Do ANY of the Sony Players Even Support Master Audio? - Blu-ray Forum

ClinicaTerra LTD · 06-29-2008, 12:16 AM

In my ongoing quest to find a BD player that bitstreams TrueHD and Master Audio, I came across the Sony site and it doesn't seem to me, unless I am not reading the specs right, that these models even support Master Audio at all -- is this so? If that's the case, I would forget about Sony altogether in my search...

Also...does anyone have any information or personal experience with the Sony players' upconversion performance -- aside from the PS3?

CAB · 06-29-2008, 12:18 AM

Nope and not until the next versions of the 300 and 500. The ES model doesn't handle MA either. You get the DTS core streamed or decoded to PCM. Wait for it. . .

Wait

for

it....

Edit: As for up-conversion on the Sony stuff, I've owned the 300 and S1 and seen the same results. I stuck with my Pioneer DVD/SACD player for better up conversion. To be frank, I don't bother putting in a DVD anymore if I'm looking for a quality. BD has spoiled me so that DVD depresses me.

ClinicaTerra LTD · 06-29-2008, 12:20 AM

Thanks CAB...

What would the point be then of shelling out 1300 bucks for the ES model when it doesn't even SUPPORT MA?

I thought I had read in Crutchfield that these players DO output bitstream for the new codecs, but their site said otherwise...

Perhaps Crutchfield is carrying these new versions you speak of?

CAB · 06-29-2008, 12:30 AM

S350 and S550 are the new versions and I'm expecting July for the first and August for the second. I thought about the Sony ES model when it was announced but stayed with my Pioneer Elite knowing that what I call the real gen 2 players would be full featured.

I'd look at the new Panasonic BD50 if you want BD-Live or the Pioneer 51FD or Elite 05 if you are content with Bonus View. I can't find the Panasonic in good supply yet but that'll change soon. The Pioneers are also July and August. I lean toward Pioneer instead of Sony only out of personal preference. I'm gonna pick up the Elite 05 when it ships. Damn, I wish they'da added SACD and DVD-A support.. I guess I'll have to penta-dip on players.

CAB · 06-29-2008, 12:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ClinicaTerra LTD

What would the point be then of shelling out 1300 bucks for the ES model when it doesn't even SUPPORT MA?

QFT.

ClinicaTerra LTD · 06-29-2008, 12:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CAB

S350 and S550 are the new versions and I'm expecting July for the first and August for the second. I thought about the Sony ES model when it was announced but stayed with my Pioneer Elite knowing that what I call the real gen 2 players would be full featured.

I'd look at the new Panasonic BD50 if you want BD-Live or the Pioneer 51FD or Elite 05 if you are content with Bonus View. I can't find the Panasonic in good supply yet but that'll change soon. The Pioneers are also July and August. I lean toward Pioneer instead of Sony only out of personal preference. I'm gonna pick up the Elite 05 when it ships. Damn, I wish they'da added SACD and DVD-A support.. I guess I'll have to penta-dip on players.

I don't want to consider a Panasonic again because I'm unhappy with its UniPher chip for DVD upscaling; my only criteria is for bitstreaming of the new codecs, including Master Audio, and DVD upconversion quality...

But getting back to the Sonys, are you saying these new "S" models do handle the bitstreaming now and support Master Audio? I would consider a Sony, as it would be a good match for my SXRD display, but I am worried about its DVD upscaling...

ClinicaTerra LTD · 06-29-2008, 12:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CAB

QFT.

crackinhedz · 06-29-2008, 12:35 AM

SONY ADDS NEW BLU-RAY DISC PLAYERS WITH ADVANCED INTERACTIVITY

'The models offer 7.1 channel Dolby® TrueHD and Dolby® Digital Plus decoding and bit-stream output, as well as dts®-HD High Resolution Audio and Master Audio bit-stream output.'

CAB · 06-29-2008, 12:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ClinicaTerra LTD

Quoted for truth. The price was absurd for the added non-features. Everything I read was that it was every bit as good as the lesser S500.

ClinicaTerra LTD · 06-29-2008, 12:38 AM

Thanks for the link, Crackin! Okay, so the new Sonys DO output bitstreamed TrueHD/Master Audio...

Now the only issue is if these players exhibit good DVD upscaling....

ClinicaTerra LTD · 06-29-2008, 12:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CAB

Quoted for truth. The price was absurd for the added non-features. Everything I read was that it was every bit as good as the lesser S500.

So are you saying the ES model really isn't worth the money?

