Setting up the PS3 and Integra DTC-9.8

[Gremal]

What is the best way to set up the PS3 and Integra DTC-9.8? I have them hooked up via HDMI cable and am trying to have the PS3 do all the audio decoding, but it seems like no matter what setting I use on the Integra, it is adding its own processing.

I thought the setting on the Integra, "Direct" would be the way to go, but somehow "THX" sounds better on material from the PS3. Maybe I'm confused about what I should be outputting from the PS3. It shouldn't be Bitstream, should it?

Thanks for any pointers.

[Brandon B]

Sort of a complicated question, as it depends on what you're playing on the PS3 and what your priorities are.

Direct is to preserve the audio from unnecessary processing, and would typically be used with music. It cuts out bass management, however, so for CDs, that would mean your sub would not be used.

I would have the PS3 putting out PCM for blu-ray, as it won't stream DD TrueHD, and the setting won't affect PCM, and hi rez DTS is no go right now.

For DVD, I haven't compared, but I would imagine the 9.8 and pS3 would be pretty evenly matched on what they do with DD and DTS. However, if you have the PS3 set to convert it to 192KHz mch PCM, it locks out some of the processing overlays on the Integra. This would also apply for BD, as this is a global setting under audio. SO you might want to limit it to one of the lower frequencies.

Direct is nice for CD playback, as it cuts out most of the processing of the unit, but it also removes bass management, which can't be done at the PS3 end, so unless you have serious full range speakers, you'll be losing the low end your sub would cover.

For SACD (if you're using it), Direct is a good thing as the low end is already in its own channel, and the PS3 does such a good job with the DSD>PCM conversion.

The THX mode can improve the soundfield in some cases, and if you prefer it, I would certainly use it.

Have you run the AUdyssey setup? It can make quite a positive difference if it gets a good reading. Sometimes takes a couple of iterations for its result to be accurate though. The quick way to know is check what it measured for speaker distances. If those are off, it usually means you ought to re run it. Excepting the sub, where you will often see an incorect distanc measurement based on phase anomalies.

Really, what sounds best to you is what you should use. Try the different options.

BB

[Gremal]

Thanks Brandon. I do find the THX setting to be the best for HT content, with the most seamless bass management. So that's the way I'm going right now. I can't seem to figure out how to output 24-bit from the PS3 using the Direct function on the 9.8 for anything except 2 channel. Isn't there a BD that delivers multichannel 24-bit?

[Brandon B]

Don't know. It seems to me there is one, but I don't remember off hand.

BB