Confused Here............... Please Help!!!!!

[speakerman39]

Well folks, once again I am a bit confused. I am considering buying a Yammie RX-V659 receiver. I am aware it does not have hdmi switching. This, is really no big deal given my 42" LCD has (3) hdmi inputs. However, I am also thinking about getting a Samsung BDP1400 BR player that can decode the new codecs internally. As such, I can then use the Multi-channel inputs on the 659 thus allowing me to get the lossless audio I have been reading so much about. I can then run a single hdmi cable from the BR player to one of the hdmi inputs on my 42" LCD. Will, I still need to run an optical cable from the BR player to the 659??? If I connect everything this way am I missing out on anything? What will happen when I listen to my cds on my BR player instead of watching a BR disc?? What about just watching regular dvds-will I still be able to hear the new sound codecs???
Lastly, my new set-up is 7.1. Will I be able to get all of my speakers playing on my BR player via the muti-channel outputs? Also, since the 1400 passes hdmi 1.3 deep color will I get the full effect running directly to my 42" LCD? Unfortunately, I am still using analog cable but on my new LCD the picture is not too bad. Therefore, I am not too worried about up-conversion/up-converting via a receiver. The 659 does not up-convert or switch hdmi but has a very nice sounding amplifier section. It is also available at a very good price which may work fine for my needs. So, please help me out here as I know many of you can answer my questions. Lord knows I need it. Feel free to make some suggestions/recommendations. Would it be better or just as good to go with a PS3 instead? I am not really a video gamer per se but might be nice for a change. In other words, can I hook up the PS3 the same way as I could the 1400?

 

[PENG]

If I understand correctly we won't be able to take advantage of the deep color capability yet for several reasons. For more details you can just do a web search yourself.

To get the HD audio formats such as Dolby True HD you can hook up your BD player's 5.1 analog outs to the 659's multi-channel in but that won't get you 7.1. If you hook up your digital outputs via optical (Toslink) you will just get Dolby Digital and DTS etc., but not any of the HD audio formats, not even Dolby Digital Plus.

 

[JuanJ]

Yea, you can have the BR player to output audio/video through HDMI and Digital Optical at the same time. Not going to miss out on nothing.

Might as well get the PS3. Same price, faster loading time, best BR player, could easily be updated to continue being the newest player, web browser, 40gb hdd, bluetooth, wifi, gaming console. You can customize it more than the samsung as in audio and video settings. The samsung player is just slow as hell.

http://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/sony-ps3-update-bd-live

 

[speakerman39]

If I understand correctly we won't be able to take advantage of the deep color capability yet for several reasons. For more details you can just do a web search yourself.

To get the HD audio formats such as Dolby True HD you can hook up your BD player's 5.1 analog outs to the 659's multi-channel in but that won't get you 7.1. If you hook up your digital outputs via optical (Toslink) you will just get Dolby Digital and DTS etc., but not any of the HD audio formats, not even Dolby Digital Plus.

Wish I had known that I would not have wasted my money on a 7.1 speaker set-up then. Looks like I would only get 5.1 no matter what. I have the RTiA4's di-pole speakers and have been looking forward to using them as I prefer a more diffused soundfield when watching movies. I also have the RTi4s for side-surrounds. Just wished I knew if the amp in the Yammie RX-V663 is as good as the one in the RX-V659 but nobody knows yet for sure. So, what good is 7.1 then as I really don't listen to multi-channel music much????

 

[speakerman39]

Yea, you can have the BR player to output audio/video through HDMI and Digital Optical at the same time. Not going to miss out on nothing.

Might as well get the PS3. Same price, faster loading time, best BR player, could easily be updated to continue being the newest player, web browser, 40gb hdd, bluetooth, wifi, gaming console. You can customize it more than the samsung as in audio and video settings. The samsung player is just slow as hell.

http://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/sony-ps3-update-bd-live

Thanks for the link as I find it most interesting. Looks like I need to consider a PS3 for sure. Does it only output 5.1 too or can it do 7.1?

 

[JuanJ]

Thanks for the link as I find it most interesting. Looks like I need to consider a PS3 for sure. Does it only output 5.1 too or can it do 7.1?

Does both 5.1 and 7.1

 

[JuanJ]

Wish I had known that I would not have wasted my money on a 7.1 speaker set-up then. Looks like I would only get 5.1 no matter what. I have the RTiA4's di-pole speakers and have been looking forward to using them as I prefer a more diffused soundfield when watching movies. I also have the RTi4s for side-surrounds. Just wished I knew if the amp in the Yammie RX-V663 is as good as the one in the RX-V659 but nobody knows yet for sure. So, what good is 7.1 then as I really don't listen to multi-channel music much????

The infamous "ALL CH STEREO". Should've invested in a better receiver to be honest with you. the RX-V663 would of been nice.

 

[PENG]

Thanks for the link as I find it most interesting. Looks like I need to consider a PS3 for sure. Does it only output 5.1 too or can it do 7.1?

