analog vs hdmi

[movie_mike2]

1 of my buddies said he read on hear that the analog connection sounds better than an hdmi connection is this true he said that some professionals ran test

[CasualKiller]

https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=102013

[BIslander]

Originally Posted by movie_mike2

1 of my buddies said he read on hear that the analog connection sounds better than an hdmi connection is this true he said that some professionals ran test

You aren't comparing analog and HDMI. You're comparing the output of a player with the output of a receiver.

Analog means the digital audio is processed and converted to analog by the player. Bass management and distance adjustments are done in the player. It's unlikely there will be any other digital processing or EQ since those tools are rarely available in players. The player's DACs (digital-analog converters) are used. With analog, most receivers merely amplify the audio on its way to the speakers.

HDMI means the digital audio is sent from the player to the receiver where it is processed and converted to analog. The receiver does bass management, distance, EQ, and any additional processing that might be available. The receiver's DACs do the conversion to analog.

So, if the player has better processing tools and DACs, it will produce better audio. If the AVR has better tools (which is usually the case) and DACs, then HDMI is better. It all depends on the specific player and AVR involved. Remember, digital always has to be converted to analog at some point in order to drive speakers and produce sound that we hear.