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Blu-ray multi-channel analog vs. HDMI

Now I know this question has been pondered before, but I thought I would chime in on what I have learned from my system.

I have a Sony BDP-S550 and an Onkyo TX-SR605. I know this is low end stuff, so please forgive me! I bought the Sony (with its 7.1 analog outs) before upgrading to the HDMI-capable Onkyo. After fiddling around, I was surprised to learn that the analog outs on the Sony sound much better than the Onkyo doing the decoding and DA conversion over HDMI.

My question is how do certain Blu-ray players with 7.1 analog outs compare to certain A/V receivers. More specifically, where would the Oppo 83 (SE or no SE) stack up in terms of what receiver would give comparable sound via HDMI

Thanks!
Mark
markhyams
8 responses Add your response
kr4's avatar
kr4
3,678 posts
 
" I love the analog sound much more than the digital decodings. "

They are all digital decodings. The only difference is where the decoding takes place.

Kal
nbelsky
1 posts
 
I have a Samsung BD-P2550 Blu-Ray which can be set to decode internally the 5.1 PCM. I have my pre/pro setup to do absolutely nothing to the signal via DVD-A; pure analog, 5.1 (or 7.1 disc format permitting) Uncompressed audio. I love the analog sound much more than the digital decodings. My Dynaudio Confidence theater loves it too. Some recordings are better than others and IMO, I think it stands out more with the analog. The recordings that do have imperfections are much more subtle in digital format.
markhyams OP
28 posts
 
The SE upgrade for their Model 83 is purely to improve sound quality - but it applies only to the analog outputs on the 83.

Right. Just wondering what sort of receiver or pre/pro's analog output would be able to equal or surpass the analog output of an Oppo 83 (SE or not). I see that my previous post is confusing, so let me state that I realize that the answer differs depending on if it were a SE model or not.

Mark
arahl
73 posts
 
I'm no digital expert but presumably Oppo is and it appears they agree with you about analog vs HDMI sound. The SE upgrade for their Model 83 is purely to improve sound quality - but it applies only to the analog outputs on the 83. Their website says you won't benefit from the SE upgrade if you use HDMI for sound.
markhyams OP
28 posts
 
Good point. Funny that an audio product would not have attention to audio quality, but alas, that is the state of mass-marketing and mass-manufacturing. I fell for the "bells and whistles" marketing. I feel so hurt and sad! Just kidding. Thanks for the feedback!

Mark
kr4's avatar
kr4
3,678 posts
 
Cannot say since I do not know much about the various AVRs but the limited DSP should be a clue that the 605 is not a product on which attention to audio quality was lavished.

Kal
markhyams OP
28 posts
 
Kal,

Yes, I have tried all the permutations of Audyssey, HDMI, etc. One of the problems with the 605 is that the Audyssey correction is not available with the HD codecs, due to processor limitations, I guess. And it is Audyssey 2EQ, a limited version, which does no subwoofer equalization.

Regardless, the analog output on the 550 blew away the HDMI on the 605, in terms of harshness, detail, and musicality, especially with music. The 605 sounded thin and tinny.

I guess my main question is what receiver will equal the performance from my 550. Just a small step up, like to the 8xx series? And finally, what receiver will equal the analog performance from an Oppo 83 (SE or not)?

Thanks again,
Mark
kr4's avatar
kr4
3,678 posts
 
The real advantage of going HDMI, aside from the convenience, is to make available the more sophisticated bass/channel management, post-processing and room equalization in the processor/AVR. How have you assessed the influence if these on your deliberations?

Kal
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