Any discernible between 5.1 analogs out and HDMI?

Norris · 03-02-2007, 03:08 PM

My receiver doesn't have HDMI, so I'm planning on connecting an HD DVD player (most likely the XA2) using the 5.1 analog outputs. Is it advisable to get the A2 (cheaper than XA2) AND get a new receiver that has HDMI? Or get an XA2 (under $800) and use my current receiver (Harman AVR435) ? Will I get "better" audio via HDMI? I understand the 5.1 analogs are full bandwidth so I can get lossless audio.

Thanks,

Alon Goldberg · 03-02-2007, 03:25 PM

It's not quite as simple as that.. At some point in the chain a Digital to Analog Conversion must take place. If you are using the HDMI output on your player then your receiver will perform the conversion. If you are using the Analog outputs on your player then your player performs the conversion.

So you need to ask yourself which component has the best DAC's. For instance, in my setup I use analog outputs on my DVD player as the player has superior DAC's to my receiver. This produces the best sound in my own setup, however my setup is not typical as I have a $1,000 DVD Player.

To answer your question, yes there can be a discernible difference between analog and HDMI, but this all depends on what components you are using. In your scenario I would likely purchase the XA2 and use the analog outputs.

Bob_L · 03-02-2007, 03:58 PM

This message will be of limited help, however...

I have an HD-A1 and the D/A conversion in it is excellent. (I've also heard good things about the 2nd gen HD DVD players.) I prefer it to my Fosgate pre/pro for even two-channel CD playback, actually.

As a result, I'd be inclined to go with a player with analog outs (at least until the HDMI-audio-ready receivers/pre-pros are more plentiful in number and more sophisticated in decoding capabilities.)

Norris · 03-02-2007, 06:22 PM

Thanks guys for the input. I just ordered the XA2, can't wait!!!

Marc_Sulinski · 04-08-2007, 08:31 AM

I would be in the camp of using 5.1 analog audio outs for now and waiting on a receiver w/ HDMI. Right now, if you want a good receiver with more than 2 HDMI inputs, you are looking at $1300 minimum. At this point, would you really want less than, say, 4 HDMI inputs? I own 2 sources right now (cable and HDDVD). What if I want to add a video game system or a BluRay player?

I guess if you would spend more and $1300 on a receiver anyway, then getting one now would be fine.

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Tim Glover · 04-08-2007, 06:36 PM

The other problem with many recievers that even have HDMI now are they are for video switching only. So yes, like what has already been mentioned, go the safe route for now.

There are some setup issues with Bass reproduction using the 5.1 analog outs on the XA-2 but it's fixable...

LUKassZ32 · 04-11-2007, 02:32 PM

The DAC's of the Toshiba are superior. Use the 5.1 analog

Thomas W · 04-11-2007, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim Glover

The other problem with many recievers that even have HDMI now are they are for video switching only. So yes, like what has already been mentioned, go the safe route for now.

There are some setup issues with Bass reproduction using the 5.1 analog outs on the XA-2 but it's fixable...

Yes, the X-A2 has some problems with bass management. However, after a bit of frustration with my setup I discovered that not all receivers can apply bass management to an analog input to compensate for the bass management problems in the X-A2. My receiver cannot so I'm not able to boost the LFE signal to acceptable levels. There is a noticable lack of LFE when compared to the digital coaxial connection.

Paul Arnette · 04-12-2007, 11:11 AM

Quote:

There are some setup issues with Bass reproduction using the 5.1 analog outs on the XA-2 but it's fixable...

It is only fixable if you turn off bass management completely in the HD-XA2 and your receiver can apply bass management to analog inputs and your receiver appropriately boost LFE +10db (LFE only mind you, not LFE and redirected bass). There seem to be few receivers that do all of this, and all of this needs to be done to completely work-around the HD-XA2 bass management issues and correctly calibrate your system.

Dustyak · 04-18-2007, 07:08 AM

I own the Toshiba XA1, and I was using a Sony receiver (STR-DB830) with analog 5.1, and didnt like it at all compared to even optical audio, eventhough the receiver itself was horrible. I have just recently upgraded to a Marantz 4001, which has 2 HDMI inputs, and it is SIGNIFICANTLY better. (Now I know they are both cheap receivers but I'm waiting for HDMI 1.3 before I RE-upgrade my entire system AGAIN). But still the I have nothing but good things to say about the Marantz for $500 and the HD sound with HDMI

Norris · 04-18-2007, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dustyak

I own the Toshiba XA1, and I was using a Sony receiver (STR-DB830) with analog 5.1, and didnt like it at all compared to even optical audio, eventhough the receiver itself was horrible. I have just recently upgraded to a Marantz 4001, which has 2 HDMI inputs, and it is SIGNIFICANTLY better. (Now I know they are both cheap receivers but I'm waiting for HDMI 1.3 before I RE-upgrade my entire system AGAIN). But still the I have nothing but good things to say about the Marantz for $500 and the HD sound with HDMI

Do you still have low LFE problem via HDMI with your new Marantz receiver?