HD Audio with B&K Ref 30?

[Chipless]

Hey All!

I was reading the stickies about obtaining HD audio through an "old-school" receiver (aka non-HDMI audio inputs). I understand that I will need to use the 6 RCA analog outputs in order to reap the benefits of HD audio. However, this rules out my first choice for a Blu-Ray player...the PS3

So, here's where the questions start. I plan to set up my new HT using my Dad's "old" B&K Reference 30 Preamp. I was thinking about a Panasonic DMP-BD50K player using multichannel analog outputs for the audio. However, I don't think the B&K has a Dolby TrueHD mode or anything, so what mode do I put it in to take advantage of the player's internal HD audio decoding via the multichannel analog outputs? Basically, what settings should I use on the B&K?

Also, is it even worth spending the extra $200 dollars on this player over the PS3 just for the HD audio? My gut feeling is yes

EDIT: After reading the manual it seems that I would set the audio mode to "DVD Audio". I am assuming this simply takes the signal from the multichannel inputs and passes it along to the amp without altering the signal. Hence, I would be getting the HD audio that the player itself is decoding and passing on;. This sound right?

[prerich]

Originally Posted by Chipless

Hey All!

I was reading the stickies about obtaining HD audio through an "old-school" receiver (aka non-HDMI audio inputs). I understand that I will need to use the 6 RCA analog outputs in order to reap the benefits of HD audio. However, this rules out my first choice for a Blu-Ray player...the PS3

So, here's where the questions start. I plan to set up my new HT using my Dad's "old" B&K Reference 30 Preamp. I was thinking about a Panasonic DMP-BD50K player using multichannel analog outputs for the audio. However, I don't think the B&K has a Dolby TrueHD mode or anything, so what mode do I put it in to take advantage of the player's internal HD audio decoding via the multichannel analog outputs? Basically, what settings should I use on the B&K?

Also, is it even worth spending the extra $200 dollars on this player over the PS3 just for the HD audio? My gut feeling is yes

EDIT: After reading the manual it seems that I would set the audio mode to "DVD Audio". I am assuming this simply takes the signal from the multichannel inputs and passes it along to the amp without altering the signal. Hence, I would be getting the HD audio that the player itself is decoding and passing on;. This sound right?

You are correct kind sir! The Panny will do the decoding and the B&K (fine piece of equipment) will output the lossless sound (select the 6 channel analog input for playback).