Hello all. I discovered this forum a few weeks ago and have been trying to read most of the posts re the Surround Master V3, going back to V1. I think I'm about to take the big jump and purchase an SM3.
Since the early 90s, I've owned, used and have been very satisfied with the sound from a Fosgate Audionics DSL 2 Surround Sound Decoder. It had (for its time) an extremely sophisticated de-matrix channel steering capability that for pre-DolbyDigital 5.1 gave one of the best home surround-sound experiences you could then have for both movies and music. (Jim Fosgate actually developed the original ProLogic 2 codec and steering logic for Dolby Labs but his private label's units had much more sophisticated steering logic which really increased the apparent separation between channels and significantly improved the LtRt* experience. Although discreet 5.1 DolbyDigital which obsoleted matrix surround was only a few years behind, I continued to use the Fosgate unit almost exclusively for "decoding" standard stereo music recordings thru the various music decode functions. These unit were constructed for the most part, from pretty quiet discrete components and when properly adjusted, create a very satisfying surround music experience. I really have actually been very happy listening to music through this unit for nearly 30 years now. The improvement in the listening experience are significant. Its sometimes actually difficult to listen to recordings in just 2-trk stereo. It feels like something is missing. Unfortunately, some component(s) in the Fosgate have starting to fail creating significant audio distortion. I have no clue whether or not there's anybody that can repair it because it's so old, so I figure it's time to modernize into the 2020s. The Surround Mater V3 sounds like just the solution I need.
After reading what I've found both here on the forums and on the Involve Audio website, there is one relatively minor issue I've been "concerned" about. Even as far back in 1992 when I purchased the Fosgate, the unit came with a wireless remote. to set up channel levels and tweak decoding parameters accurately generally requires that your measurements and setup adjustments be done from the listening position. From what I can seem the Surround Masters (1, 2 & 3) have all parameter adjustments on the front of the box. Is it recommended that I obtain 8, 25ft long RCA cable so I can place the SM3 next to my seat? Or are there any setup tricks I need to know so I can install the SM3 within my audio rack where it probably should be, 'cause I really don't look forward to running back and forth between the couch and the audio system to adjust the setup every time I change sources.
Thoughts? Suggestions? Encouragements?
*LtRt - "Left total Right total." The studio jargon for a 2-track multi-channel matrixed soundtrack.
I would run the 5.1 channel printmasters through a Dolby DP563 ProLogic II encoder to create a 2-Channel stereo compatible track (LtRt) for across the board compatibility on all release mediums, broadcast, DVD, Blu-ray, streaming etc. This 2-Trk matrixed "mix" is always shipped along with any other audio formats, 5.1, 7.1, Atmos etc.
