|
Audio Asylum Thread Printer Get a view of an entire thread on one page |
For Sale Ads |
108.235.157.25
I just had my Ref 50 refurbished and I am loving how good it sounds.
I just wish there was some way of upgrading the video inputs to accept HDMI! Is there anyone who retrofits older a/v preamps? I am thinking of both myself and the guy that spent a small fortune on something like a Casablanca...
Failing that, Is there a decent HDMI switcher with two outputs?
Follow Ups:
My Aragon Stage One similarly doesn't have HDMI input/output. This was of no concern to me until SWMBO wanted to watch streaming movies from Amazon "since we could get them for free".
A very inexpensive ($30) HDMI-to-Coax-and-Toslink converter box solved that dilemma for me, along with the HDMI and Toslink cables.
I am not prepared to say that it's "audiophile quality", but it beats the total silence (audio system) or the cold shoulder (SHMBO). I am also not prepared to deny that it's audiophile quality, since I've never used it for anything but Amazon Prime video.
HDMI-to-two channel is done via RCA interconnects. HDMI-to-5.1 is done via Toslink. The HDMI is pass-through, so I can route the HDMI-output to the video projector.
Given the price, it's likely worth a shot.
I remember reading that some of the original B&K techs were repairing these units however they can not upgrade them. My father retired his Ref 20 because it could not accept the 24/48k soundtracks on BluRay, he ended up getting an Anthem mrx 510 receiver.... I am using the Ref 20 in my garage system and it still a great pre, I use it in stereo mode with CD and FM.
Yeah I actually asked the guy in Long Island who currently has all the remaining parts for the Reference series of preamps and he told me the only way to get HDMI is to get my hands on a Reference 70.
Unfortunately, those are also aging and don't have any of the new HDMI standards. On top of that, the low production numbers probably mean that no one is going to go to the trouble of figuring out how to upgrade the firmware.
On the bright side, a Reference 70 represents the pinnacle of B&K a/v preamps and can be had a bargain price even new in the box. I see some still floating around. If only I didn't already own a hot-rodded 30 and a 50. Maybe I'll get a 70 and a 20 to complete the collection :)
All I know for sure is that along with my old outdated Definitive Tech speakers, and my old outdated Outlaw 750, my HT still kicks ass even if I don't have all the new dolby software.
Post a Followup:
FAQ |
Post a Message! |
Forgot Password? |
|
||||||||||||||
|
This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors: