The Lex MS is a little harder (perhaps it is more detailed and sounds this way to me, but the CS is very smooth.)


The Lex, of course, has the advantage of using both side and rear surrounds.


If you can get a Rocktron decoder, go for it. I actually advertised it on this forum (among others and in Stereophile) and let it go for a very fair $525. I have kept my other unit, and will never part with it.

 

[mburnstein]

I have a 2 year old Rocktron Home circle surround decoder for sale! Email me if interested!!


[This message has been edited by mburnstein (edited January 07, 2000).]

 

[jsrstereo]

dear shelly


thanx for your comment on the Rocktron CS vs. the Lex's matrix decoder. I am primarily interested in surround sound for music matrixed from regular stereo sources. Don't yet have a digital decoder of any kind, still waiting for more digital encoded software to appear. From what I've read I'd probabley favor a dts decoder. In the meantime, I've been using a Sansui QRX Vario-Matrix decoder (a mid-80's unit produced for the Japanese market only) - it produces a very discrete sounding 4-channel soundfield from stereo sources with split surrounds, but to my ears fidelity is lacking. I am now using my new SMART 3X-Jr. as a full blown 5.1 matrix decoder which produces a very warm and smooth soundfield for music and video with fidelity far superior to the Sansui. The unit as presently configured embodies only the CS video mode, and does not offer a music mode as does the Rocktron. I therefore wonder how the Rocktron in its music mode compares with the matrix decoding for music as now available in the Lex unit (as per you comment) and the "Logic 7" in the new HarmonKardon units and the Citation unit. In other words, I seek the optimum matrix decoder for music.


I'd appreciate comments from anyone with views on all of this.