Need Help Please: Panny Bd-50

[robk329]

Received my new BD-50 and connected it to my Marantz receiver through the 6.1 analog outputs (as planned). Unfortunately, I didn't take into account that my Marantz SACD player was connected to the same 6.1 analog inputs on the receiver. I have a large investment in SACD discs, so I need to find a "6.1 splitter/switch" (if it exists) so I can have both my SACD and BD-50 connected at the same time.

Can someone point me in the right direction?

Thanks.

[Josh]

http://www.monoprice.com/products/pr...seq=1&format=2

How's 55 cents each? You just need the above Y cable.

[crackinhedz]

yeah 7 of those should work.

[robk329]

Thanks. On a related matter....I've recently purchased HDMI cables from Monoprice for my new BD player. Are all HDMI cables the same? I haven't done comparison testing with other cables but the dramatic difference in price makes you leary. Obviously, I want to have the best blu-ray experience. Am I skimping or are they really all the same?

[hc666]

Originally Posted by robk329

Thanks. On a related matter....I've recently purchased HDMI cables from Monoprice for my new BD player. Are all HDMI cables the same? I haven't done comparison testing with other cables but the dramatic difference in price makes you leary. Obviously, I want to have the best blu-ray experience. Am I skimping or are they really all the same?

Yep, I just look for 1.3a written on the box and make sure they are not Monster brand when buying as they are a huge rip off.

Cables at Walmart for 35 bucks do the same job as the expensive Monster cables.

[Brain Sturgeon]

Two things:

First, The DMP-BD50 does not have 6.1 analogs out-- it only has 5.1 out. Anything more than 5.1 will require the HDMI out. I presume you noticed this already with the player

Second, those RCA splitters to have two different inputs into one set of jacks are probably a bad idea. Those splitters were made to split a single mono source into two mono outputs, not the reverse. Even if they did work, I would suspect some significant sonic degradation. A better solution would be a true switch:

http://www.zektor.com/hds41/HDS4.1.html

You can get a good deal on one here, with the "instant coupon" thing:

http://www.htmarket.com/hds4-1.html

This has gotten very good reviews from the owners I have spoken to-- completely transparent. I have been considering getting one for my multiple analog components: BD player, DVDA player. The only think I'm loathing is buying 3 extra pairs of analog cables-- the expense for me would almost make it more worthwhile to just update to an HDMI capable prepro, and use much cheaper HDMI cables.

[Brain Sturgeon]

Originally Posted by robk329

Thanks. On a related matter....I've recently purchased HDMI cables from Monoprice for my new BD player. Are all HDMI cables the same? I haven't done comparison testing with other cables but the dramatic difference in price makes you leary. Obviously, I want to have the best blu-ray experience. Am I skimping or are they really all the same?

Yes.

Monoprice and Blue Jeans Cable are your friend.

[robk329]

the RCA (2 plug) cables I've purchased from Monoprice are about $3 each. It seems like you would have to buy a whole lot of those to equal the price of a new piece of equipment.

[robk329]

crackinhedz....please comment on the response by Brain Sturgeon......will the inexpensive Y cables degrade the sound?

[crackinhedz]

First, The DMP-BD50 does not have 6.1 analogs out-- it only has 5.1 out. Anything more than 5.1 will require the HDMI out. I presume you noticed this already with the player

good catch, didn't even notice that.

Second, those RCA splitters to have two different inputs into one set of jacks are probably a bad idea. Those splitters were made to split a single mono source into two mono outputs, not the reverse.

input from two sources to the one output into the receiver, it would work.

Even if they did work, I would suspect some significant sonic degradation.

yeah, I could see degradation being possible. But for the price it couldn't hurt to try. (just keep the cables as short as possible from player to receiver)

A better solution would be a true switch:

Probably. I use to have this Zektor switch. In my opinion it was well worth the $200+ I paid, but only because at the time it was only solution to my needs. As far as the OP's situation, i don't think it would warrant such a price tag. But only he knows the answer to that one.

[Brain Sturgeon]

Thanks for the .02, Crack'n. Who knows? Maybe it'll work just fine-- for the expense, can't hurt to try I guess.

Robk329-- if you do try it, let us know if and how well it works...