Surround Processor Reviews

Connections
Inputs: Video: component video (3), S-video (4), composite video (6)
Audio: coaxial digital (4), optical digital (4), 7.1-channel analog (1), stereo analog (6)
Outputs:
Video: component video (1), S-video (4), composite video (4)
Audio: optical digital (1), stereo analog (3), preamp (8)
Additional:
RS-232 (1), 12-volt trigger (3), IR jack (2)

These listings are based on the manufacturer's stated specs; the HT Labs box below indicates the gear's performance on our test bench.

Features
Processing Modes: Dolby: Digital 5.1, EX, Pro Logic IIx
DTS: DTS, ES Matrix, ES Discrete, Neo:6, 24/96
THX Ultra2 Cinema and Music
THX Certification: THX Ultra2
Audio D/A Converter: 24-bit/192-kilohertz
Dimensions (H x W x D, inches): 5.8 x 17.25 x 16
Weight (pounds): 18
Price: $3,000

HT Labs Measures: Parasound 7100 Surround Controller

Analog frequency response in Stereo96 mode: –0.09 dB at 10 Hz; –0.04 dB at 20 Hz –0.09 dB at 20 kHz; –25.84 dB at 50 kHz

Analog frequency response with signal processing: –0.10 dB at 10 Hz; –0.04 dB at 20 Hz –0.09 dB at 20 kHz; –25.86 dB at 50 kHz

The above chart shows the frequency response of the left (aqua), center (green), LFE (red), and left surround (blue) channels at the preamp outputs of the Dolby Digital decoder. The left channel measures –0.02 decibels at 20 hertz and +0.06 dB at 20 kilohertz. The center channel measures –0.03 dB at 20 Hz and +0.06 dB at 20 kHz, and the left surround channel measures –0.03 dB at 20 Hz and +0.06 dB at 20 kHz. The LFE channel, normalized to the level at 40 Hz, is –0.06 dB at 20 Hz, reaches the upper –3dB point at 119 Hz, and reaches the upper –6dB point at 123 Hz.

Response from the multichannel input to the main output measures –1.96 dB at 10 Hz, –0.70 dB at 20 Hz, –0.00 dB at 20 kHz, and –0.01 dB at 50 kHz. The analog THD+N is less than 0.043% at 1 kHz with a 100-millivolt input and the volume control set to 97. Crosstalk with a 100-mV input was –83.67 dB left to right and –86.09 dB right to left. The signal-to-noise ratio with a 100-mV input from 10 Hz to 24 kHz with "A" weighting was –111.17 dBrA.—MJP