Blu-ray audio question

[Got2LoveGadgets]

Hi im getting a bit confused with all the different audio types available on Blu Ray. Im using a PS3 as my weapon of choice linked buy optical to a Denon 7.1 amp. What is the best audio format available for my system? Is it really worth making the leap to a HDMI capable amp as I do have some reasonably decent speakers?

[crackinhedz]

well, the best you'll get using optical is 2.0 PCM or basic 5.1 dolby digital and dts.

If youre looking for full 7.1 Lossless audio, you would need a new HDMI capable receiver....

or, get a standalone bluray player and connect it via multichannel analog to your current receiver.

[Got2LoveGadgets]

When you say full 7.1 does that mean with Blu-Ray the rear centres are sent seperate information and not mono as the are with dvd's aka 6.1

[crackinhedz]

Originally Posted by Got2LoveGadgets

When you say full 7.1 does that mean with Blu-Ray the rear centres are sent seperate information and not mono as the are with dvd's aka 6.1

yes, full 7.1 is "discrete" 8 channels. (granted 7.1 is the limitation of today, but could be much higher in the future... )

[JadedRaverLA]

Keep in mind though, most Blu-ray discs have 5,1 audio. Only a few have full 7.1 audio. The bigger difference would be that you would get full lossless audio from PCM and Dolby TrueHD tracks (and possible DTS HD-MA, if Sony ever puts that capability into the PS3). There is definitely a difference in sound quality, but as to how important that is to you... well, I can't answer that.

[Once_Forsaken]

The quality of the audio is going to also depend on your surround sound set-up (what speakers, what receivers?) and the acoustics of the room you are listening in. For example, I have a surround sound set-up in my tiny 13'x15' bedroom. The difference between 7.1 or 5.1 is lost on me because all the speakers are so close to each other already.

You're really getting into a gray area where there is a LOT of opinion and subjectivity, and few verifiable 'facts' as to what is better.

Trust your own ears. If you start relying on other people's opinions then be prepared to spend a lot of money and time trying to chasing white whales ('perfect' set ups)

[Got2LoveGadgets]

I would like to think I have a reasonably decent setup. My main speakers are Tannoys Eyris 2's with Tannoys Eyris centre. Now my rears aren't actually behind me due to room restriction they are about a meter in front firing towards me then I have the centre rears either side of the listening position. Might sound weird but actually works well as Prologic2x on my Denon 2805 does a really good job of making the rear centres stereo. Im very pleased with my system and DVD playback has always been top notch. I just feel that the the audio from my PS3 doesn't match the stunning picture quality. Has anyone had experience of playing a blu ray using optical and HDMI from the PS3 if so did you notice any big improvements with HDMI?

[dmwiley]

"or, get a standalone bluray player and connect it via multichannel analog to your current"

Crackinhedz, with this set up, lossless audio will be transmitted, whether DTS or Dolby? I take it this would be preferable set up when compared to standard digital or optical output from the Blu-ray player for audio purposes? Thanks for your assistance.

[MacDaddyOJack]

Originally Posted by dmwiley

"or, get a standalone bluray player and connect it via multichannel analog to your current"

Crackinhedz, with this set up, lossless audio will be transmitted, whether DTS or Dolby? I take it this would be preferable set up when compared to standard digital or optical output from the Blu-ray player for audio purposes? Thanks for your assistance.

The only lossless you can get with multichannel analog is PCM and whatever else your player can decode (which is probably only TrueHD). You won't get DTS-MA from multichannel lossless. However, if you want lossless at all, then that is the only way you will get it without an HDMI reciever. If you are not going to upgrade, then just use optical for movies with DTS and you will get the core 5.1 instead of the lossless.

[dmwiley]

MacDaddy, thank you so much. That is what I thought but wasn't certain after reading Crackinhedz post. In your opinion, does PCM lossless audio through the multichannel analog jacks produce more revealing sound than Dolby Digital or DTS through coax or optical? I realize this is equipment dependent.

[MacDaddyOJack]

Originally Posted by dmwiley

MacDaddy, thank you so much. That is what I thought but wasn't certain after reading Crackinhedz post. In your opinion, does PCM lossless audio through the multichannel analog jacks produce more revealing sound than Dolby Digital or DTS through coax or optical? I realize this is equipment dependent.

