Long post, many questions

I have a two-channel stereo speaker (plus a subwoofer) setup that is old school high quality, and I have no desire to purchase a AV amp or receiver and the compatible 5.1/7.1 speaker array. My present display is a 37-inch HDMI Sharp Aquos LCD.
I've come to the realization that waiting for the Sony BDP S350/S400 standalone BD player (or similar model) is really not worthwhile to me (as I am not be able to take advantage of the home theater audio bells and whistles I'd be paying extra for). I plan to use a PS3 primarily for playing my 200+ DVD collection + any Blu-Ray discs I will definitely purchase. I will probably try a few PS3 games at some point. I own a high quality standalone SACD disc player, so no need for the SACD option with a PS3 console. All said, it seems the PS3 offers the maximum bang for the bucks (firmware updates via ethernet/Sony support/winning format/growing game titles/etc). Questions are: which Playstation 3 model should I go with? Will I be able to capture some decent down-mixed 2-channel audio through my current setup? What settings are optimal considering my 2-channel setup? Thank you for any advice.

[kingofgrills]

Good for you! I love 2 channel setups, and I still have a dedicated 2 channel listening setup. It doesn't sound like you play PS2 games, so backwards compatibility won't be an issue for you.

For your setup, the biggest determining factor will be whether or not you want to have the ability to play Super Audio CDs on your PS3 along with Blu-ray discs. The 80 gig PS3 plays back SACDs and Blu-ray discs, but the 40 gig model cannot play SACDs. The PS3 is a fantastic SACD player, and it does have 2 channel analog outputs that would work perfectly with your system.

Sony includes a cheap set of analog connectors in the box, but it only includes composite video. In the stores you can buy an upgraded Multi-AV cable set from a number of companies including Sony and Monster that include component video cables and 2 channel analog cables. Using analog cables will allow the PS3 to provide uncompressed 2-channel audio to your receiver for BD, game, and SACD tracks. Otherwise, if you use the digital optical output, you'd be currently limited to a maximum sampling rate of 176.4 kHz, which is still pretty good. In my setup, I have a Monster Multi-A/V cable hooked to my Yamaha receiver specifically for SACD playback. I received the Monster cable bundled as a bonus with a PS2 game I bought a few years ago, and it is really well built. The Multi-A/V cable is identical for both PS2 and PS3, so you can probably find the same cable cheaper if it's branded PS2. Go figure.

If you're running a higher end 2-channel setup, and you're not interested in SACD playback (why???), then you should save yourself $100 and get the 40 gig model. It shares the same Blu-ray features as the 80 gig model, but it runs slightly quieter and consumes a little less power. That is because it doesn't include SACD playback and also PS2 playback hardware.

Since you run a quality 2 channel setup though, I'd spring for the 80 gig model. The PS3 is a great SACD player, and you can find out more info at:

www.ps3sacd.com

[JasonS]

Originally Posted by Ria Rhodes

I have a two-channel stereo speaker (plus a subwoofer) setup that is old school high quality, and I have no desire to purchase a AV amp or receiver and the compatible 5.1/7.1 speaker array. My present display is a 37-inch HDMI Sharp Aquos LCD.
I've come to the realization that waiting for the Sony BDP S350/S400 standalone BD player (or similar model) is really not worthwhile to me (as I am not be able to take advantage of the home theater audio bells and whistles I'd be paying extra for). I plan to use a PS3 primarily for playing my 200+ DVD collection + any Blu-Ray discs I will definitely purchase. I will probably try a few PS3 games at some point. I own a high quality standalone SACD disc player, so no need for the SACD option with a PS3 console. All said, it seems the PS3 offers the maximum bang for the bucks (firmware updates via ethernet/Sony support/winning format/growing game titles/etc). Questions are: which Playstation 3 model should I go with? Will I be able to capture some decent down-mixed 2-channel audio through my current setup? What settings are optimal considering my 2-channel setup? Thank you for any advice.

It doesn't matter what PS3 you go with, the technical specs as far as video/audio are the same on all of them. The only big difference is the hard drive size and backwards compatibility. If you are using it primarily just for movies, I would say go with the 40 GB as it is the cheapest option and you won't need any extra storage space for games, etc.

Thanks for responses. I already own a high quality SACD player, however I'm glad to hear that PS3 80GB users can enjoy that format. Any of you know the optimal PS3 menu settings I should use considering my monitor and 2-channel audio setup listed in my initial post?

[Ascended_Saiyan]

If price is not a main concern, I would suggest the 80GB. I say that do to the media card reader (for extrra storage and more options for photo/movie viewing from camera/videocam memory). These will probably be things you would want to use at some point in the future, so it is nice to know that some of your future interests are covered.

