This is topic Black CP55 in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.
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Posted by Ian Price (Member # 14) on 06-27-2002, 10:03 PM:
We just installed a (new to us) Dolby CP55 processor in our #3 house. It replaces an updated Dolby CP50 with a flip down door and an electronic switch card. The CP55 is unique because it came with a black door. Do any of you know why some CP55s came with black doors? We had to upgrade the unit by purchasing a new SR/A card, the newest version of the CAT150 card, I believe it is the “F” release, and a new 441 card to replace the 241 card that was in the unit. We need the 441 card so we can do split surrounds.In the process of switching out the processors we discovered that the left channel amp wasn’t working and we weren’t hearing the left channel speaker. I knew I wanted to replace the processor because the stereo image wasn’t convincing, but perhaps that had a lot to do with it? We installed another QSC1400 so we could have 6 (make that 5) channels as we don’t have a sub in there. We changed the DTS unit to stereo surround output and so we are good to go.
The new processor came to us as a “permanent loan.” But now our new, “free” processor has cost us $4,000 to upgrade and install. I’m sure it’s worth it. We now have a CP50 in storage but more importantly we have an SRA5 unit that needs a new home. I am sure we will be able to find it that home as soon as we take over our next theatre.
Change is good. We now have an almost complete collection of Dolby processors. We just need a CP200 and a CP650 to round out the collection. We won’t discuss the CP100 or the CP45. I’m sure at this rate we will be getting a nice used CP650 in about the year 2010.
Posted by William T. Parr (Member # 677) on 06-28-2002, 10:36 AM:
Hey Ian (Big Me), I had two all black CP55's at the Padre Staples in Corpus. I was told the all black ones were manufactured in England and were designed to go in a 3ft tall wall mount rack that came with a backplane that held 4 dual cannel plug in amps. All Dolby built of course, which is the way my set up was originally at the Padre. The prebuilt unit also included a Dolby booth monitor I beleive was called a CP1000 maybe Brad can verify that. The first units I ever saw that had the Blue trim around the door was at the UA Plaza 8 in Dallas. Year of Manufactur could have something to do with it as the Padre was built in 1986 which I believe was close to the time the CP55 was making it's Debut.
Posted by Manny Knowles (Member # 1171) on 06-28-2002, 06:18 PM:
Why aren't we discussing the CP-45?Is it because of the squealing metallic sound it produces or is there still ANOTHER reason?
I swear, I was happy with my 45's until somebody went and pointed that out to me...now I can't stop hearing it.
Posted by Steve Guttag (Member # 268) on 06-28-2002, 07:22 PM:
So Ian...I just gotta ask....Why didn't you connect your SRA-5 to your Nused CP-55 to get REAL SR without the nearly $2000 price tag of the phoney SR? Again...just curious.
Steve
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"Old projectionists never die, they just changeover!"
Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 06-28-2002, 11:51 PM:
Ian,
Realistically I think you need a more honest dealer/service person to take care of your stuff. Why on earth would you HAVE to upgrade the 150 card?? Thats ludicrous as won't you be runing digital most of the time anyway?? Anyone that would not install the SRA-5 along with the 55 should be shot and hung out to rot. The 280T's in the SRA-5 sound far better than the 222 SR/A card ever will. Unless you were missing the 150 card altogether I really don't get it. Also, for several hunderd dollars more you could have bought a far superior Panastereo CSP-1200 and been light years ahead.......
Mark @ GTS
Posted by David Kilderry (Member # 142) on 06-29-2002, 03:35 AM:
Ian, the black CP55 you have is from a CP1000. This is the unit described above that incorporated monitor, reversible amps and processor. It was popular back in the mid-1980's and was used by Hoyts in many of their early multiplex theatres. Good little unit that was found wanting when you wanted the little amps to drive a digital set-up.
David
Posted by Steve Kraus (Member # 476) on 06-29-2002, 09:45 AM:
I wouldn't mind seeing pictures of both a black door CP-55 *and* this CP-1000 system.
Posted by Scott Norwood (Member # 30) on 06-29-2002, 10:02 AM:
Aren't used CP-65s available for not much more than the $4k price mentioned above?
Posted by Steve Guttag (Member # 268) on 06-29-2002, 10:09 AM:
Actually, Mark is right, in the $4K price range, the CSP-1200 is tough to beat, new or used. Though I wouldn't question Ian and his dealer's actions as boldly as Mark just did...perhaps there is more here than meets the eye.As to the Cat.150...depending on the situation, the new decoder could make a difference and whereas Ian owns an Art/Rep house, analog must be considered as a primary format on some films. The 150C, as used in the CP-55 is nothing more than a 150B with LEDs...the 150B being nothing more than a 150 with a better delay board. The 150F would be a notable improvement in most categories plus it has auto-balance.
Steve
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"Old projectionists never die, they just changeover!"
Posted by Ian Price (Member # 14) on 06-29-2002, 02:35 PM:
My not installing the SRA5 box with the CP55 was just Brain Damage and Stupidity on my part. My cinema dealer was just following instructions. I suppose I could send the SR/A card back for a refund but I think I will hold on to it. We have had a profitable year and the SRA5 box might come in handy on a future install.I have zero experience with Panastereo. I have never heard it and I have never seen it outside of ShoWest. I am more comfortable with Dolby and am aiming to be all Dolby Digital in the future. I lust after SA's ribbon loudspeaker but have never heard them in anger, so I will not specify them for an install untill I have heard them. I feel the same way about Panastereo, I have never heard it.
On a positive note, that room has never sounded better. 
Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 06-29-2002, 07:52 PM:
Ian,
I can have a CSP-1200 at your door step for 2 weeks any time you are interested in trying one out. Its THE best processor on the market, no holds barred. Just let me know. As far as the Stage Accompany speakers go you would not regret installing them!!
Mark @ GTS
Posted by Steve Guttag (Member # 268) on 06-29-2002, 11:52 PM:
I'll second Mark's opinion on the CSP-1200. It is THE BEST cinema processor on the market right now. I'm not saying it is the way I personally would have made a unit (the mighty CP-200 is the closest to that) but at the moment, the Panastereo CSP-1200 wins in just about every category, cost, reliability, sonic performance, build quality.I'll go a step further...the CSP-1200 is the best cinema processor since the CP-200...I'll put it up against the CP-55 or CP-65 any day (and the CP-45 just wasn't worth considering). And one thing the CSP-1200 won't do, forget it's level and EQ.. the CP-500 and CP-650 sure will (even bypass).
Steve
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"Old projectionists never die, they just changeover!"
Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 06-30-2002, 09:06 AM:
I also find the CSP1200 the best for features as well with both a mag and 2 dedicated digital inputs an AV input a programable mic input and 2 non sync inputs extremely flexable
I installed the first ones in Canada in 3 art rep houses and they are still the most flexible when special video and live events come in
Posted by Christos Mitsakis (Member # 143) on 06-30-2002, 03:24 PM:
Steve Kraus: "I wouldn't mind seeing pictures of both a black door CP-55 *and* this CP-1000 system" 
Posted by Steve Kraus (Member # 476) on 06-30-2002, 06:23 PM:
Thanks.
Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 06-30-2002, 06:39 PM:
Scary looking!!
Mark @ GTS
Posted by Michael Schaffer (Member # 1204) on 06-30-2002, 07:13 PM:
Scary indeed. It looks a bit like a junction between a CP200 and Darth Vader.
MS