In my every day car I have a stock 5.1 dolby pro-logic system. have found center channel speakers for autos. Does this require a special head unit? I love the sound and thought it might be cool in the s2k.

 

It doesn't have to be a special HU, but you needs amps that will support that.

 

I am guessing I would need a 5 channel amp. How does the head unit know to separate out the voice to the center channel?? In my volvo, I have a selection button that plays in dolby pro logic, just like my home stereo. I can play things in 3 channel logic or simply in stereo. I am so not an audiophile.

 

Prologic is not really a 5.1 system. It is a stereo signal derived surround system.
The center channel and surround channels are sort of "filtered" out of the stereo signal by a processor that routes monophonic dialog frequencies to the center channel, true Right and Left information to the right and left channels, and then takes the difference between the Right and Left information and sends it in mono to the 2 rear speakers so that it spreads the rear information out. The rear information is typically specifically mixed in L-R (or is it R-L -- I forget) format so that it decodes to the rear. The low frequencies are merely filtered out from the left and right channels and sent to a Sub output, Sub output along with the R and L, or just to the R and L channels.

This is the surround system we used for a good number of years that worked pretty damn well until Dolby Digital and DTS came along.

You would need at least 4 channels of amplification (R, L, C and Surround) and possibly another for low frequencies. You would also need some sort of 12V Dolby PL decoder (there probably is or was one or more made). It would also be prettty important to timber match at least the front 3 channels.

Your system in another car is probably a DVD-Audio system that uses 5 discreet channels plus an LF output. In addition, it probably has Dolby PL decoding for stereo sources such as CD and radio. All those capabilities are built in to the head unit. It probably uses separate amps as well but I am not positive.

 

You need a head unit that supports the various formats such as Pro Logic, Dolby Digital, DTS, etc. And then you probably want a compatible AMP.

 

Hey guys,

Understood and I figured as much (well, not the technical specifics), but that I would need much more than I wish to entertain.

My Volvo is a 98 c-70 and has a Pro-logic set up, not 5.1, my mistake for confusing the two... I actually do know better.. : ) I had pro logic at home until a few years ago when I, like many, upgraded.

In the car, the pro-logic sounds so nice. It is a Bose system that comes with 11 speakers, 7 of which are in front (3 on the dash, including the center channel and 4 door speakers) 2 rear side panel and 2 8" rear window/panel speakers. There is no sub, but plenty of lows and great detail in the highs. I love it and many people comment on it. Great for Jazz and such.

Thank again for your responses. Very helpful.