Uncompressed PCM Worth Receiver Upgrade?

[bcatwilly]

Okay guys, I have loved what my PS3 looks like with Blu-Ray to my 720p projector (will wait another year to consider a 1080p projector). However, my receiver does not have HDMI, so I have to use the optical out bitstream option to get the standard Dolby Digital or DTS soundtracks.

I was looking at the new Onkyo TX-SR605 for $400 as an HDMI receiver solution that will allow me to pass the uncompressed PCM audio from the PS3 through the HDMI connection.

I enjoy great sound as part of the movie experience and can notice the extra rear center sound from my current Onkyo HT-R520 6.1 home theater in a box solution that included speakers (yes I know that audiophiles will cringe reading that). In fact I would simply swap out the new 605 receiver and leave the speakers in place for now.

Finally to my question, simply looking for objective responses here. Yes, I understand the fact that from a purely technical standpoint uncompressed is always better than the compressed audio. However, for those who have experienced the PCM does it really kick things up enough to warrant a receiver upgrade in your opinion? Would I require much more expensive replacement speakers to truly enjoy the benefits also? Basically I haven't seen enough objective comparison to know whether it is only the audio guys talking about very subtle things in the uncompressed PCM that most of us wouldn't notice.

Any help is appreciated, thanks.

[Muad'Dib]

I believe you will hear a difference if you upgrade the 605. Listing to uncompressed audio has the same sound difference, at least to me, as the differences between Dolby digital and DTS. DTS sound far better. The 605 also detects Dolby digital HD and DTS HD. (It is cool when the Dolby Digital HD light kicks on ) While the PS3 doesn’t decode DTS-HD yet, I hope a future firm ware update will be able to change that.
I would think the greatest thing to consider when looking at upgrading to a 605 is ease of use. With the hdmi interface it will be easier to switch input. Also less wire less mess, but you will have to buy at least 2 hdmi cables. They could range from $100 to $10 depending on the brand. The 605 up conversion of the component and s-video to 1080p is cool.
Are you running monster cable for the speakers or are you using the speaker wire that came with the package. Boosting the wires may give you the clarity you looking for. I hope this helps a little.

[Sephex]

it's only in the last few months that I've been able to enjoy PCM audio from B-ray. and buying a pair of HDMI cables was pricey, I feel it was well worth it. I used Pearl Harbor for my demo scene, I was very impressed, especially the arizona exploding, I swear I could feel the room ripple with the boat.
and as far as your upgrade to a 1080p projector, the price is coming down alot, a friend of mine just picked up the new sony lcd 1080p front pro for 1500 canadian.

[leukoplast]

Yes! Most definitely!

At first I didn't even second guess it until I actually tried it on one of my Blu-Rays. And man, the huge difference in sound is phenomenal. Its louder, clearer, and just has more kick to it. To better put it, it feels more full, as if there is more to it. (which there really is)

The difference to me was like night and day, seriously. And this isn't just from a pure technical standpoint, the truth lies in the experience.

So yes, I highly suggest you get the 605, you will not regret it. Also, I'd like to point out you can do uncompressed audio from optical, but only 2.1. So if you want anything more than that (which from the sounds of it you do) then upgrade to a HDMI receiver.

And yes, if you really want to make good use of that pure uncompressed love, you will need to upgrade your speakers to something that doesn't inhibit your sound, but something that simply passes it along as its really supposed to sound.

Originally Posted by Muad'Dib

I believe you will hear a difference if you upgrade the 605. Listing to uncompressed audio has the same sound difference, at least to me, as the differences between Dolby digital and DTS. DTS sound far better. The 605 also detects Dolby digital HD and DTS HD. (It is cool when the Dolby Digital HD light kicks on ) While the PS3 doesn’t decode DTS-HD yet, I hope a future firm ware update will be able to change that.
I would think the greatest thing to consider when looking at upgrading to a 605 is ease of use. With the hdmi interface it will be easier to switch input. Also less wire less mess, but you will have to buy at least 2 hdmi cables. They could range from $100 to $10 depending on the brand. The 605 up conversion of the component and s-video to 1080p is cool.
Are you running monster cable for the speakers or are you using the speaker wire that came with the package. Boosting the wires may give you the clarity you looking for. I hope this helps a little.

How did you manage to get the light to come on if the PS3 doesn't pass bitstream Dolby THD?

Also, I didn't even know the 605 had a light, neat

BTW bigger wires don't matter at a certain point (I'd say 14 gauge), its mostly just audio hype.

[bcatwilly]

Thanks for the replies, sure sounds like I am going to buy the 605 and judge for myself.

[Memnoch]

I tried getting away with not upgrading my receiver when I got an HD TV and a PS3. My Pioneer only had an optical in and one of the first BDs I put in my PS3 gave an audio option I had never seen before, PCM. So I started doing research and found out that I really was going to have to upgrade my receiver. I got an Onkyo 605 and am loving it. You pretty much have to run an HDMI cable from your PS3 to the receiver, then another HDMI from the receiver to the TV. The 605 was 7.1, so I had to buy two extra speakers as well. It was all worth it. Good luck.