Again, as long as you use HDMI, I don't think the PS3 has 7.1 or even 5.1 analog outputs.

 

[Seth=L]

The PS3 doesn't have 5.1 analog output (only stereo 2.0).

I am fairly convinced the Yamaha RX-V663 has the same amplifier section as the RX-V659 or one very similar. The RX-V659 had the 500 va power supply in it. The RX-V661 cut back to a smaller power supply (also weighed a bit less). The 500 va power supply moved up to the RX-V861. The RX-V663 and RX-V863 both have the 500 va power supply and weigh approximately the same (indicating heavily they use the same exact amplifier regardless of published power specifications).

Audioholics or another reviewer should get ahold of one of these units for review very soon and we will know for sure then. If you can wait just a while longer I would seriously consider the RX-V663. Even if it's not using the same amplifer you can expect similar performance with typical speakers. If you decide you need more power you can always add amplification such as the Behringer A500.

 

[speakerman39]

The PS3 doesn't have 5.1 analog output (only stereo 2.0).

I am fairly convinced the Yamaha RX-V663 has the same amplifier section as the RX-V659 or one very similar. The RX-V659 had the 500 va power supply in it. The RX-V661 cut back to a smaller power supply (also weighed a bit less). The 500 va power supply moved up to the RX-V861. The RX-V663 and RX-V863 both have the 500 va power supply and weigh approximately the same (indicating heavily they use the same exact amplifier regardless of published power specifications).

Audioholics or another reviewer should get ahold of one of these units for review very soon and we will know for sure then. If you can wait just a while longer I would seriously consider the RX-V663. Even if it's not using the same amplifer you can expect similar performance with typical speakers. If you decide you need more power you can always add amplification such as the Behringer A500.

Yeah, you make a valid point there Seth. Guess I just need to be a bit more patient. I have a big move coming very very soon. Signing papers on Tuesday and should be living there sometime over next weekend. This, of course, depends on the weather as all it ever does here anymore is rain. Gosh, I am so sick of it. Cold and rainy.......then a day that is not bad to only revert back to the same ole same ole. Geez, looks like SW Indiana (Evansville Area) and Western KY (Henderson, Owensboro) should be now considered to be a rain forest. And, perhaps severe weather heaven otherwise known as "Tornado Alley". Heck, it is raining yet again as I type this reply. I do agree, however, that the amp in the 663 looks to be very close to the one in the 659 and better than the one in the 661. By the time I buy a receiver such as the 659 and buy a BR player that has 7.1 outputs results in no real savings. So, looks like I am back to square one............LOL!!!!! Any other suggestions Seth?

 

[Seth=L]

You said it yourself, you are in the middle of a big move. You have a lot going on right now, I would wait it out for a bit longer.

 

[PENG]

If you must have 7.1 HD sound you really should go for the 663. I think Blu-ray players are still way too expensive. If you wait a few more months you may be able to get a better one (profile 2.0) for much less money. I would not even consider buying one until the price of one of those profile 2.0 models drops below the $200 mark, and that player better be equipped with 7.1 analog outputs too. For now I can survive with my $70 HD DVD player.

 

[Seth=L]

I have a feeling we won't see players in the low end market featuring 7.1 analog outputs in the future, much like you don't see 5.1 outputs on DVD players anymore.

 

[speakerman39]

You said it yourself, you are in the middle of a big move. You have a lot going on right now, I would wait it out for a bit longer.

Chances are I will wait a bit longer. Right now there is so much going on that I really have little choice. And as always, it is raining yet again and supposed to all friggin week. Perhaps, I should build an ARK and load it full of high-end audio/video equipment eh? The only thing is if I wait the Pioneer 1018 looks very tempting to me. Not too sure if I go with the 663 then. Thanks for the help Seth.

 

[speakerman39]

If you must have 7.1 HD sound you really should go for the 663. I think Blu-ray players are still way too expensive. If you wait a few more months you may be able to get a better one (profile 2.0) for much less money. I would not even consider buying one until the price of one of those profile 2.0 models drops below the $200 mark, and that player better be equipped with 7.1 analog outputs too. For now I can survive with my $70 HD DVD player.

Yeah the BR players are too expensive right now. Been thinking about getting a PS3 instead. Not too sure what you mean regarding the 2.0 profile. Care to elaborate a bit more? I think that I read somewhere that the PS3 will have the Profile 2 ability via a firmware update. Chances are, if I go with the 663 or 1018, I would not need to worry too much about the 7.1 analog outs. My new ht room is only about 750 ft. ^3. It would be nice, however, to buy a BR player with such capability for $200 or less. It is just that it may be a very very long time, if ever.

 

[PENG]

Yeah the BR players are too expensive right now. Been thinking about getting a PS3 instead. Not too sure what you mean regarding the 2.0 profile. Care to elaborate a bit more? I think that I read somewhere that the PS3 will have the Profile 2 ability via a firmware update. Chances are, if I go with the 663 or 1018, I would not need to worry too much about the 7.1 analog outs. My new ht room is only about 750 ft. ^3. It would be nice, however, to buy a BR player with such capability for $200 or less. It is just that it may be a very very long time, if ever.

