Stage One Features; Latest Digital Decoding And Post-Processing; Two-Channel Analog Preamplifier; Full Auto Format Selection - Klipsch THX ULTRA2 User Manual

STAGE ONE
UNPACKING
WE WANT YOUR NEW PREAMPLIFIER TO LOOK AS GOOD AS IT DID
LEAVING THE FACTORY. PLEASE CHECK PROMPTLY FOR TRANSIT
DAMAGE.
Carefully unpack your new preamplifier. In extreme circumstances, items may
have become damaged in transit. If any damage is discovered, notify the
delivery service and/or dealer where the system was purchased. Make a
request for inspection, and follow the instructions for evaluation. Be sure to
keep the product with its original shipping carton and save your packing mate-
rial to aid in future transportation

STAGE ONE FEATURES

Latest Digital Decoding and Post-Processing

The Stage One uses advanced digital processing and 7.1-channel output
capability to support all the latest surround-sound formats and decoding
options, including Dolby Digital, DTS, THX Surround EX, DTS ES Discrete
and Matrix, DTS Neo:6, and Dolby Pro Logic II. No matter what the source,
the Stage One can select and apply the best decoding method automatically.
And with its THX Ultra2 post-processing algorithms, the Stage One makes
sure that the final sound is exactly what the director intended. In addition, it
can apply its DSP power to multi-channel enhancement of ordinary stereo
programs via its Party, Club, and 5-Channel Stereo modes. It even does
mono!

Two-Channel Analog Preamplifier

The Stage One also includes an audiophile-quality two-channel analog pre-
amplifier. Each analog input can be configured for Stereo Direct operation,
which bypasses the analog-to-digital converters and the DSP module to guar-
antee uncompromised reproduction of analog sources. Super Audio CD
(SACD) and DVD-Audio players can be connected via their analog outputs to
retain the full fidelity of these new formats.

Full Auto Format Selection

The Stage One will automatically determine the format of an incoming digital
bitstream and switch itself to the appropriate processing mode. Separate level
settings are available for each mode and are loaded automatically when a
new mode is selected. This enables the system to be operated at the push of
a button.

Analog Volume Control

The Stage One adjusts channel balance and overall volume in the analog
domain to retain the full resolution of all signals.
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THX SURROUND PREAMPLIFIER
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In-System Software Upgradable Design

As the world changes, the Stage One can change with it. Software upgrades
can be delivered in the field via a back-panel RS-232 port. This enables us to
make the Stage One compatible with new sources and to enhance its opera-
tion without ever having to touch the hardware or even remove it from your
system.

24-Bit A/D and D/A Converters

The Stage One uses identical, state-of-the-art, 24-bit Crystal Semiconductor
digital-to-analog converters for all eight output channels. The stereo
analog inputs, when not in Direct mode, are translated to digital with a
24-bit A/D converter.

Eight-Channel Analog Preamplifier

The Stage One provides an eight-channel analog input to allow direct connec-
tion of DVD players with built-in decoders, such as those for DVD-Audio and
SACD. A DB-25 connector is used. This input completely bypasses the digital
processing module, allowing the Stage One to function as an eight-channel
analog preamplifier. (See "Input Connections" for the DB-25 connector's pin
configuration).

Combination Digital and Analog Bass Management

The Stage One incorporates an advanced hybrid bass-management system
that allows the preamp to preserve full dynamic range under all conditions. It
performs high- and low-pass crossover filtering, as well as bass summing to
the subwoofer, in the digital processor. This allows for more precise crossover
filters. When there is no subwoofer, it routes low-frequency signals (including
the LFE channel in Dolby Digital and DTS) to the system's "Large" speakers
in the analog domain. This method eliminates any need for digital-domain
attenuation when these signals are combined. Processors that perform this
function digitally (as most others do) must attenuate the signals being com-
bined to avoid overload in the DSP module, resulting in a loss of dynamic
range that can significantly impair sound quality.
Analog-Domain Dialog Normalization
Dolby Digital incorporates a function called Dialog Normalization, which was
originally developed with HDTV in mind. It enables content providers to main-
tain a constant average level for dialog at a given volume setting, regardless
of the nature of the program. The idea is to enable you to switch from channel
to channel on an HDTV set without ever having to lunge for the volume con-
trol, all while not compromising dynamic range. Dolby requires that all Dolby
Digital processors correctly respond to Dialog Normalization instructions in the
bitstream. The Stage One has the ability to make the necessary adjustments
in the analog domain. If this function were performed digitally, it could cause a
loss of resolution.