Using HDMI for music v. analog

EndersShadow

Currently I am using my Samsung BD-P1600 for listening to Music via Pandora and occasionally via CD. I have it connected to my Integra via HDMI. I am moving from Monitor 60 fronts to LSi 15 fronts. I know that will make a big difference in sound specifically with music. I am adding in db840 8? subs to replace the stock ones and plan to set it up to play either Direct (no sub) or Stereo (w/ sub) when listening to music.

So do I gain anything by using the HDMI connection for movies ONLY and then go w/ analog audio out for my music, or is that just a waste? I purchased a set of 5 of Signal Cable Analog 2?s so I could use 3 of them for my front 3 and then the other 2 for analog from the blu-ray player if needed.

I am aware that the bitrate for streaming music isnt the best. Also note the 1600 does not have 5.1 analog audio out, only Optical and L/R via Analog.

cnh

I'm a little confused. The Samsung is an entry level BDP and the Integra a solid mid or higher unit with (probably) VLSC, Burr Brown DACs, DIRECT sound circuitry, etc. All of which would be engaged if you were streaming through HDMI in 2 channel. I can't imagine that the Samsung through its own analogs out would be 'better' in two channel. But I suppose everything is possible? So I'd try it. But I doubt it.

cnh

EndersShadow

cnh wrote: »

The Samsung is an entry level BDP and the Integra a solid mid or higher unit with (probably) VLSC, Burr Brown DACs, DIRECT sound circuitry, etc. All of which would be engaged if you were streaming through HDMI in 2 channel. I can't imagine that the Samsung through its own analogs out would be 'better' in two channel.

This is the info I was looking for. I thought the way I had it setup would be best, but wanted to make sure I was thinking correctly.

2 channel music is something I am still learning about and since I know cables make a difference, I wanted to check my setup was good for 2 channel.

BTW it prob wont make a difference but the Integra is a DTR 5.9.

Is there ever a time I would want to use the DAC in a piece of equipment over the one in the Integra? IE if I were to get an Oppo or something of that nature?

cstmar01

I would use the DAC's in a more deicated CDP but still compare which I liked better. If you were running something like an Esoteric or Wadia, then yes of course use the DAC's in that as they are superior to the Pre.

However if you end up just getting a cheaper entry level CDP the DAC maybe the same or close to the Pre and thus no real gain in running it that way. An exception would be something that uses different DACs to see which you like better for sound. Such as a Pioneer BDP-51FD uses Wolfson, which some people tend to like better than burbrowns. This player can be found for a 100 to 200 so I would personally try those DAC's out to see which I liked better for sure.

Most important is to try the differences to see what you like.

cnh

The answer there is yes. The design of the DAC ensemble and the DACs themselves might be better in a higher end Oppo than in even an Integra. So you'd definitely want to run that both ways and listen to see what you think sounds better.

An AVR can only do so much in terms of processing good two channel sound. Some do better than others? The Integra site doesn't mention what DACs this unit uses--but I'd expect them to be the same Burr Browns that are in the higher Onkyo models?

cstmar01 is also quite right. A good CDP will usually trump the internal DAC processing of most AVRs for 2 channel and is worth thinking about if you want to improve that sound. I also have the Pioneer model mentioned above which I actually use as a CDP in my home office. Once I hooked it up to a good pre...the sound from its L/R analog outs really opened up.

cnh