HD Audio Upgrade help

[CoolBam]

I would like suggestions on a path to the High Def Audio formats. I currently use Dolby 5.1 and don't really have the room or urge to add back speakers:
Equipment
1) Denon AVR-3805 (no HDMI but has 5.1 analog inputs)
2) Front JBL Northridge E80's
3) Center JBL Northridge EC35
4) Rear JBL Northridge EC30's
5) Sub Outlaw Audio LFM-1
6) DVD Player PS3
7) TV Samsung S4095D (If that matters)

I like the 3805 reciever with the exception that it sometimes ran hot and clipped (shut off) at high volumes until I added a fan.

Would adding another reciever with HD audio as a pre and using analog outs benefit me, or otherwise can anyone suggest an upgrade path in keeping with the price line I'm already in.

I really appreicate any help

 

[markw]

"HD Audio" is a fairly ambigious term.

This could refer to the multi-channel (or even sstereo) audio tracks on SACD's or DVD-Audio discs.

Or, it could refer to the new audio formats that Blu-Ray and (the late) HD-DVD formats offer.

In the case of the former, I do believe that this decoding is done only in the players themselves. In the latter, a few, very few, top-of-the-line receivers can decode some of the formats.

But, you're in luck! Since your receiver offers 5.1 analog inputs, you should be able to take the 5.1 channels of analog "HD Audio" from the player of your choice and send it directly into your Denon. ...as long as you make sure the players offer this, and most seem to.

 

[CoolBam]

Additional Info

Hi Mark, Thanks for the reply. I was refering to new audio formats (True Dolby and DTS Master HD) that Blu-Ray's using (I have a PS3)

The PS3 only offers optical (I'm currently using) and HDMI. It does not have analog outputs. I may look for a second Blu-Ray player that does, but would like to put that money to it's best use. My thought was to get a low power (cheaper) reciever, run the HDMI to that. My hope was to get some kind of additional gain from using the new reciever as a pre and using the 3805 only for power.

Anyone have any further thoughts?

 

[jamie2112]

Once again I am gonna recommend the Yamaha VX-663 as it has the HDMI inputs you need as well as pre outs...

 

[CoolBam]

Thanks

Seems like a lot of reciever to only ever use the pre outs, but I'll consider it. I'm looking at it now.

Do you know whether I'll lose the back channels if I only use 5.1 out, or will it know to mix the rear surrounds with the left and right surrounds.

Still open to suggestings

 

[jamie2112]

You are correct. It is too much receiver for your usage considering that you are going to use the Denon as well.

 

[jamie2112]

It would be hard to find a AVR that has pre puts for that cheap. I would suggest a cheap preamp and HDMI switcher...

 

[markw]

Now I'm getting confused.

What's the goal here? To get a receiver with pre-outs to use as a pre-amp?Doesn't your current Denon already have preamp outputs?

Or is getting a receiver that will decode some of the new Blu-Ray Hi-rez formats internally?

If power is not an issue, your Denon, with it's 5.1 analog inputs, will work fine. Just add a source player that spews forth 5.1 analog from the new formats. Heck, even if you think power IS an issue, just add a beefy power amp.

If you do decide to go shopping for a receiver, read the fine print carefully. Just because a receiver accepts HDMI as an input, there's no guarantee that it will render the desired Hi Rez audio tracks. You may still be using that old fashioned 5.1 analog audio trick you can use now.

 

[CoolBam]

Goal

The goal is to be able to play the new formats. I guess my issue is it burns me to have to replace the PS3 with another Blu Ray DVD player with 5.1 out. Not to say that may not be the best answer.

I'm just looking for options that allow me to put the $300 I'd have to put into a new DVD player toward (more if I have to) bettering the sound system as a whole if I can.

A modest HDMI Pre or reciever with analog outs to my 3508 may also be an answer. I understand getting the low current functions away from the power is desirable anyway.

Not sure what path to take. I can't afford to replace an $1,100 110 watt x 7 reciever with a similar one with HDMI.

 

[markw]

The goal is to be able to play the new formats. I guess my issue is it burns me to have to replace the PS3 with another Blu Ray DVD player with 5.1 out. Not to say that may not be the best answer.

Well, considering I've seen Blu-Ray players for <$300...

I'm just looking for options that allow me to put the $300 I'd have to put into a new DVD player toward (more if I have to) bettering the sound system as a whole if I can.

Have patience. The longer you put off jumping into your next purchase, the cheaper it becomes...

A modest HDMI Pre or reciever with analog outs to my 3508 may also be an answer. I understand getting the low current functions away from the power is desirable anyway.

Again, I don't think a "modest" receiver will render the Hi-Rez audio that is your goal.

Not sure what path to take. I can't afford to replace an $1,100 110 watt x 7 reciever with a similar one with HDMI.

Don't take any path now. You don't have to replace your receiver. I'll repeat this. Just because a receiver accepts HDMI inputs, it may not render that Hi-Rez audio you want. Heck, it most likely won't.

In most cases, it just passes the HDMI video through to the monitor, and upconverts other video sources. Most do nothing with Hi-Rez sound.

IMNSHO, if you really can't wait, your best bet is to simply get one of those $300 (or whatever it takes) Blu-Ray players and avail yourself of those 5.1 analog inputs on your Denon. Either that, or get the scratch together and spring a receiver that CAN render that hi-rez sound, but they ain't cheap or entry level.

good luck...

 

[jostenmeat]

My guess is to stay put with receiver, after glancing thru this thread.

Your optical output still enjoys increased bitrates with DD and DTS core. DD max bitrate goes up 448 kbs to 640 IIRC, and DTS goes from 768 to 1.5 mps.

still not bad. improvement in any case.

use the money towards acoustical treatments, or second sub, or nice remote, or display upgrade if you wish.

My guess is that any of those upgrades, ok outside of remote, will provide you with much greater discernable AV improvements than lossless audio will. My impressions for today.