Which is the better choice: A stand-alone Blu-ray player, or a PS3? Why?

[TrevorLahey]

First post; and apologies if this is in the wrong forum.

A friend of mine who used to work for a large electronics retailer said that a stand-alone is the way to go because the audio quality will be better on a high-power home theater system than the PS3. Can anyone confirm, or deny this? I don't want to give up the power, speed, and WiFi on the PS3 if the difference in audio quality is only negligible.

Thanks!

[SlmShdy1]

Audio will be the same. The only advantage I see in having a stand alone is that it's much quieter. The PS3's fan can produce some unwanted noise.

[MookDaddy333]

I like having a stand alone just for the fact that it's less wear and tear on the motor and laser of the PS3. I remember when the PS2 came out and some people who used it as a primary DVD player ended up with a busted PS2. Just remember that games load and do not have the constant spinning of the motor and use of the laser like when you watch a movie. At the same time, I'm sure that the motors are a lot more reliable now than they were 9 years ago, but that's why I prefer to have a stand alone. But the PS3 is an AWESOME player...

[BaronVH]

I am a Pioneer Elite nut. I need to say that off the bat. Bought one of the originals and the build quality is fantastic. For most people, however, a year ago I would have said a PS3. PS3's are easy to update, once were an inexpensive solution, and it plays games. Today for cheaper alternatives I would say Panasonic for a basic player. Much cheaper than the PS3. If games are your cup of tea, you can get a cheap Blu-ray player and an XBox 360 for less than a PS3 and the games are much better (as I put on my flame resistant coat). For a little more higher end Oppo makes some really nice players. As a fan of the Pioneer Elite brand, you can get a BD-Live Elite for $599 (MSRP) and the audio and video cannot be beat. For the supreme ultra end Pioneer Elite makes a $2000 player that has gotten top reviews across the boad if money is no object. Oppo is also releasing a high end player that plays DVD-Audio and SACDs that is also BD-Live.

The short answer is that if you are a playstation fan and don't have a Blu-ray player, then it is a decent buy. If games aren't your cut of tea, nowadays the PS3 is not the way to go. I just saw Wal-Mart advertising a $98 standalone player (likely version 1.0, but if you want to get a cheap player and you don't care about extras, that is 1/4 the price of a PS3.

[Johnny Vinyl]

A few years back the PS3 was by far the best choice as standalone players were really expensive, plus the PS3 was (and still is) an all-around workhorse. It plays games, CD and SACD, easy firmware upgrade ability, etc.

Although I don't play games, it was the player of choice for me back then, but I'm not sure I'd do it again in today's circumstances. I'd probably opt for the new Oppo BD-83. Don't get me wrong, the PS3 is still a great machine and I'm very happy with it. The fan noise is not really an issue for me during playback, but in standby it bothers the hell out of me and I usually always turn it off.

John

[X400]

if you play games PS3

if you don't OPPO only because you can region-free it (oppo costs more though)


so yeah PS3(ur friend is crazy)

[Tempest]

Originally Posted by SlmShdy1

Audio will be the same. The only advantage I see in having a stand alone is that it's much quieter. The PS3's fan can produce some unwanted noise.

This is an issue with the old 60gig model only I think.. all newer ps3 models are completely quiet.. I have never heard mine ever in the year + I have had it.

[prerich]

Originally Posted by TrevorLahey

First post; and apologies if this is in the wrong forum.

A friend of mine who used to work for a large electronics retailer said that a stand-alone is the way to go because the audio quality will be better on a high-power home theater system than the PS3. Can anyone confirm, or deny this? I don't want to give up the power, speed, and WiFi on the PS3 if the difference in audio quality is only negligible.

Thanks!

Depends on your ears and the rest of your gear. Really - some people are able to pick up on subtile changes in a system. I have an old thread in here somewhere - where we discussed looking at the complete system instead of just one component. Many people think of digital equipment as being equal on all playing fields - but thats not true because all of those fancy HD codecs must be stripped back to analog. The real problem is lookiing at your entire system as a whole. What do you have for gear? Are your speakers very revealing - HD codecs don't ensure the dynamic range of your speakers - only that of the content. How clean is your amplification - how much headroom can your amp supply on any given material? Then even look at the material itself - how well was it mixed? You can do fine with a PS3 - you can also do better - considering the system as a whole.

