Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: New USL JSD-80, or used Dolby CP-500

This is topic New USL JSD-80, or used Dolby CP-500 in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by David E. Nedrow (Member # 4981) on 01-30-2011, 02:30 AM:

I've had a bump with an order for a USL JSD-80, so I'm currently still running on a wonky 105/195. Our service person has run across a used CP-500, with all the cards, that was removed from a working Dolby Digital installation. He's checking on the price. Given that I have the funds for a new JSD-80, is it worth looking at the CP-500, assuming the price differential is relatively minor?

I would like to be able to do DD, given that every once in a while -- thanks Weinsteins -- we end up with a film without a DTS track, or even an SDDS track. There's no SR card in our existing USL, so anything is a step up. I know of one person who recently had several used CP650's, but they were several thousand dollars more expensive that the new JSD-80.

Right now, we're "fund constrained", as far as equipment upgrades.

Thought's on which way to go? I have ZERO experience with actual Dolby units, so I will have to rely on others for some type of comparison.

-David

Posted by Pete Naples (Member # 761) on 01-30-2011, 05:23 AM:

The CP500 was probably Dolbys least reliable processor, although one that's survived this long should have had all the foibles sorted by now. PSUs love to die, leaving you in bypass, assuming you've got the external bypass PSU connected. Any service replacement carsd should be available, although we're finding ocer here that PSUs and main board, whilst available are scarce. I think I'd be right in saying that the front panel LCD is NLA.
If you get the 6 channel input card you can hook your DTS up to the CP500 no problems, it's a very flexible processor in terms of custom formats too. On board cross-overs for bi-amp is possible too.

The JSD80 is current production so support is a non issue. It sounds OK, you can hook up your DTS and D Cinema server direct, it will also decode from SPDIF sources such as DVD. As you know, no SR.D though.

A lot of your decision depends on the $$ asked for the CP500.

Posted by Louis Bornwasser (Member # 3063) on 01-30-2011, 09:37 AM:

I am not nearly so negative about the 500. It is a good box, not a great box.

All parts are currently available from Dolby. However, it will be the next to be dropped by Dolby.

Other than the 500, only the cp-45 and the cp-650 are fully supported.

Ultra Stereo is doing a great job, but, as said, Dolby Digital is not part of the picture.

You will not go wrong with either Ultra or Dolby. louis

Posted by Pete Naples (Member # 761) on 01-30-2011, 06:19 PM:

I'm not negative about the CP500 Louis, far from I actually quite like it. I'm just being realistic. Over here we often have to wait several weeks for say a repair exchange PSU from Dolby, and I've been informed more than once that the main board and the LCD are NLA.

And what the hell was going on with my spelling up ^^ there??!!

Posted by Louis Bornwasser (Member # 3063) on 01-31-2011, 09:09 AM:

Pete: We have, so far, had no issues getting advanced replacements on any CP-500 parts. The front panels are still quickly available.

I even have a spare front panel myself. Louis

Posted by Pete Naples (Member # 761) on 01-31-2011, 03:49 PM:

Send 'em over the pond!

Actually I'm reasonably well stocked for CP500/DA20 spares myself, probably better than Dolby UK.

Posted by Joshua Waaland (Member # 287) on 02-02-2011, 09:26 PM:

Isn't if funny that Dolby processors are made in the UK but we can get parts in the USA easier than you can over there Pete?

Posted by Sam D. Chavez (Member # 1841) on 02-02-2011, 10:39 PM:

Most Dolby products were made in the USA in recent years; sometimes in both the US and UK.

The UK office served/serves different geographical areas than the US office does.

Posted by Pete Naples (Member # 761) on 02-03-2011, 03:56 PM:

And the Wooton Basset plant has ceased manufacture, repair and supply. AFAIK all Dolby prodcuts for Europe now come via Amsterdam, repairs have to go back to the US.

Posted by Sam D. Chavez (Member # 1841) on 02-03-2011, 08:25 PM:

Life is sure crazy. It's not Ray's toy shop anymore.