Blu-ray multi-channel analog vs. HDMI


Now I know this question has been pondered before, but I thought I would chime in on what I have learned from my system.

I have a Sony BDP-S550 and an Onkyo TX-SR605. I know this is low end stuff, so please forgive me! I bought the Sony (with its 7.1 analog outs) before upgrading to the HDMI-capable Onkyo. After fiddling around, I was surprised to learn that the analog outs on the Sony sound much better than the Onkyo doing the decoding and DA conversion over HDMI.

My question is how do certain Blu-ray players with 7.1 analog outs compare to certain A/V receivers. More specifically, where would the Oppo 83 (SE or no SE) stack up in terms of what receiver would give comparable sound via HDMI

Thanks!
Mark
markhyams

Showing 1 response by arahl

I'm no digital expert but presumably Oppo is and it appears they agree with you about analog vs HDMI sound. The SE upgrade for their Model 83 is purely to improve sound quality - but it applies only to the analog outputs on the 83. Their website says you won't benefit from the SE upgrade if you use HDMI for sound.