CAB · 06-29-2008, 12:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crackinhedz

SONY ADDS NEW BLU-RAY DISC PLAYERS WITH ADVANCED INTERACTIVITY

'The models offer 7.1 channel Dolby® TrueHD and Dolby® Digital Plus decoding and bit-stream output, as well as dts®-HD High Resolution Audio and Master Audio bit-stream output.'

^^^^
What he said. Same main chipset used by the Pioneer models (Sigma?), I believe. Hit up kjack in his insiders thread for background. Hold onto your wallet for just another 30 - 60 days. Sorry mate, but it will be worth it.

CAB · 06-29-2008, 12:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ClinicaTerra LTD

So are you saying the ES model really isn't worth the money?

That's exactly what I'm saying. I suspect that the only reason they are still in stock anywhere is because they sold close to zero. It looks cool though with the slide down front panel. It reminded me of my Sony DVP-S700 and DVP-S7700.

ClinicaTerra LTD · 06-29-2008, 12:52 AM

I just learned that the Sigma chip that's inside the Panny '10A is in the Sonys and other Blu ray players -- this chipset sucks, so that will eliminate Sony from my list I think...

CAB · 06-29-2008, 12:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ClinicaTerra LTD

I just learned that the Sigma chip that's inside the Panny '10A is in the Sonys and other Blu ray players -- this chipset sucks, so that will eliminate Sony from my list I think...

Panasonic went to something internally developed for their BD50. I wouldn't rule them out before expert reviews. Also, I wouldn't judge any of the next batch of players by a gen1 rushed to market device.

ClinicaTerra LTD · 06-29-2008, 12:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CAB

Panasonic went to something internally developed for their DB50. I wouldn't rule them out before expert reviews. Also, I wouldn't judge any of the next batch of players by a gen1 rushed to market device.

Alright...now THIS is worthwhile news...thanks Chris...I really didn't want another Panasonic, but IF they go with a different chip for the upscaling perhaps I will consider it -- but do you really think that these new generation decks are going to be substantially better than the first generation ones?

CAB · 06-29-2008, 12:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ClinicaTerra LTD

Alright...now THIS is worthwhile news...thanks Chris...I really didn't want another Panasonic, but IF they go with a different chip for the upscaling perhaps I will consider it -- but do you really think that these new generation decks are going to be substantially better than the first generation ones?

EVERY CE in the BD game is banking on this batch of players being substantially better than gen1. I'd put that above anything a casual forum guy like me thinks.

ClinicaTerra LTD · 06-29-2008, 01:01 AM

You know what the problem is for me with the BD50, too, Chris? While it has the bitstreaming capabilities, it's STILL a Panasonic -- and I'm not that happy with the '10A's BLU-RAY performance, let alone its DVD performance...so how do I know if the 50 will solve that?

CAB · 06-29-2008, 01:14 AM

Two choices - buy till you find something that works for you or wait and read professional reviews of the products. I camp the AVSforums for consumer information and quality reviews. Their membership of audiophiles and videophiles is pretty sizable and they get good CE turnout.

I haven't owned one of the Panasonics (yet) but there are those I trust on these forums that are in love with the BD30 and are camping outside stores for the BD50. And it's only like $500. Sheesh, that's less than my first VHS, less than half what I paid for my first DVD player and less, still, than my latest DVD player.

I'm pretty loose with the funds. I've bought three PS3s and four standalones BD players thus far with two more soon. I've gifted most used and sold the BDP-S1 for a good buyer's price to one of our cooler members.

bootman · 06-29-2008, 01:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ClinicaTerra LTD

I don't want to consider a Panasonic again because I'm unhappy with its UniPher chip for DVD upscaling; my only criteria is for bitstreaming of the new codecs, including Master Audio, and DVD upconversion quality...

Didn't you just get an Oppo?
If so, why is this still a sticking point for you?

Nevermind:
I just read your post here.

All I can say, is the old saying of garbage in garbage out always apply.
The best upsampling chip in the world will not make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.

If you want the best viewing (or audio) experience, then buy the best mix, decode, etc possible.
example:
Yes, it is worth to get the Japanese version of Dark Side of the Moon for $50.
It is that much better.

06-29-2008, 12:16 AM	#1
ClinicaTerra LTD Banned Member since:Jun 2008	Do ANY of the Sony Players Even Support Master Audio? In my ongoing quest to find a BD player that bitstreams TrueHD and Master Audio, I came across the Sony site and it doesn't seem to me, unless I am not reading the specs right, that these models even support Master Audio at all -- is this so? If that's the case, I would forget about Sony altogether in my search... Also...does anyone have any information or personal experience with the Sony players' upconversion performance -- aside from the PS3?

