Will Sony introduce an ES 7.1 HDMI-capable preamp?

[Gremal]

After going "blu" a few months ago, I am taking steps to add two more channels to my HT and convert my 5.1 system to 7.1. I just found a used pair of B&W SCM1 that I can wall-mount as my rear surrounds. And I also found a used Multi-5 amp that I can swap for my Multi-3 to drive the additional speakers.

Now the only problem is finding the right 7.1 preamp. I was hoping to wait for the HDMI 1.X monkey business to be resolved, but that was probably asking too much. Does anyone know when Sony is announcing its PS3-compatible home audio gear? So far, the offerings are disappointing. Can't find a preamp in the Sony lineup. When will Sony do something about that?

[Jodi]

Originally Posted by Gremal

After going "blu" a few months ago, I am taking steps to add two more channels to my HT and convert my 5.1 system to 7.1. I just found a used pair of B&W SCM1 that I can wall-mount as my rear surrounds. And I also found a used Multi-5 amp that I can swap for my Multi-3 to drive the additional speakers.

Now the only problem is finding the right 7.1 preamp. I was hoping to wait for the HDMI 1.X monkey business to be resolved, but that was probably asking too much. Does anyone know when Sony is announcing its PS3-compatible home audio gear? So far, the offerings are disappointing. Can't find a preamp in the Sony lineup. When will Sony do something about that?

I think Sony will come through. It's just a matter of time.
And remember: "...good things come for those who wait..."

Jodi

[JToddler]

Watch for the Sony STR-DA7200ES which is yet to be announced!

[Gremal]

Thanks...Hopefully a summer announcement?

I also am upgrading my subwoofer from the B&W ASW800 to the ASW855. Might as well get the deepest bass I can in my HT.

[SomethingForKate]

Originally Posted by Gremal

After going "blu" a few months ago, I am taking steps to add two more channels to my HT and convert my 5.1 system to 7.1. I just found a used pair of B&W SCM1 that I can wall-mount as my rear surrounds. And I also found a used Multi-5 amp that I can swap for my Multi-3 to drive the additional speakers.

Now the only problem is finding the right 7.1 preamp. I was hoping to wait for the HDMI 1.X monkey business to be resolved, but that was probably asking too much. Does anyone know when Sony is announcing its PS3-compatible home audio gear? So far, the offerings are disappointing. Can't find a preamp in the Sony lineup. When will Sony do something about that?

I have the Sony STR-DA 5200ES which seems pretty PS3 compatible to me. Sure it's not HDMI 1.3, but it takes 7.1 PCM from my PS3 over HDMI just fine.

Might be worth holding out for the 7200ES if you're worried about 1.3 issues though.

SFK

[MatrixS2000]

Originally Posted by SumYonGuy

Watch for the Sony STR-DA7200ES which is yet to be announced!

I think that is a receiver, not a processor...that would make his amps useless unless the Sony has a pre-amp out loop...

[Filterlab]

Originally Posted by Gremal

Thanks...Hopefully a summer announcement?

I also am upgrading my subwoofer from the B&W ASW800 to the ASW855. Might as well get the deepest bass I can in my HT.

Although that's *only* 18hz.

MJ Acoustics offerings hit the plumb depths of 10hz!

[Gremal]

Yeah, I definitely want a preamp, not a receiver. And since I'm getting something new, I'd like it to be 1.3 or greater, and 7.1 compatible.

Originally Posted by Filterlab

Although that's *only* 18hz.

MJ Acoustics offerings hit the plumb depths of 10hz!

Can't hear hear that low, but I can feel it...and so can my 80+ yr old house which may come crumbling down.

Actually I decided to keep my ASW800 for now. The new amp and surround monitors set me back more than $2000.

[jermwhl]

Is the jump from 5.1 to 7.1 significant enough to wait for? Most BD's are released in 5.1 anyways correct?

[Filterlab]

Originally Posted by Gremal

Yeah, I definitely want a preamp, not a receiver. And since I'm getting something new, I'd like it to be 1.3 or greater, and 7.1 compatible.



Can't hear hear that low, but I can feel it...and so can my 80+ yr old house which may come crumbling down.

Actually I decided to keep my ASW800 for now. The new amp and surround monitors set me back more than $2000.

Yep, my house was built in 1850 so I always worry a little about the low frequencies.

To be honest, your speakers are so good that I'm sure they don't need too much sub assistance, but a little additional low end never hurts.

[Gremal]

Originally Posted by Filterlab

To be honest, your speakers are so good that I'm sure they don't need too much sub assistance, but a little additional low end never hurts.

For music, I agree, and don't use the sub. HT is a different animal. I actually use a relatively high cutoff of about 120 Hz and everything below that goes to the sub. Maybe I'll wait for B&W to make something that goes even lower. By then Jurassic Park will be out on blu-ray and I can really shake my floorboards.

Originally Posted by jermwhl

Is the jump from 5.1 to 7.1 significant enough to wait for? Most BD's are released in 5.1 anyways correct?

I was outputting PCM from the PS3 and really enjoying the improved sound EXCEPT on 7.1 games. I noticed that the soundfield was missing something. Obviously it was missing the two channels, and I had dropouts as the PS3 tried to send the signal to those surround speakers that weren't there. This was especially annoying in Call of Duty 3, where you'd hear enemy fire and other ambient sound as you turned, and then it would vanish, only to reappear when you turned more.

Finally, I figured out I needed to output the bitstream and let my preamp decode it. This was a real letdown in terms of the audio quality for all 5.1 channels. I have been trying to hold off on the upgrade, but found a great deal on the speakers and amp I need. Now it's just a matter of replacing my preamp. Unfortunately, no good options right now.