Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion HiFi & HT Chat Ambisonic B-format

I've been using an Ambisonic processor daily since the late 1980's. Still got my invoice for the Minim AD7 (£149.95). I had a new external power supply built for it and had it recapped about 10 years ago. I also used to to have a Troy Ambisonic processor in my car system until just a couple of years ago when I changed cars and really couldn't be bothered to install it. Back in the 90's I was a member of the Ambisonics and B format User Group (is it still going I wonder?)

The rear channel phasiness is an issue, but then I don't have the space to arrange the speakers properly. One gets used to it That said, decades ago I converted a single garage into a dedicated listening room with two pairs of Wharfdale Diamonds and the 3D imaging was superb, pinpoint accurate using the HFNRR walk around track. So it is possible . . .

I've just bought a G61R (I've been wanting a Meridian processor for decades, still got the brochure and price list from the early '90's). Trying to get a good Ambisonic sound balance is going to be a long process of trial and error. At the moment it sounds awful compared to the Minim AD7. There's no way I can get anywhere near accurate 3D imaging in my lounge, so instead I'm aiming for musicality and enjoyment

I used to do a lot of recording of pub Folk and Jazz evenings, But have never been able to afford a Soundifeld mic sadly, but a crossed pair of figure 8's actually sounded quite good played back through the Minim (with the rear channels swapped over if I remember right).

However, back to the subject of the thread. I've never tried B format. I've got a windows B format player which has an option of decoding the .amb files into UHJ which works well when played through the Minim. I've just checked and it would appear it's no longer available.



It's a self contained .exe file (no installation needed). If anyone wants it just shout.(It's less than 1MB in size)

I suppose if I got myself a four channel sound card I could try playing the B format directly to my G61R, the problem is, I've searched high and low, but can't find a (reasonably priced) multichannel sound card that doesn't have a DAC and just outputs all channels on SPDIF and to be honest, an HD621 is totally beyond my budget, at least until next year, and even then it's a heck of a lot of money for a what is basically a soundcard (I'm not interested in home theatre). I really don't understand why, when there's a multitude of cheep external 5.1 USB soundcards available, why they can't make one that just ouputs digital signals for all channels and doesn't have a built in DAC.

Now I've got the G61R I have the option of having side speakers, which the Minim AD7 didn't have. The problem is finding somewhere to put the speakers because my lounge is full up of Record and CD shelves

I should also add a Hello. I've been a long time reader of these forums but only just joined as I've now, finally bought a G61R As I say, I've been wanting a Meridian Processor since the 1990's. It's been a long time coming!

Ali.