Yes, there is a big difference. Before I got my new Onkyo 805 I had to use the multichannel analog input on my old reciever. The difference between PCM and dolby digital/ DTS is HUGE!! Well worth it to change the connection. I am extremely happy with the Onkyo 805 upgrade as well but I'm kind of nutty when it comes to home theater sound. In any case, you will be able to hear a drastic increase between Dolby Digital and PCM, now go change your connection!!

[dmwiley]

Thanks for the excellent tip. Consider it done. I have read very favorable reviews on the 805. How do you like it?

[MacDaddyOJack]

Originally Posted by dmwiley

Thanks for the excellent tip. Consider it done. I have read very favorable reviews on the 805. How do you like it?

Couldn't be happier!! I considered the new Yamaha RX-V1800 for a bit but as it was more money and not THX certified I decided against it. The 805 also has Burr-Brown DAC's so that sealed the deal. Now that I have the 805, I can't imagine any way that the Yamaha could be better than the Onkyo. The Onkyo is a phenomenal reciever for the price, I'd recommend that anybody get one!

[dmwiley]

MacDaddy, let me be more specific in my inquiry regarding the 805. Do you notice any video signal degradation or alteration when using your 1080p-Blu-ray source? I've always been a little leery of anything but a direct connection to display for video purposes. Does the 805 run hot like the 875? I guess you must turn on your receiver whenever you wish to watch television, even if just for the evening news? Thanks.

[Got2LoveGadgets]

Originally Posted by crackinhedz

well, the best you'll get using optical is 2.0 PCM or basic 5.1 dolby digital and dts.

If youre looking for full 7.1 Lossless audio, you would need a new HDMI capable receiver....

or, get a standalone bluray player and connect it via multichannel analog to your current receiver.

Think im swaying towards upgrading my amp. Im a big Denon fan currently on my third AV amp (I've had Sony's, Yamaha's and Pioneer's over the years) have been looking online at the Denon 2808 has anyone heard this if so what do you think?
Also does it look future proof as blu ray is a bit confusing with all the different audio options DTS-MA DTS-HD

[crackinhedz]

Originally Posted by dmwiley

Do you notice any video signal degradation or alteration when using your 1080p-Blu-ray source?

When using HDMI it is an all digital signal, so you should see no loss in picture quality...longer runs can cause "sparkles" or no signal at all...but that is very rare. Most any hdmi cable nowadays will give you a great connection. (Monoprice.com )

using Component cables (Analog) , then yes I would worry about signal degredation. But not with HDMI.

[crackinhedz]

The Onkyo 805 is a sweet piece of machinery. Highly recommended.

Also the Pioneer Elite VSX92TXH would make an excellent receiver.

[Got2LoveGadgets]

Originally Posted by crackinhedz

The Onkyo 805 is a sweet piece of machinery. Highly recommended.

Also the Pioneer Elite VSX92TXH would make an excellent receiver.

Allot of users on this site praise the 805 one big selling point for me with a new amp will be component up conversion. I have an Arcam DVD player which I love but it only outputs progressive scan (480p) what is the 805 like at upscaling over component?

[intimidator32]

does anyone hear know if the sony 810 passes pcm multi channel?

[MacDaddyOJack]

Originally Posted by dmwiley

MacDaddy, let me be more specific in my inquiry regarding the 805. Do you notice any video signal degradation or alteration when using your 1080p-Blu-ray source? I've always been a little leery of anything but a direct connection to display for video purposes. Does the 805 run hot like the 875? I guess you must turn on your receiver whenever you wish to watch television, even if just for the evening news? Thanks.

The HDMI connection is 1080p pass through, no signal degredation at all. Works with 1080/24p as well. It only upconverts old signals to 720p though so I let my tv do all the upconverting to 1080p instead of the reciever upscaling to only 720p. The unit runs warm, but certainly not hot as I have heard some say. I have about 5 inches above the unit (See pics in sig) and that works just fine. I usually only have it on for about 2-3 hours at a time though so it may get hotter if you are one of those who uses it all day, I don't know as I don't use it all day. In all the reviews I have read though, I have yet to hear of one having a problem because of the heat it generates.