Jazz Speakers DE-005 & DE-006 Decoders

Periodically, certain products are marketed that grab one's attention. Jazz Speakers has raised more than one eyebrow with their remotely controlled multimedia audio decoders that come in two flavors: horizontal and vertical. The DE-005 model sits flat and the DE-006 model stands upright. Both feature Dolby Pro Logic, Dolby Digital and the newer DTS decoding capabilities. Both also handle analog and two digital input types: coaxial cable and optical.

What's the big deal about an "outboard" decoder you ask? Let's examine its potential: integration into existing surround sound setups without prior decoders and a key product for building from scratch a home theater system for a computer or living room environment. Affordability? At $139-145 USD, these diminutive wonders make excellent after the holidays stocking stuffers. Thanks goes out to Jazz Speakers for supplying the review samples.

Factory Specifications

The Decoders

5.1 Dolby Digital and DTS Decoding
4 Audio Modes: Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby Pro Logic and Stereo
6 Channel Outputs
21 Function Remote Control
DE-005 Dimensions (WxHxD):
148 x 42 x 200mm
5.83" x 1.65" x 7.87"
DE-006 Dimensions (WxHxD):
75 x 180 x 230mm
2.95" x 7" x 9"
Warranty: 1 Years
List Price: $139-145 USD

DE-005

DE-006

Jazz Speakers

8/10 Rating

So many multichannel formats, so little time. But, it's a non-issue with the DE series decoders because they are fully compatible with all four popular formats: Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby Pro Logic and Stereo. That feature alone is worth over $100. Then add a remote control and you've got a flexible "black box" with convenience. That's some product.

I must reiterate that these models, as with the entire Jazz Speakers lineup, aren't available in the U.S. Therein lies the biggest downside of this product. You can't get one. I suggest that all interested parties email Jazz Speakers and request that a dealer network be setup ASAP.

The remote control was the very same one used in the ROCCO 5.1 review, so it felt and operated just the same. The buttons for once are made of a grippy rubber instead of a hard slippery plastic that makes for repeated pushing because your fingers aren't always in the cleanest of states.

The boxes themselves have such a similar functional design that when I refer to the DE-005, you may as well conclude that the DE-006 is the exact equivalent. The only important difference is the the 006 model can stand upright and thus save precious desktop space. But, the 005 unit is so small that it also can slip easily into an already crowded computer hutch beit at work or home. Just make sure that the remote receiver located on the front panel can be "seen" and the handheld control will work just dandy.

Both models come with a wall wart external power supply, but only two cables. One is a stereo 1/8" plug to 2 RCA plugs and the other is a mono RCA-RCA plug for coaxial signals. No optical cable is included.

Data acquired and reported of this type is done without any opinion or bias whatsoever. For a quickie brush up course on audio terminology and measurements, point your browser to the Audio Reproduction Systems article.