I meant profile 2.0. I think you are right about the PS3 being upgradable via firmware. The PS3 is a great deal if you play games and have a receiver such has HDMI 1.3. If you don't play games then in my opinion you are paying too much just for the BD player part.

 

[PENG]

I have a feeling we won't see players in the low end market featuring 7.1 analog outputs in the future, much like you don't see 5.1 outputs on DVD players anymore.

I have the same feeling, but right now most of them has 5.1 outputs. I also have the feeling that by the time the BD drops below my target price I would have upgraded to a HDMI receiver and will no longer worry about the analog outputs.

On a different note, last night it was the first time I compared my 3910's analog 5.1 with the Dlink and the SHD7000's Toslink back and forth playing Terminator 3. The 5.1 analog outputs seem to offer higher resolution in terms of channel separation, and yes I did do a full channel level calibration before hand. I guess that is a whole different story!

 

[Seth=L]

I have the same feeling, but right now most of them has 5.1 outputs. I also have the feeling that by the time the BD drops below my target price I would have upgraded to a HDMI receiver and will no longer worry about the analog outputs.

On a different note, last night it was the first time I compared my 3910's analog 5.1 with the Dlink and the SHD7000's Toslink back and forth playing Terminator 3. The 5.1 analog outputs seem to offer higher resolution in terms of channel separation, and yes I did do a full channel level calibration before hand. I guess that is a whole different story!

Perhaps the DACs in your 3910 are better than what is in your receiver. That seems strange though seeing that your receiver supports Denon Link, you would think it would have excellent decoding and DACs. Did your receiver come with the Denon Link cable, or did you buy a separate cable?

If you get a PS3 you won't get the full advantage of HDMI 1.3 with an HDMI 1.3 receiver. The hardware in the PS3 doesn't allow bitstreaming of the HD audio (which doesn't really matter unless you want to be decoding DTS-HD). Hopefully in the future they will have a firmware upgrade that addresses the DTS-HD decoding. An HDMI 1.2 receiver or pre/pro could do basically everything an HDMI 1.3 receiver could do when connected to the PS3 in terms of audio decoding.

Speakerman, I agree, the Pioneer VSX-1018 does look tempting. It's a significantly more powerful receiver. If it sticks to tradition it will be THX certified and feature a 650 VA power supply with a hearty output section. It will also exhibit a wealthy bank of inputs as well as preouts.

 

[speakerman39]

I meant profile 2.0. I think you are right about the PS3 being upgradable via firmware. The PS3 is a great deal if you play games and have a receiver such has HDMI 1.3. If you don't play games then in my opinion you are paying too much just for the BD player part.

Well, to be honest I am not much of a video gamer. Most of the games I prefer to play are hard to find. I am kinda old school in that I love to play games like Galaga, Centipede, Frogger, and etc. Have also played a few of the basball games but don't remember which version. The only reason I am considering a BR player right now is because I can take my Toshiba A-3 back to CC and get full credit towards any BR player purchase. Basically, that means I can get the Samsung 1400 BR player for an extra $318 or so. I have also just ordered a Yammie 663. Wanted to wait for the 1018 but just cant wait that long. Besides, the Yammie should be enough power for me in such a small ht room. If not, then I will oder a 1018 down the road and sell my 663. Thanks for all of your help.

 

[speakerman39]

Perhaps the DACs in your 3910 are better than what is in your receiver. That seems strange though seeing that your receiver supports Denon Link, you would think it would have excellent decoding and DACs. Did your receiver come with the Denon Link cable, or did you buy a separate cable?

If you get a PS3 you won't get the full advantage of HDMI 1.3 with an HDMI 1.3 receiver. The hardware in the PS3 doesn't allow bitstreaming of the HD audio (which doesn't really matter unless you want to be decoding DTS-HD). Hopefully in the future they will have a firmware upgrade that addresses the DTS-HD decoding. An HDMI 1.2 receiver or pre/pro could do basically everything an HDMI 1.3 receiver could do when connected to the PS3 in terms of audio decoding.

Speakerman, I agree, the Pioneer VSX-1018 does look tempting. It's a significantly more powerful receiver. If it sticks to tradition it will be THX certified and feature a 650 VA power supply with a hearty output section. It will also exhibit a wealthy bank of inputs as well as preouts.

Seth, I just ordered a Yammie 663.......LOL!!!! Should have it very soon. However, in the middle of my move it may be a week or so before I can really do any critical listening. Anyways, the 663 looks almost too good to be true. If the amp section is as good as the 659, then the 663 would have to be the bargain of the year imho. I will probally hold off on a BR player unless I decide to go ahead and get a Samsung 1400. Or, do you know of another BR player that is as good as the 1400 for around the same amount of money? I can take my Toshiba A-3 back to CC and get full credit towards a new BR player. The 1400 looks to offer a big bang for the buck so to speak. You agree?