Blu-ray newbie questions...

[jsteinhauer]

Originally Posted by Driver_King

7.1 analog is not going to sound better than 7.1 through HDMI on a better receiver.

Depends on the player.

He could buy a new player and a new receiver, as you suggest, or he could buy the 3800BDCI from Denon(which is possible to get for less than MSRP) or wait for the new Marantz. He may indeed get better sound over 7.1 analog and a better SDDVD upconverter at the same time, so long as his speakers are good enough to show the difference.

[Driver_King]

Originally Posted by jsteinhauer

Depends on the player.

He could buy a new player and a new receiver, as you suggest, or he could buy the 3800BDCI from Denon(which is possible to get for less than MSRP) or wait for the new Marantz. He may indeed get better sound over 7.1 analog and a better SDDVD upconverter at the same time, so long as his speakers are good enough to show the difference.

That's not my point. First, his receiver doesn't even have 7.1 analog ins. Second, a newer receiver is probably going to sound better than the older one he has. Third, he should make sure he uses higher quality cables to connect his 5.1 analog in order to receiver higher quality audio. Fourth, it's easier to connect one cable than 6 cables.

Don't get me wrong about standalone players though. I don't want people thinking I'm some selfless PS3 fanboy. I think it all depends on what you're willing to spend and the effort of making the best out of your situation and receiver.