PS3 Slim and Audio Settings

[Zeni]

Hi, i'm using a Yamaha HTR6140 receiver, Energy C-50 speakers (x4), C-C50 Center Speaker, and ESW-8 Subwoofer, and using a PS3 slim as my blu ray player.

For the PS3 - I've chosen to output BD/DVD audio on HDMI, (I am using HDMI cables). For the other choices though (Master Audio, Dolby True HD, etc.) - should these all be selected? And should the output be bitstream?

As well, do I have to make any corresponding selections/adjustments on my receiver?

Thanks as lot.

[ReggaetonSalsero]

Yeah me too, what are the best audio options for this new ps3 slim? I just got one but not sure if i should put the the sound via linear PCM like the 60 or 80 gig b/c models or bit stream it since it can send the signal to my pioneer elite to be decoded. Which would be better? N E 1?

[blue11]

Zeni, since your receiver is not able to decode the HD Audio, you should select the output for the HD audio as PCM. Your recevier accepts PCM over HDMI based on the specs I can see on-line for it.

Regga, if you have the PS3 slim, you can set your audio output to bitstream since your recevier can decode the HD audio codecs or set it to PCM as well. Wither one will give you the benefit if HD audio. Some people prefer to set the output to bitsream if the receiver has the capability to decode the HD audio codecs. some say there is an advantage, some say no. It's a personal preference as far as i know.

there are stickies in the Audio Theory page that covers audio from a PS3 as well as how to get PCM, TrueHD, and Master Audio from different set ups.


hope this helps and hope you're both enjoying your gear

[tilallr1]

Originally Posted by blue11

Some people prefer to set the output to bitsream if the receiver has the capability to decode the HD audio codecs. some say there is an advantage, some say no. It's a personal preference as far as i know.

I think this goes along with the thinking that it cannot hurt the sound only make it better, since some receivers do a better job at decoding then the PS3. So a rule of thumb for alot of audiophiles is to output it Bitstream if you can. I personally think its because people like to see the Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MASTER lights come up on their receivers. With PCM output all you will see is Multichannel for everything.

But as blue11 has stated, it shouldn't make any difference.

[BIslander]

Originally Posted by tilallr1

I think this goes along with the thinking that it cannot hurt the sound only make it better, since some receivers do a better job at decoding then the PS3.

It's not decoding that's different. If the decoders work (and there's no indication that they don't), the PCM output will be the same either way. It's what happens in the processing afterwards that may be different.

[Audiophile_At_Birth]

Like BIslander said, it's all in the post processing afterwards. For some people, you have to realize that you're receiver prob has better DACs than the PS3 does which is why you would want to bitstream rather than send it as PCM.

[BIslander]

Originally Posted by Audiophile_At_Birth

Like BIslander said, it's all in the post processing afterwards. For some people, you have to realize that you're receiver prob has better DACs than the PS3 does which is why you would want to bitstream rather than send it as PCM.

The PS3's DACs are not used in either case. With digital transmission from player to receiver (both bitstream and PCM), the AVR's DACs are used. Player DACs only get involved when the player does the digital-to-analog conversion. However, there may be other differences in processing after the track is decoded which would account for any differences you hear.

[red_5ive]

Originally Posted by tilallr1

I think this goes along with the thinking that it cannot hurt the sound only make it better, since some receivers do a better job at decoding then the PS3. So a rule of thumb for alot of audiophiles is to output it Bitstream if you can. I personally think its because people like to see the Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MASTER lights come up on their receivers. With PCM output all you will see is Multichannel for everything.

But as blue11 has stated, it shouldn't make any difference.

While I do prefer to bitstream, it's not because I think the particular method sounds any better. My reason for wanting to bitstream is because of some titles that default to Dolby Digital (Warner titles in particular). I want to know what I'm getting up front without having to remember hit the display button on the PS3. In any case, I also think that anyone claiming to hear a difference between player decoding vs. bitstream has more to do with post-processing that might be happening with the device that is doing the decoding.