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does hdmi handle audio well?

I am looking for a pre/pro. I need some digital inputs in order to get surround sound out of my digital cable box. I would love a great analog input or two to take analoge from an oppo blu ray and a cdp. I thought that I needed hdmi but now I am questioning that. The oppo will do the hd movie formats and I can send a coax or optical out of my cable box. I dont want room correction other than the ability to adjust speaker levels, distances and crossovers. I dont need multiple zones or wifi or any of that jazz. Just need good digital and analog inputs and decoding.
It seems like the midfi folks are all over the latest options via hdmi but the more traditional high end makers are staying away. Is that because HDMI has sound quality issues, or is there more to it?
Here are some of the names that I am trying to hear:
Integra, nuforce, parasound.
Any others?
jimmy3993

Showing 1 response by sufentanil

sufentanil's avatar
sufentanil
782 posts
 
I think HDMI has the potential to transmit audio just fine. My Integra DTC 9.8 works well in decoding HDMI audio. Most pre/pro's provide the option of both HDMI and multi-channel analog inputs; why not try both and see which sounds better to you? HDMI clearly has the advantage in using fewer cables, and as an all-digital solution offers better opportunities to using room correction, as you alluded to.

Michael
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