5.1 surround sound extraction

[Carbsandcaps]

I’m looking for a way to extract 5.1 surround sound from an hdmi source. There are cheap boxes out there that are supposed to perform this. I tried a few but all they do is extract 2.1 audio then convert it into some terrible 5 channel stereo with the rear channels just playing at a lower volume.

My question is, is there any way to get discrete 5.1 out of an hdmi source without spending hundreds on a surround processor/ preamp? I don’t need a preamp, just the signal, I have a receiver that has
Discrete inputs.

 

[swechsler]

The trick is ensure the output signal format from your HDMI source is compatible with the adapter. Dolby Digital 5.1 is the least common denominator. If you have the output set to DD+ it probably won't deal with it properly. DTS is also questionable; you'd have to check the specs of the adapter. This might be what is happening with your existing converter box.

 

[damacman]

You're likely far better off investing in a source with multi-ch outputs or an HDMI compatible AVR.

 

[Carbsandcaps]

I have a marantz sr5008 with hdmi and true 5.1 but I’ve been experimenting with this older pioneer that I really like but it’s just outdated. I made descrete inputs for it. It might be a crime to use the marantz as a preamp because it has discrete preamp outputs.