HDMI 1.3 Audio Signal - Good Enough, or no?

That's what I mean RW - meaning that NOT using HDMI may (or may not) be only important when you are using your AVR in conjunction with, say, an SACD. Also, whether having an AVR which CAN utilize the HDMI audio signal is really anything more than a convenience in using less cabling and whether a sacrifice in audio quaility, if any, is significant.

Thanks to all, I think. ;) Keep in mind that this is not intended to be a vote for any "person". I was not taking a position either way but was, rather, seeking opinion, not setting up an argumentative scenario - unless one wants to "argue" with Arcam. I have been into high-end audio for decades but have only dabbled in HT. Personally, I think anything more than mid-fi is a real waste for movies and I am not sure that surround sound is how concerts "should" be reproduced (since it ain't surround sound or ultra high resolution at the venue). I will agree, however, that it may enhance the in-hime experience.

But, the DVD videos, and to a somewhat lesser but growing extent, concerts are improtant to my wife, I am trying to provide the best reproduction possible without going over board.

I hear thee, AT! I have a Zentih DVB318 with the firmware that allows upsampling to 1080i over component, and now I will be looking toward a Blue-Ray player as a replacement, as well.