P.S. If you are not used to listining to things critically - the differences in AQ can be negligible. However if you are very critical - and your gear is just as critical you very well may be able to tell. Only your ears can give you that answer !

[lancs19699]

Last year I bought a ps3 and am very happy with its performance.Maybe it could have better sound but is very acceptable indeedl.Lo and behold into my hands came a Panasonic BD-35 and my opinion changed overnight.
Video performance, the bd-35 is way ahead with bluray.
Ratatouille on ps3 is beautiful but on the bd-35 its absolutely mind-blowing.
The picture has a depth I never saw on the ps3.its nearly like watching a whole new movie.
Where I think there is almost no difference is with Dvd's.Soundwise,the bd-35 with its audio options sounds much better than the ps3(i was pleasantly surprised by the sound quality when voice enhancement is activated)
I'm afraid that the ps3 has now been relegated to gaming and video streaming duty.
By the way the bd-35 is now selling in spain in the department store 'El Corte Ingles' for 129euros, about 180 dollars.

Sony kdl 32w4000
Playstation 3 300Gb Upgrade
X-Box 360 Arcade
Panasonic BD35
34 Blu-Rays
100's of Dvds

[Sylin]

I get where a lot of people are coming from when they're recommending high-end stand-alone BD players. And they're correct that expensive stand-alone BD players will likely out-perform a PS3 or "cheaper" BD players (provided, as others have mentioned, that they are connected to top-tier TV's and receivers).

But realistically, if the OP even has to ASK, then logic tells us that he/she isn't the type of audiophile or videophile that would appreciate the subtle differences of expensive stand-alone equipment.

PS3 FTW.

[child of the sun]

give me a stand alone with WiFi that costs less than the PS3 and I'll switch over. Untill then....long live the PS3!!!

[joenostalgia23]

I listen to my movies at very high volumes so I can't hear my PS3.
I have a bunch of games for it already, there are some great things on it if you look hard enough.
The PS3 can't bitstream DTS, but I set mine on PCM anyways and it sounds awesome.

If you want a Blu-ray player with fast updates, wifi, etc. that can also play games, get a PS3.
if you want a Blu-ray player with a quiet fan, and you don't want a game system, but wouldn't mind also getting things that the PS3 lacks like Netflix, just get a standalone.

I recommend either a PS3 or one of those newer Samsung players.

[Arcam_or_bust]

Originally Posted by prerich

Depends on your ears and the rest of your gear. Really - some people are able to pick up on subtile changes in a system. I have an old thread in here somewhere - where we discussed looking at the complete system instead of just one component. Many people think of digital equipment as being equal on all playing fields - but thats not true because all of those fancy HD codecs must be stripped back to analog. The real problem is lookiing at your entire system as a whole. What do you have for gear? Are your speakers very revealing - HD codecs don't ensure the dynamic range of your speakers - only that of the content. How clean is your amplification - how much headroom can your amp supply on any given material? Then even look at the material itself - how well was it mixed? You can do fine with a PS3 - you can also do better - considering the system as a whole.

P.S. If you are not used to listining to things critically - the differences in AQ can be negligible. However if you are very critical - and your gear is just as critical you very well may be able to tell. Only your ears can give you that answer !

This is what I am talking about. Great statement.

The PS3 is a great versitile unit for the money, I have the 60GB first issue... love it!

You need to have a higher end set up all the way through and through to see and hear the difference.

I hate to say this becuase people will be offended but I mean no disrespect, yet an Onkyo is not a high end musicily interesting amp. It's great at offering codecs and options, but not performance.

For the money, Onkyo is a very soild entry level home theater amp. Until you get to the 900 levels you arent even talking about a good amp. I've owned a 606 and a feind the 805 i think it was. The 805 was powerful but not high end.

If you have a great intoductory system you have great inro levels, and truth be told your equipment may just not be able to give you the differences.

I only have a samsung BDP-2550, and I can see and hear the differences, they are drastic.

Speakers, amp, display, all need to be considered.

Also, To be fair, compare the PS3 2 $500-$600 to a stand alone $500 to $600player.

I love my PS3, I stream my FLAC through it via my computer and play my games, however, Blu-Ray disks just don't shine like they are made to.

