I know there is a dedicated BR area, but thought I'd get a quicker response here. I currently have a Panny BD-85 on order with Panasonic Direct but it won't be here until mid January. I've been looking at the Onkyo SR-807 discontinued model available for 300 bucks and thinking maybe it's a better choice based upon my use. I just looks like it's a better build. I don't think I'll be using the wifi that much on the panny and if I do want that, I can always pick up a Roku box. My question is..Does the Onkyo out perform the Panny for audio? I would be using this a a CD player as well. I will also be connecting it with the 7.1 analog outs (actually 5.1 in my case). If the audio performance is a dead heat, I just let the Panny order stand.
With the analog outputs, it is theoretically possible for there to be an audible difference. But most likely, there won't be any significant difference, unless there are significant differences in settings (e.g., subwoofer crossover frequencies, etc.).
I have not read anything bad about the analog outputs of a Panasonic BD player, but it isn't the sort of thing I look for, as I only use HDMI with a BD player.
You should look for professional reviews, in which actual measurements are made, if you are worried about analog output sound quality. But unless you find some hard data to indicate that there is something wrong with the Panasonic, I would stick with it. Panasonic has been producing fairly highly regarded BD players for little money. I like mine. But, again, I only use the HDMI output, and have never even hooked up any of its analog outputs.
