Harmon Kardon AVR 435 - looking for advice set up or upgrading - Blu-ray Forum

jdlivestrong · 12-18-2008, 02:01 AM

Hello - I've been frequenting this site for some time now and finally joined to put up my first post in search of a little help. I've been into HT since about the beginning of DVD's and about 3 months ago jumped into Blu Ray (with the help of this site, I've built my library up to almost 100 now). I've recently picked up a PS3 and upgraded my TV and am looking for a little help on my audio.

Current set up:
TV: Samsung 50" 1080p Plasma (A550)
Blu Ray: 80 GB PS3
HD DVD: Toshiba HD-A3 (picked it up with 50 HD DVD's recently for fun...wish I hadn't)
Receiver: Harmon Kardon AVR 435
Fronts: JBL Northridge E Series E90's
Center: JBL Northridge E Series EC35
Surrounds: JBL Northridge E Series E10's
Subwoofer: KLH 10" 120W (upgrade long overdue)

Since my receiver doesn't have HDMI, I'm running HDMI from the PS3 and HD DVD to my TV and then optical out from my TV to the receiver. I thought that an optical cable could carry all of the new audio signals, but I don't think that is the case...which means I'm missing out on one of the great benefits of Blu Ray.

So, I've been thinking about picking up the Denon 1909...which has also got me thinking about trying to find a deal on some Definitive Technology speakers. But on the other hand, my HK receiver and speakers are only a couple years old (except my sub).

My question...is there a way for me to fully enjoy what Blu Ray has to offer with the equipment that I have?

Thanks in advance for your time!

LIVESTRONG

jpm35216 · 12-18-2008, 02:34 AM

You should be able to use a bd player like the Sony BDP S550, the multi channel out, and get loss-less (HD) audio. Just connect it to the multi-channel in on your receiver.

That being said, I'm considering the same thing and possibly an upgrade to the same receiver (Denon AVR1909, currently have a yamaha htr 5890)...

jdlivestrong · 12-18-2008, 03:24 AM

Yes, I thought about that, too...but I really like the PS3 as a player (though I don't own a game for it) and the Denon 1909 wouldn't be too much more than a new BD player.

By the way...I'm a big fan of your TV...that is what I was planning to buy before I ran into deal I couldn't refuse on my Samsung. I actually recommended your Panny to my aunt and she's obsessed with it!

Keep me posted on what you decide to do.

Opips2 · 12-28-2008, 08:40 AM

I know, old receiver don't have HDMI. only optial digital, stereo. the older PS3 system has super audio CD (SACD) and blu-ray movie is best use PMC 2 channel 48kHz or more high kHz because that's audio HD sound!

I bought HK AVR-254 is new 2008 year on 4weeks ago. it's big up thumb

12-18-2008, 02:01 AM	#1
jdlivestrong Member Member since:Dec 2008 Blu-ray collection:104	Harmon Kardon AVR 435 - looking for advice set up or upgrading Hello - I've been frequenting this site for some time now and finally joined to put up my first post in search of a little help. I've been into HT since about the beginning of DVD's and about 3 months ago jumped into Blu Ray (with the help of this site, I've built my library up to almost 100 now). I've recently picked up a PS3 and upgraded my TV and am looking for a little help on my audio. Current set up: TV: Samsung 50" 1080p Plasma (A550) Blu Ray: 80 GB PS3 HD DVD: Toshiba HD-A3 (picked it up with 50 HD DVD's recently for fun...wish I hadn't) Receiver: Harmon Kardon AVR 435 Fronts: JBL Northridge E Series E90's Center: JBL Northridge E Series EC35 Surrounds: JBL Northridge E Series E10's Subwoofer: KLH 10" 120W (upgrade long overdue) Since my receiver doesn't have HDMI, I'm running HDMI from the PS3 and HD DVD to my TV and then optical out from my TV to the receiver. I thought that an optical cable could carry all of the new audio signals, but I don't think that is the case...which means I'm missing out on one of the great benefits of Blu Ray. So, I've been thinking about picking up the Denon 1909...which has also got me thinking about trying to find a deal on some Definitive Technology speakers. But on the other hand, my HK receiver and speakers are only a couple years old (except my sub). My question...is there a way for me to fully enjoy what Blu Ray has to offer with the equipment that I have? Thanks in advance for your time! LIVESTRONG

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12-18-2008, 02:34 AM	#2
jpm35216 Member Member since:Nov 2008 Location:Birmingham, AL Home Theater Gallery:28 Blu-ray collection:121	You should be able to use a bd player like the Sony BDP S550, the multi channel out, and get loss-less (HD) audio. Just connect it to the multi-channel in on your receiver. That being said, I'm considering the same thing and possibly an upgrade to the same receiver (Denon AVR1909, currently have a yamaha htr 5890)...

12-18-2008, 03:24 AM	#3
jdlivestrong Member Member since:Dec 2008 Blu-ray collection:104	Yes, I thought about that, too...but I really like the PS3 as a player (though I don't own a game for it) and the Denon 1909 wouldn't be too much more than a new BD player. By the way...I'm a big fan of your TV...that is what I was planning to buy before I ran into deal I couldn't refuse on my Samsung. I actually recommended your Panny to my aunt and she's obsessed with it! Keep me posted on what you decide to do.

12-28-2008, 08:40 AM	#4
Opips2 Special Member Member since:Nov 2008 Location:Edmonton, AB Home Theater Gallery:6 Blu-ray collection:175 Blu-ray reviews:10 Trading Score:1	I know, old receiver don't have HDMI. only optial digital, stereo. the older PS3 system has super audio CD (SACD) and blu-ray movie is best use PMC 2 channel 48kHz or more high kHz because that's audio HD sound! I bought HK AVR-254 is new 2008 year on 4weeks ago. it's big up thumb

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