Analog question

Humanoid

Hi all, this is my first post and I'm sure it's a newbish question but who cares as long as I learn something.

I have recently, got into the HT seen and want to setup a decent system for movies and music in my living room (14'x20').

I have the cable Top Box connected to the XBR1 via HDMI to HDMI.

Question #1:

I have a Sony upscaling dvd player that can be connected either using component cables or HDMI cable. Currently its connected to the Sony XBR1 via component cables as I felt the HDMI connection was not any better visually. Is this ok, it looks good?

Question#2:

I have the coax from the DVD player connected to the Onkyo 504 receiver for sound during DVD movies/music. The sony DVD player does not have analog inputs. My recent understanding is that the coax cable will not pass hi-resolution audio output is this correct? Is there a better way to hook this up or do I need to dump my DVD player and get one with the inputs? Any recommendations would be appreciated.

Skynut

1. I use component connections for my DVD as I find it is a better picture than the HDMI.

2. Coax for the audio is a digital signal going to the avr. The avr then converts it to the 5.1 or 7.1 signal. I use the optical output for my digital signal because I think it offers less possibility for outside interference.
I do not hear a difference between the coax and the optical.

A DVD player with analog outputs will convert the 5.1 signal and send it to the AVR. If you have this set up you need to experiment and see if you like the sound of the DVD player or the AVR processing better.


Edit: welcome to the club.

Humanoid

Thanks for the quick reply Skynut.

So the AVR should have no issues converted the signal via the Coax/optical hookup but, if the DVD player was decoding via analog 5.1 it could diminish the sound quality of the receiver decoding for 6.1-7.1 I would suspect.

I just didn't want to be miss-out on sound quality with the new speakers.

This stuff is addicting and even worse than photography. Headed out soon to get the Polk RTi4 for the surrounds.

Thanks again!

Willow

As Skynut pointed out I aslo use the component as I prefer it over the HDMI.

I use coax for my digital connection from HDbox and DVD. I use optical from xbox as it was the only option. Then I use analogue for my cdp.

Humanoid

Thanks Willow!

I running RCA cables from the HDbox to the AVR. I should probably be using the optical port but I dont have a opt cable yet. Would it make much of a differnce using the optical connection vs. the RCA cables.

P.S.

Went to tweeters and picked up the FXi3's instead of the RTi4's. They just sounded better with movie and music to my ears.

Holydoc

Humanoid wrote:

P.S.

Went to tweeters and picked up the FXi3's instead of the RTi4's. They just sounded better with movie and music to my ears.

I am sure you will be very happy with your choice. I like the fact that the FXi3's disperse the sound so well giving the illusion of a very full soundstage.

Enjoy!

ward91

with sacd and sometimes dvd-a most dvd players will onley send these formats through analouge outputs (usualy 5.1) and some dvd players dont decode dts so have to send that out through the digital outputs for a external decoder.

Humanoid

Hollydoc:

I like the setup a lot, though, I could use a better sub but it still sounds very good. I just need to mount my surround rears now to the wall behind the sofa. This means climbing into a very hot attic and pulling a few speaker wires;) Maybe I can get the wifey to do it lol. Not sure if I will go 7.1 or even 6.1 but I will pull the xtra wires while shes up there:D

ward:

I have the Sony DVP-NC85H CD/DVD player that has only the HDMI hookup and coax but not any analog hookups. It will decode DTS but looks like Im sol with SACD or DVD-A with it. My receiver (Onkyo TX-SR504) doesn't have HDMI or DVI hookups. I may opt for the new Oppo not sure yet.

It's my understanding by running through analog cables and playing a SACD or DVD-A, I should up my base settings about +15db as the LFE will not be redirected and the analogs provide a pass-through the receiver. I would love to be able to do this in the DVD players base management options.

Didn't realize how complicated this can be and I only just started.

higgins79

if you use rca left and rights from the dvd to the avr your avr should be using dolby pro loigic II wich sounds decent but it is kind of like simulating the surround sound. if you use a dig coax or a fiber optic your avr should be able to kick in dolby digital or dts if the disc has that option (and if your avr has dts decoding) does it sound better? I think so but check it out for your self. you should be able to pick up a decent coax or fiber cable for under $100.

ward91

just never stops.:D