Comparing Sony S350 to Pioneer 51FD

[Zman2k2]

So I'm looking to decide between these two players. Access to BD-Live isn't that big for me, personally, I feel it's nothing more than a gimmick. What I'm more interested in is the video and audio output of these two players. Right now, where I live, there is a $200 difference in the price of these two.

Which would you choose if BD-Live weren't a deciding factor? Does the Pioneer, with Wolfson Audio DAC's, anti-jitter IC's, video adjustment circuits and such, justify the extra $200?

Pioneer BDP-51FD Specs Page
Sony BDP-S350 Specs page

[BIslander]

Are you using the player's analog outputs? The player's DACs only affect the analog output.

[Zman2k2]

No. I'd be using the HDMI and bitstreaming to my receiver. I was just going through the Sony manual online though. It showed on the "Audio Ouput" page of the manual that the DTS HD-MA output is only 5.1? So it won't bitstream a 7.1 recording? The Pioneer manual shows something similar as well.

Page 50 of the Pioneer manual and page 62 of the Sony manual.

[Footloose301]

Looking thru the manual right now and it appears you're right. Perhaps somebody who owns a 350 could chime in. Looks like the 350 can only output 5.1ch DTS-HDMA, whereas the 550 can do 7.1ch DTS-HDMA. Those darn charts can be confusing at times. No manual for the Panasonic BD55K.

I'm trying to find a BD player than can bitstream DTS-HDMA with ALL 7.1ch to my receiver. Looks like my only choise would be the Sony 550.

As for the Pioneer, Not sure.

[Footloose301]

Looked thu all of the Pioneer(Elites also) and looks like all of them can only do 5.1 DTS-HDMA. Perhaps I'm looking at the chart wrong.

Thinking the Sony 550 is the best way to go right now, maybe the Panasonic 55.

[Zman2k2]

Well, now I have some decisions to make. After going through all the options, I have found that the 350 WILL only bitstream 5.1 DTS HD-MA and the 550 will bitstream 7.1 DTS HD-MA. Do I wait for the 550 or jump on the 350. Currently I only have a 5.1 surround system. The theatre room will be wired for 7.1, but it's nowhere near completion yet. *sigh*

[BIslander]

There's no waiting on the S550. Sony is shipping them now.

[Zman2k2]

Well, I haven't seen the S550 available anywhere yet here in Canada. Still looking though. But I have had confirmation from a couple people that the S350 will bitstream DTS HD-MA in 7.1 too.

[Ranger-R]

I've had no problem bitstreaming 7.1 discs, DTSMA, with the exception of these 3 discs. The Orphanage,Pan's Labrynth, and Shoot em Up. I've heard there is some issue on these discs where they only downmix to 5.1 though. I love the s350, but I have a pioneer receiver so it would be kinda cool to stay same brand.

[Zman2k2]

Yeah, that's one reason I was debating between these two. I love my Pioneer receivers that I've had over the years. I figured the build quality would be the same, which would be great. But I can't get an answer from anyone as to whether the 51FD would bitstream out in 7.1. I know that when I check here it says that it will send 7.1 out in HDMI and Analog settings. Does anyone want to comment on the build quality between the two players?
I don't know, why does it have to be so difficult?

[Zman2k2]

*bump*
I just sold my PS3, and I'm going to purchase one of these two in the next couple of days. Does anyone have any final comments? If it helps, I'm leaning to the Pioneer, from past experiences with the brand.

[Sherm]

It says here:

Pioneer VSX-9120TXH-K
7.1 Channel A/V Receiver
1080p High-Definition Control Center
MSRP $1,200
Dealer must be PIONEER CONSUMER AUTHORIZED to sell this product. Contact your Electrograph Sales Representative for more information.

With a wealth of installer-friendly features, the VSX-9120TXH-K is armed with Dolby True HD and DTS-HD decoders and offers the most advanced A/V connection options available for home theaters.

So if your AVR will decode True HD and DTS-HD Why spend the extra money on the pioneer.

The Sony 350 plays 7.1 DTS with no problem.

The AVR I have listed below will do the same thing and the Sony 350 works perfect with the system. I would not trade the sony 350 for any other BD player out there no matter what the cost !!!!

[Sherm]

Originally Posted by Ranger-R

I've had no problem bitstreaming 7.1 discs, DTSMA, with the exception of these 3 discs. The Orphanage,Pan's Labrynth, and Shoot em Up. I've heard there is some issue on these discs where they only downmix to 5.1 though. I love the s350, but I have a pioneer receiver so it would be kinda cool to stay same brand.

That's strange Ranger, My pioneer 91 plays Shoot em up in DTS 7.1 with no problem.

If the 91 does it I know the 94 you have will. it must be the disk?

[Zman2k2]

Thanks Sherm. I appreciate your talking some sense into me. I see you have the VSX91TXH, and I beleive my 9120 is the "Pioneer" branded version. I guess the 350 is the way to go. And if I want, I can use the BD-Live features later on.

[Sherm]

Originally Posted by Zman2k2

Thanks Sherm. I appreciate your talking some sense into me. I see you have the VSX91TXH, and I beleive my 9120 is the "Pioneer" branded version. I guess the 350 is the way to go. And if I want, I can use the BD-Live features later on.

That's the way I see it our AVR decodes everything thrown at it, all you need is the 350 to bitstream it. Good luck and let me know how you like it

[InfectedStranger]

What with all the comparing threads? Between those two though, Pioneer dominates.