Multi-channel audio files and downmixing 5.1 to 4.0 help please
I've got a lot of multichannel audio files on my HTPC and in the very near future, will have a quad setup in place and would appreciate some help in working out how best to play those files in 4.0 surround sound. Let me first say what kit I will have help to identify what's needed.
Source: HTPC (JRiver)
Front Amp: Teddy Pardo Pre/ Power combo
Front Speakers: ATC11s
Rear Amp: Teddy Pardo Poweramp
Rear Speakers: ATC7s
The way I see it, I've got two options:
A: Use HTPC to play m/c SACD ISO files and use Jriver to downmix (if possible) and stream to external processor/ DAC
B: Use HTPC to play m/c SACD ISO files and use external processor/ DAC to downmix
Whichever option I choose, the external processor/ DAC needs to support m/c audio via USB or HDMI.
My back up option is to use my OPPO 103D to spin and downmix SACDs to 4.0, but that defeats the purpose of ripping my m/c SACDs and is probably the last resort. there's not much on the web about this sort of stuff, so if anyone has done something similar, please share your experience/ knowledge. I know I could just buy an AVR with HDMI inputs, but I don't have space for another big box and the good ones invariably are!
Thanks,
Derek
Analogue
Technics 1210GR (AT-VM95ML)>Rega Aria mk2>Teddy Pardo i80a>Tannoy Eaton Legacy
Digital Stereo
Bluesound Node 2i>Chord Qutest>Teddy Pardo i80a>Tannoy Eaton Legacy
Digital Surround
(f): OPPO 103D>Marantz NR1510>Teddy Pardo i80a>Tannoy Eaton Legacy
(r): OPPO 103D>Marantz NR1510>Kralk Audio BC-30
(c): no centre
(s): no sub
Other
Headphones :Sennheiser HD650
Equipment Stands: Mana Acoustics