7.1 or HDMI?

[JimShaw]

I need help

My TV is not HDMI but I think the video is great for me. I don't need to change.

My "Button" is sound. I have a great 7.1 surround sound with two passive subs and a SVS powered sub. I am always looking to better it.

My receiver is a Denon 3805 with no HDMI

My DVD has a HDMI plug but I am using optics for sound because of the receiver.

I have been considering purchasing a BLU Ray only to better my sound. Marantz Corp. told me running a 7.1 analog from a new Blu Ray to my receiver would give me a much better sound quality than the optics I am now using because some new sound codes will not run through optics but will through a 7.1 analog.

I now have a HDMI DVD and if I purchased a new receiver with HDMI then using the HDMI between the old DVD and new receiver, would the sound be better than the 7.1 from a Blu Ray DVD to my old receiver?

Which would give me the better sound quality?

New Blu Ray 7.1 to my old receiver?

Old DVD HDMI to a new HDMI receiver?

[crackinhedz]

what bluray player??

if it can decode the Lossless formats, then analog would be the way to go. If not, then optical would be just fine.

[JimShaw]

I was cosidering the the Sony S550. Possibly the Marantz 8002 or the Denon 3808. Not too many Blus have the 7.1 analog

[bootman]

Then those should be fine.
I would narrow the choice to those that have the best surround sound setup options.
I do not think the 3805 does any processing on the analog inputs.