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B&K Ref. 30 Problem

I mistakenly posted this under Misc. as a Ref. 20 problem so I'm re-posting under Home Theater.

I recently purchased this processor to replace a Lexicon processor that died. It may be an interim step while I decide if I want to invest in a new processor with HDMI. I do not run a center channel and have the B&K setup for 2 front and 2 surround. My problem is that I’m unable to get center channel information through the front L&R speakers using the digital outputs from either my Fios box or BD player. My BD has 5.1 out so I setup the B&K that way playing movies and center channel information comes through loud and clear. My Fios box does not have 5.1 so I’m forced to use the audio digital outs. Video for both Fios and BD is through HDMI direct to the TV. I never had a problem setting up a phantom center with my other processor(s) and did not change any settings on the Fios box or BD digital outs while setting up the B&K, so it appears to be something in the B&K.

Can anyone suggest a troubleshooting procedure or a particular setting for the B&K to correct the problem?
marco1

Showing 3 responses by loomisjohnson

loomisjohnson
1,973 posts
 
i think what you're getting in surround mode isn't center info, but the portion of the dialogue that gets normally summed to the L/R in the course of digital processing--the fact that it's much louder during the commercials is attributable to the fact that volume during commercials is normally amped up to obnoxiously deafening levels.
ergo, the b&k's processor is deranged--i wouldn't invest in fixing it, since it's easy to find a new (used) unit for a couple hundo. it does sound like you could connect with just rca and still use surround mode. sorry i couldn't be more helpful.
loomisjohnson
1,973 posts
 
marco:
intuitively, it sounds like a setup issue, but:
1. with the digital connections, are you currently getting sound through your 2 surrounds or only your fronts?
2. exactly what audio mode are you using on your b&k (surround, thx,dvd audio?).
1. try connecting only 2ch rca analog from your bd/fios to your b&k analog inputs and playing in surround mode. do you get center info?
3. are you connecting the fios to the tv input on your b&k? the manual says "if you have source with only digital output don't connect it to tv"
4. are you having the same issue with digital coax as you are with digital optical?
5. have you tried disconnecting the hdmi cable from your bd/fios and playing audio only? what happens?
6. in your current set up, have you tried connecting one of your speakers to the center? what happens?
loomisjohnson
1,973 posts
 
so you've set the b&k to "no center" and, when your sources are connected to the analogue ins (whether rca or 5.1)the b&k is acting correctly. however, when you're sources are connected digitally, for whatever reason your b&k is reading "no center" incorrectly and is sending the center info to the center channel (except digital connection in stereo mode, when the b&k acts correctly). ergo, it seems that your b&k processor is malfunctioning when it's in "surround mode"--this is evidenced by the fact that even tho you've set it to "no center" when you connected a center speaker the b&k actually sent the center info to the center speaker.
if you'd humor me, please:
try using your current setup w/digital connection in "thx" mode--do you still get no center info?
if our conclusion is right, two possible workarounds:
1. get a center channel, since the b&k seems to be sending center info there even though you've setup for no center; or
2. use the analog inputs instead of the digital ones since these seem to work correctly; you could add a dac to your sources to improve the sound.
interesting problem--please report back
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