Also, their will be 40GB more space available for storage (it will come in handy). Storing movies and the possibility of recording TV shows in the future (see Play TV functions). It's better to have those things and be able to grow into them than to grow out of something (especially when all that can be covered for a mere $100 extra. That, also, gives you 2 more USB ports AND a back-up SACD player, should your SACD goes out on you.

As for your last question about settings, I'm assuming you have a Bose 321 or similiar system. I would hook up the optical (TOSlink cable) connection to the PS3 and audio system. Let the PS3 auto detect your audio capabilities. Then, UNcheck all the audio options except the 2-channel PCM checks on the PS3.

On the video side, I would just make sure you are set to FULL RGB in the display settings.

[Icemage]

Originally Posted by Ascended_Saiyan

If price is not a main concern, I would suggest the 80GB. I say that do to the media card reader (for extrra storage and more options for photo/movie viewing from camera/videocam memory). These will probably be things you would want to use at some point in the future, so it is nice to know that some of your future interests are covered.

Also, their will be 40GB more space available for storage (it will come in handy). Storing movies and the possibility of recording TV shows in the future (see Play TV functions). It's better to have those things and be able to grow into them than to grow out of something (especially when all that can be covered for a mere $100 extra. That, also, gives you 2 more USB ports AND a back-up SACD player, should your SACD goes out on you.

The extra ports aren't really an issue for someone looking primarily for a Blu-ray/DVD player.

The SACD output is a nice perk, however, for someone who's really into audio fidelity.

As for your last question about settings, I'm assuming you have a Bose 321 or similiar system. I would hook up the optical (TOSlink cable) connection to the PS3 and audio system. Let the PS3 auto detect your audio capabilities. Then, UNcheck all the audio options except the 2-channel PCM checks on the PS3.

I SINCERELY hope no one who owns an SACD system owns Bose audio hardware. Rather defeats the purpose, no?

Assuming your existing stereo setup accepts optical TOSlink input, the PS3 will quite happily output uncompressed LPCM 2.0 over optical (downmixing from 5.1 or 7.1 as necessary).

If you need analog output, however, you might have an issue, as the PS3 only has optical and HDMI outputs (well, and composite, but... yeah...).

On the video side, I would just make sure you are set to FULL RGB in the display settings.

This isn't sound advice.

(1) Unless you're using HDMI output, the Full/Limited RGB, Y Pb/Cb Pr/Cr, and Super White settings all have no effect.

(2) Even if you're using HDMI, use of any/all of the above settings depends greatly on the make and model of TV you have. Some TVs don't know what to do with a Full RGB signal and will display issues like banding or black crush when it's used.

For more information on how to get these settings right on a PS3, check the manual online here.

http://manuals.playstation.net/docum...ngs/index.html

[Ascended_Saiyan]

Originally Posted by Icemage

The extra ports aren't really an issue for someone looking primarily for a Blu-ray/DVD player.

Did you read the part where I talked about growing in and out of options?

This machine will probably last for a long time. People grow and change. It's best to cover future growth when you can do it for only a little extra. Planning for the future saves headaches. I'm just making sure the OP is aware before choosing. Options are good.

I SINCERELY hope no one who owns an SACD system owns Bose audio hardware. Rather defeats the purpose, no?

Did you read where Ria said it's a 2.1 system? There are only a couple decent manufacturers making products in that category. Bose is one of the best in THAT area.

Assuming your existing stereo setup accepts optical TOSlink input, the PS3 will quite happily output uncompressed LPCM 2.0 over optical (downmixing from 5.1 or 7.1 as necessary).

If you need analog output, however, you might have an issue, as the PS3 only has optical and HDMI outputs (well, and composite, but... yeah...).

I covered this already.

This isn't sound advice.

Huh? It IS sound advice. You even repeated part of my post. I use to do stuff like this professionally.

(1) Unless you're using HDMI output, the Full/Limited RGB, Y Pb/Cb Pr/Cr, and Super White settings all have no effect.

(2) Even if you're using HDMI, use of any/all of the above settings depends greatly on the make and model of TV you have. Some TVs don't know what to do with a Full RGB signal and will display issues like banding or black crush when it's used.

Did you read where Ria said the TV had an HDMI port?

This person, obviously, doesn't need to be confused by your #2 section.

AQUOS (some models) are known for banding in the first place. It will accept a Full RGB signal. This is a non-issue you are talking about. There is enough information in the OP to know this. Reading is the key.