06-29-2008, 12:18 AM	#2
CAB Blu-ray Guru Member since:Jul 2007 Location:::1 4K collection:88 Blu-ray collection:1827 Trading Score:4	Nope and not until the next versions of the 300 and 500. The ES model doesn't handle MA either. You get the DTS core streamed or decoded to PCM. Wait for it. . . Wait for it.... Edit: As for up-conversion on the Sony stuff, I've owned the 300 and S1 and seen the same results. I stuck with my Pioneer DVD/SACD player for better up conversion. To be frank, I don't bother putting in a DVD anymore if I'm looking for a quality. BD has spoiled me so that DVD depresses me. Last edited by CAB; 06-29-2008 at 12:22 AM.

06-29-2008, 01:14 AM	#19
CAB Blu-ray Guru Member since:Jul 2007 Location:::1 4K collection:88 Blu-ray collection:1827 Trading Score:4	Two choices - buy till you find something that works for you or wait and read professional reviews of the products. I camp the AVSforums for consumer information and quality reviews. Their membership of audiophiles and videophiles is pretty sizable and they get good CE turnout. I haven't owned one of the Panasonics (yet) but there are those I trust on these forums that are in love with the BD30 and are camping outside stores for the BD50. And it's only like $500. Sheesh, that's less than my first VHS, less than half what I paid for my first DVD player and less, still, than my latest DVD player. I'm pretty loose with the funds. I've bought three PS3s and four standalones BD players thus far with two more soon. I've gifted most used and sold the BDP-S1 for a good buyer's price to one of our cooler members. Last edited by CAB; 06-29-2008 at 01:17 AM.

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06-29-2008, 12:20 AM	#3
ClinicaTerra LTD Banned Member since:Jun 2008	Thanks CAB... What would the point be then of shelling out 1300 bucks for the ES model when it doesn't even SUPPORT MA? I thought I had read in Crutchfield that these players DO output bitstream for the new codecs, but their site said otherwise... Perhaps Crutchfield is carrying these new versions you speak of?

06-29-2008, 12:30 AM	#4
CAB Blu-ray Guru Member since:Jul 2007 Location:::1 4K collection:88 Blu-ray collection:1827 Trading Score:4	S350 and S550 are the new versions and I'm expecting July for the first and August for the second. I thought about the Sony ES model when it was announced but stayed with my Pioneer Elite knowing that what I call the real gen 2 players would be full featured. I'd look at the new Panasonic BD50 if you want BD-Live or the Pioneer 51FD or Elite 05 if you are content with Bonus View. I can't find the Panasonic in good supply yet but that'll change soon. The Pioneers are also July and August. I lean toward Pioneer instead of Sony only out of personal preference. I'm gonna pick up the Elite 05 when it ships. Damn, I wish they'da added SACD and DVD-A support.. I guess I'll have to penta-dip on players.

06-29-2008, 12:35 AM	#8
crackinhedz Super Moderator Member since:Feb 2007 Home Theater Gallery:10 Blu-ray reviews:8 Trading Score:19	SONY ADDS NEW BLU-RAY DISC PLAYERS WITH ADVANCED INTERACTIVITY 'The models offer 7.1 channel Dolby® TrueHD and Dolby® Digital Plus decoding and bit-stream output, as well as dts®-HD High Resolution Audio and Master Audio bit-stream output.'

06-29-2008, 12:38 AM	#10
ClinicaTerra LTD Banned Member since:Jun 2008	Thanks for the link, Crackin! Okay, so the new Sonys DO output bitstreamed TrueHD/Master Audio... Now the only issue is if these players exhibit good DVD upscaling....

06-29-2008, 12:52 AM	#14
ClinicaTerra LTD Banned Member since:Jun 2008	I just learned that the Sigma chip that's inside the Panny '10A is in the Sonys and other Blu ray players -- this chipset sucks, so that will eliminate Sony from my list I think...

06-29-2008, 01:01 AM	#18
ClinicaTerra LTD Banned Member since:Jun 2008	You know what the problem is for me with the BD50, too, Chris? While it has the bitstreaming capabilities, it's STILL a Panasonic -- and I'm not that happy with the '10A's BLU-RAY performance, let alone its DVD performance...so how do I know if the 50 will solve that?

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