PS3 is a great versitile unit, but it has it's limits, and high fidelity is it's limits.

[dreadfulwater]

Originally Posted by Arcam_or_bust

This is what I am talking about. Great statement.

The PS3 is a great versitile unit for the money, I have the 60GB first issue... love it!

You need to have a higher end set up all the way through and through to see and hear the difference.

I hate to say this becuase people will be offended but I mean no disrespect, yet an Onkyo is not a high end musicily interesting amp. It's great at offering codecs and options, but not performance.

For the money, Onkyo is a very soild entry level home theater amp. Until you get to the 900 levels you arent even talking about a good amp. I've owned a 606 and a feind the 805 i think it was. The 805 was powerful but not high end.

If you have a great intoductory system you have great inro levels, and truth be told your equipment may just not be able to give you the differences.

I only have a samsung BDP-2550, and I can see and hear the differences, they are drastic.

Speakers, amp, display, all need to be considered.

Also, To be fair, compare the PS3 2 $500-$600 to a stand alone $500 to $600player.

I love my PS3, I stream my FLAC through it via my computer and play my games, however, Blu-Ray disks just don't shine like they are made to.

PS3 is a great versitile unit, but it has it's limits, and high fidelity is it's limits.

I dissagree. I have An Onkyo 806, connected to A mirage speaker suite and I couldn't be happier. I am considering a PS3 as well.

[prerich]

Originally Posted by dreadfulwater

I dissagree. I have An Onkyo 806, connected to A mirage speaker suite and I couldn't be happier. I am considering a PS3 as well.

You, kind sir are a good test subject (albeit the 806 is not considered "high-end" by any means. My receiver, used as a preamp only, is not high end either only entry level. My amplification however puts it on a level with the largest Yamaha Receivers, they actually best them. The 806 is a very good receiver). You could get a PS3 and a Panny Standalone or better yet an Oppo and have them duel it out side by side! !!! See for yourself - in your own enviornment if one is better than the other...to you! This is all subjective to the system - and to the most overlooked part of a system - the listener him/herself! Looking forward to the results if you do this.


p.s. I would like to see you add some poweramps to that nice speaker setup you have - Classic Mirage M series (to me the real Mirage speakers) Those speakers are 4 ohm's nominal right? They would love to have goobs of good clean power running to them. Very nice setup indeed!

[prerich]

Correction they are 6 ohm's nominal but dip down to 4 ohms and they have a sensetivity of 84db but more like 88db in room. That aside - these speakers do like power (M7si)

[ozzman]

Originally Posted by dreadfulwater

I dissagree. I have An Onkyo 806, connected to A mirage speaker suite and I couldn't be happier. I am considering a PS3 as well.

Nice speakers my friend.
There was a time i wanted your fronts for rears.

See what center he has Prerich.There was a Day wasn't there that i would of killed for that Center

Sorry for getting off Topic,Dreadfulwater You gotta put some pics up for us

[prerich]

Originally Posted by ozzman

Nice speakers my friend.
There was a time i wanted your fronts for rears.

See what center he has Prerich.There was a Day wasn't there that i would of killed for that Center

Sorry for getting off Topic,Dreadfulwater You gotta put some pics up for us

Oh yes I remember! You have another member of the Real Mirage club (not saying the new ones are bad - they are just different from the original concept). And yes - we need pics

[SeanMF]

Originally Posted by TrevorLahey

First post; and apologies if this is in the wrong forum.

A friend of mine who used to work for a large electronics retailer said that a stand-alone is the way to go because the audio quality will be better on a high-power home theater system than the PS3. Can anyone confirm, or deny this? I don't want to give up the power, speed, and WiFi on the PS3 if the difference in audio quality is only negligible.

Thanks!

I think you should list what gear you are using and where its located. Unless you're a stickler on audio...you probably won't notice a difference in audio. The difference is probably minimal anyways depending on your setup (or not at all). Will you be using amps...receiver...etc? If your using a receiver only by hdmi...go with the ps3. Unless I have a ridiculous setup where I spent over 10k I probably would stick with the ps3 as my blu-ray player (except in my bedroom as I previously mentioned). People talk on how the ps3 isn't as good aq and pq wise...but I really think it is a matter of the other equipment used. Just a matter of personal taste really.