DTS-HD Audio question for player (CMMBX72)

[Runfellow]

Okay folks, new to the boards, and have a question (I hate posters like these; I promise I'll post more constructive stuff later).

I currently own a Curtis Mathes CMMBX72 Blu player, firmware updated (PINA). Now, the specs on the Target and Amazon sites tell that the player only plays the DTS-HD "core" rather than the full uncompressed audio. I recently got a cheaper surround system (I'm a poor college kid, but a film major so I can justify so much spending) (the system is a Sony HT-SS2300 Component Home Theater System, here: http://www.amazon.com/Sony-HT-SS2300...dp/B00180MQWG).

Okay, so the question is thus: I notice a noticeable bump in audio between a normal DTS disc and this supposed "Core" DTS-HD track on the player. Firstly, is there any way to tell if the firmware updated the player to play DTS-HD, not just the 1.5 Core thing? Or can the average ear tell the difference between core and fully uncompressed, if the track already sounds better than DTS?

If indeed there is a notable difference, and my player does not support DTS-HD and probably never will, what players would you guys recommend in the cheaper, more "bang for your buck" category? Preferably a better brand than CM.

Thanks ahead of time for your help, and sorry again to start posting with a bunch of NoobQs.