2. home-theater
  3. 1357691872

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?
128x128marco1

Showing 6 responses by marco1

marco1's avatar
marco1 OP
496 posts
 
Imhififan, yes I have.

Thanks again Loomis.
marco1's avatar
marco1 OP
496 posts
 
Thanks Noble. Center is already set to "None" in an attempt to generate the phantom center. That's my dilemma. Still will not process the center information to the Front left and right speakers.
marco1's avatar
marco1 OP
496 posts
 
Noble, thanks again. My only problem is through the digital inputs. When I hook-up BD through the analog inputs, the 5.1 center channel information comes through the front L&R speakers loud and clear.

Loomis, you mention somethings I haven't thought to try. Hopefully I'll have a chance later this weekend to experiment and report my findings. Thanks very much for you help so far.
marco1's avatar
marco1 OP
496 posts
 
Loomis, here goes:

1. Get sound through front and surrounds both;
2. For Fios through digital using surround. For BD through 5.1 analog using dvd audio;
3. No but does not matter what input I connect to DVD, TV, SAT, etc., I still do not get center information through front L&R;
4. Yes, same issue with either coax or optical;
5. Not sure why this would matter but I tried it. No difference. No center channel info. to L&R fronts with hdmi plugged in or not plugged in; and
6. Finally, and I had high hopes for this one. Plugged rear speaker into center channel and got center channel audio loud and clear.

This is very perplexing.

Anyone??

marco1's avatar
marco1 OP
496 posts
 
Loomis, also:

2.1 Get center channel info. through front L&R this way. Also get center channel info. through front L&R when I listen through digital connection in stereo.
marco1's avatar
marco1 OP
496 posts
 
Loomis, I'll send you a case of Good Humor's (choice of flavor) if you solve this for me :-). Your understanding of my problem is exactly right. Also, already tried "thx", still no center info:.

Regarding the workarounds:

Already thought about adding a center speaker, but really don't want to. No room; would need an additional amp; and would give the wife one more thing to bitch about; and

Already doing #2 in a sense by playing in stereo instead of surround through digital input.

I normally don't listen to TV (Fios) through my HT set-up since it is a combo 2ch/tube system. So its not the end of the world if I can't figure this out. As an aside, what I just noticed yesterday when watching the football games is that when the commercials come-on, typically the center channel information is there in surround. When the announcers come back on, center channel info. disappears to the point the dialogue is VERY muted. Again this is when playing through digital/surround. Dialogue seems fine through digital/stereo (or mono).
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