Does the Sony QSD-1000 function as an amplifier as well as a decoder? If it's just a decoder, I thought it was only required for playing encoded LPs.
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Sony SQD-1000 is a decoder / controller. It will decode SQ encoded records when switched to the SQ or SQ Ambient positions. It can also accept inputs from a discrete 4-channel, quadraphonic, source, e.g. Harman Kardon Model 8+. The volume control controls the four-channel outputs of the SQD-1000 whether, discrete or from the SQ matrix. As a controller it drives with two stereo amplifiers, front and back, driving four loudspeakers, Left front, right front, left back and right back. It is designed to be connected in the front amplifier's tape monitor loop.
The FUNCTION selector knob has four positions:
2 CH ….. Use this position to listen to conventional stereophonic programs (FM, record and tape) as two channels. In this position, there is no sound in the back channels.
SQ ….. Use this position to listen to SQ encoded programs or conventional stereophonic programs. In this position, sound from all four speakers are the same level. If a SQ encoded source is used, the playback result will be full SQ quadraphonic sound. If an ordinary two-channel stereo source is used, a synthesized quadraphonic sound will result, sometimes to very good effect.
SQ AMBIENT ….. This is the same as the SQ position with the exception that the back channels are attenuated, that is reduced in level. While still producing four channel sound, the sound image is moved forward towards the front of the listening environment. Use this position when the source material or listener preference dictates lower level back channel sound.
4 CH (TAPE) ….. Use this position to listen to discrete four channel recorded tapes or other discrete four channel sources connected to the 4 CH Inputs on the back of the SQD-1000.
A quad 8-track would already have four discrete channels, would it not?
Yes, you are correct. The Harman Kardon is hooked up to the discrete four channel inputs on the back of the SQD-1000