My Blu-Ray HDMI conundrum


A few months ago replaced my analog multi channel preamp (McCormack MAP-1) with an upgraded Onkyo 855, and went all multi channel digital. I did so because the Onkyo produded glorious multi channel SACD sound with my Sony XA 5400 CD/SACD player over HDMI (far better than what I was used to using the McCormack). However, for some reason, using the Onkyo with my Denon 2500 Blu Ray transport over HDMI is a big dissapointment on the audio side of things (video is stellar). Although I cannot do an A/B (Denon has no analog outs), I suspect the analog route would sound better on Blu-Ray. I could ditch my Denon 2500, get a player with multi channel analog outs and run multi channel analog through the Onkyo. I could get a Denon Pre/Pro and run high rez digital through the proprietary Denon Link (an expensive proposition). I could get my Denon 2500 upgraded. I am looking for any advise on how to get better audio out of blu ray.
edorr

Showing 3 responses by vjay00

Ozzy, go to the BDP-83 page on the Oppo website, and select the Support tab. You will see the downloadable firmware versions and instructions:
http://www.oppodigital.com/blu-ray-bdp-83/blu-ray-BDP-83-Support.aspx
Edorr, if you do get the Oppo BDP-83 now (7/09), please make sure you download the latest public beta firmware release and update the player before you do any testing. This firmware is necessary to fix some of the SACD/DVD-A issues. The player's SACD performance is excellent after the update. There are no issues with the HDMI connection.
You could replace both of your players with the OPPO BDP-83 for $499. It will give you all the options.

I have the OPPO BDP-83 - the best bargain in HiFi AV right now. I use the 7.1 out exclusively for everything - CD, DD, DTS, DD-HD. DTS-HD, SACD and DVD-Audio. All decoding and speaker settings are in the player. BR video and HD sound is exceptional, and CD/SACD/DVDA/DD/DTS are very good, even though the player is obviously optimized for BR/HD. You can also get SACD/DVDA over HDMI if you so prefer.