Suggestions for upgrade possibilities to match PS3

[frostbyte]

I currently have an Outlaw Audio 990 processor. I want to utilize the SACD option of my PS3 and can't with this set up. I need a 1.2 HDMI and will make sure it's at least 1.3 since it's out there. I'd like it to do True Dts and Master Audio since the PS3 will support those, but not internally...I think. I have an HDMI projector as well so I'd need at least 2 HDMI inputs and 1 output. It would be nice if it could upconvert or at least send all video to HDMI so I don't need all the video cables running up to the projector, but not required.

What are some good options? I'm even open to using a receiver that has preouts if it's going to be just as good. I love my amp I have now. Plenty of power and more than any receiver that I've come across as my speakers are 4 ohm.

 

[GlocksRock]

The PS3 can't bitstream TrueHD or DTS-HD MA whenever that becomes avialiable, so all you really need is HDMI 1.1 or better since the PS3 will output the audio as PCM.

 

[gus6464]

What is your price range? If we are talking ~$500 I would recommend the Yamaha RX-V661 and ~$1000 the Yamaha RX-V1800 or Pioneer Elite VSX-92TXH.

 

[mazersteven]

What is your price range? If we are talking ~$500 I would recommend the Yamaha RX-V661 and ~$1000 the Yamaha RX-V1800 or Pioneer Elite VSX-92TXH.

Hello frostbyte,

Have you seen the new Integra pre/pro?

Integra DTC-9.8
http://www.integrahometheater.com/model.cfm?m=DTC-9.8&class=Separates&p=i


Again don't know what your budget is, but this really isn't that much more then the Outlaw you have.

 

[frostbyte]

I'm flexible on the price. Just a matter of cost vs features that you get for the money. I had a Theta Casanova before this and can't hear a difference that the extra $3000 would cost at retail. So I'd guess it's features that you get for the money, but some may have an aidible difference at some point, but I don't know where that is.

I'll check out these and see what it brings, but I thought I read that the PS3 did support True HD and MA, but not decoded internally. Is there a difference? I would think you would want most decoding done in the processor, but maybe I'm wrong. Will SACD be best with decoding done in the processor or the player? If there is a difference, would it be audible?

 

[gus6464]

I'm flexible on the price. Just a matter of cost vs features that you get for the money. I had a Theta Casanova before this and can't hear a difference that the extra $3000 would cost at retail. So I'd guess it's features that you get for the money, but some may have an aidible difference at some point, but I don't know where that is.

I'll check out these and see what it brings, but I thought I read that the PS3 did support True HD and MA, but not decoded internally. Is there a difference? I would think you would want most decoding done in the processor, but maybe I'm wrong. Will SACD be best with decoding done in the processor or the player? If there is a difference, would it be audible?

The built-in decoding on the processor's will do you no good with a PS3 because it cannot output bitstream through HDMI. So everything has to be decoded by the PS3 internally. As far as DTS-HD/MA is concerned Sony and other companies have already hinted that they were working on a patch to allow the PS3 to decode it internally. So if your PS3 is your only player you don't need to worry about a pre/pro or receiver having the built-in decoding.

 

[frostbyte]

So they may get True-HD and MA working with a download? What about SACD? I assume that will still require HDMI in your processor. Am I right? If I don't have to upgrade yet, I'd prefer to wait. They do some amazing things with the PS3 as far as upgrades.

 

[gus6464]

So they may get True-HD and MA working with a download? What about SACD? I assume that will still require HDMI in your processor. Am I right? If I don't have to upgrade yet, I'd prefer to wait. They do some amazing things with the PS3 as far as upgrades.

You can get 2ch SACD from the PS3 by using analog connections. If you want multi-ch SACD you have to use hdmi.

 

[D.R. Payne]

I am using the 9.8 DTC with my PS3 and I'm very happy with the sound quality. Personally, I think they'll get DTS-HDMA decoding working on the PS3. The Integra 9.8 will also be a nice unit if you end up getting a dedicated player of some kind to do the bitstreaming.

 

[gus6464]

I am using the 9.8 DTC with my PS3 and I'm very happy with the sound quality. Personally, I think they'll get DTS-HDMA decoding working on the PS3. The Integra 9.8 will also be a nice unit if you end up getting a dedicated player of some kind to do the bitstreaming.

Ditto on the Integra 9.8. I got to see one hooked up to some Sonus Faber speakers and it was an absolute beast.

 

[frostbyte]

How does the Denon 3808 compare to the Integra 9.8? What about this upcoming Emotiva unit this March or so? The 3808 has an amp, but I'd just use it as a preamp.

 

[jcPanny]

Upgrade options

I would wait a couple months for the new Emotiva and/or Outlaw pre-pros with HDMI to start comming out. Going from your current pre-pro to an entry level receiver would be a downgrade in audio quality.

Here is another option, buy an Oppo digital universal player like the DV980HD. It will play SACD and DVD-A via the analog outputs and probably do a better job of upscaling regular DVDs than the PS3.

 

[frostbyte]

I can hear a huge difference in speakers, but I couldn't hear any difference from my $4000 processor and my $1000 Outlaw so I doubt I could hear the difference in a Denon either. Electronics have very little to do with the sound quality. They do however provide a very necessary part of connecting it all together and giving you the functionality you need to get to the sound quality part. Just my opinion though. ^_^ I have heard much about SACD's difference, but haven't heard it first hand and I'd like to see how much of a difference it really makes. Hopefully enough to warrant a new processor. Other than that though, I'm perfectly happy with my Outlaw (just no HDMI capability).

Is there any word, timeframe, etc on a new Outlaw processor? I do know that Outlaw has the same deal for previous owners as Emotiva has of offering a discount when you upgrade. I just haven't heard anything about an upgrade coming and I can't access their website from work to try and get any info.