Another "help me decide": Yamaha Rxv-663 & Samsung LN46a650 - which Blu-ray player

[BIslander]

Originally Posted by cheese17

I am searching for a quick lesson on providing the best audio from a yet to be purchased BD player. My current config is a Sharp Aquos LC-46D64U, Yamaha RX-V995 and Boston Accoustics Micro90. I understand that the best I can produce at this time is 5.1, but I do not want to limit myself going forward, so I would like the 7.1 capability. The question right now is I was looking at the Panny 35, but concerned without the analog outputs I would be in trouble. A quick education would be much appreciated.

If I recall, your receiver doesn't have HDMI. If you want lossless audio, you will need the BD55 instead because it has multichannel analog outputs. The player will decode the HD audio, convert it to analog, and send the analog channels to your receiver over six audio cables. The BD35 is a good fit for receivers with HDMI. The BD55 adds analog outs, DivX support, and a coax audio output.

[cheese17]

Originally Posted by BIslander

If I recall, your receiver doesn't have HDMI. If you want lossless audio, you will need the BD55 instead because it has multichannel analog outputs. The player will decode the HD audio, convert it to analog, and send the analog channels to your receiver over six audio cables. The BD35 is a good fit for receivers with HDMI. The BD55 adds analog outs, DivX support, and a coax audio output.

Thanks for the clarification. You are correct in saying that my receiver does not have HDMI. One last question. Knowing that my current config is limited to 5.1. Would missing out on the lossless by simply taking an optical out of the TV and feeding it to the receiver really have that much impact on the quality of the audio?

Thanks

[BIslander]

Originally Posted by cheese17

Thanks for the clarification. You are correct in saying that my receiver does not have HDMI. One last question. Knowing that my current config is limited to 5.1. Would missing out on the lossless by simply taking an optical out of the TV and feeding it to the receiver really have that much impact on the quality of the audio?

Optical out of the TV will limit you to a stereo downmix, unless you have one of the few TVs that outputs DD 5.1 from external components. You should always run audio direct to your receiver, not through the TV.

As for whether lossless is better, it depends on who you ask. Optical is limited to the lossy versions of DD and DTS. But, they are encoded at higher bitrates on BD. Personally, I think lossless is better - clearer and more detailed. I don't hear a dramatic difference. But, some people do.

[trustwell]

Thanks for the help. I purchased the Panasonic BD-35k.

TW