List of 7.1 Analog-out BD Players?

[ErinH]

Is there a list, or could we quickly throw one together with help of forum members, of analog out BD players? The reason I ask is because one of the preamps I'm looking at getting doesn't do HD decoding. I've found a few of players that fit this, but just looking for some others that maybe I'm not aware of. Black Friday is coming up soon.

 

[PENG]

Not all of them can output HD codecs via the analog outs. I believe the Sony BDPS550, Panasonic DMPBD55 are among the few that can do it.

 

[jostenmeat]

PENG is correct. I'll put up a list that isn't quite 100.000000% complete (no 35/55), but is good enough for all intents and purposes.

Firstly, I simply recommend Panasonic BD-55 for anything less than $1,000.

I am always confused, not just here, but at other forums as well, why people even bother to choose other players! (outside of the PS3 of course). JMO! I'm in it for the performance.

DD "legacy", DTS "legacy", and LPCM are not included in the chart since player support is mandatory for all BD players.

Special Cases:
(F) Player requires a firmware update to enable this codec.
(L) Player outputs LFE channel -5db lower than normal when outputting PCM over HDMI (see owner's threads)
(LF) Player had "LFE bug" as (L) above. Issue was resolved with firmware update.
(U) Player can be upgraded to BD2.0 (exact method is unclear).
(H) Codec decoding is limited to HDMI only. For analog output DD or DTS is used instead.
(2) Codec decoding is limited to 2 channels (stereo) only.
(*) Output is limited to 48KHz/24bit due to hardware limitation.





From the AVS sticky
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=980672

Bonus thread for those who give a crap
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=996843

 

[ErinH]

AWESOME! Thank you for that chart.

Yes, actually the panny is the one I'm looking at the hardest. Especially since you can get it for about $330 now. I'm hoping to pick up a good BD player on Black Friday, and instead of buying something 'to get me by' until I finish my HT room (next May/June) I figure I'd go ahead and get a nice player now. The panny seems to be a very good choice for money and the long term. If it goes to $250 on BF, I'm all on it.

 

[zumbo]

-

Fantastic list. Thanks.
Yamaha missing.
List doesn't mention available x-over for analog outs for each unit.
List doesn't mention dB adjustments for analog outs for each unit.
x-over and dB adjustments are a must if one plans to use the analog outs.
My Marantz BD8002 has both, and I employ them.
I still consider the analog outs pointless, and am looking to upgrade my receiver/pre-pro.

 

[croseiv]

Man do I detect a hint of anti- Sonyism here or what? The 550 is also a good choice.

 

[jostenmeat]

Man do I detect a hint of anti- Sonyism here or what? The 550 is also a good choice.

Not at all. I like Sony as a brand just fine.

But the Panasonic is simply better. PQ wise, or in audio flexibility. Have you read thru the Six Player Shootout I've linked here before.

Even the older, superceded Panny was better. In fact, it was the sole player to pass all HQV tests.

edit: the only ways I can see getting the Sony is in itschris' type of case.

Save $50. Looks prettier.

Otherwise, the Panny is the better player. Period.

 

[croseiv]

f Have you read thru the Six Player Shootout I've linked here before.

.

THe 550 was not tested.

 

[jostenmeat]

THe 550 was not tested.

But its absolutely identical in video. I've stated that multiple times myself, just at AH alone . . .

 

[jostenmeat]

Fantastic list. Thanks.
Yamaha missing.
List doesn't mention available x-over for analog outs for each unit.
List doesn't mention dB adjustments for analog outs for each unit.
x-over and dB adjustments are a must if one plans to use the analog outs. My Marantz BD8002 has both, and I still consider the analog outs pointless, and I employ them.

Interesting. I have to admit, I don't care so much about these things since I fell to the HDMI camp.

However, I don't know if you frequent AVS boards, but if you do, maybe try PMing the OP(s) for encouragment. For instance, you can describe your own player to them for starters...

it would help others I'm sure.

 

[croseiv]

I've stated that multiple times myself,

I don't doubt that at all....

 

[zumbo]

Interesting. I have to admit, I don't care so much about these things since I fell to the HDMI camp.

However, I don't know if you frequent AVS boards, but if you do, maybe try PMing the OP(s) for encouragment. For instance, you can describe your own player to them for starters...

it would help others I'm sure.

Not a member over there. Not being snotty, but my time is limited. For instance, I have to be at work in 3 hours and 45 minutes. Yet, I am still online. You can link my post if you like.

 

[croseiv]

About the tests; the question I have is whether or not the average viewer would even be able to detect the differences between the players tested (PQ wise)? I will say that I have been quite impressed with the PQ of the BDP-S550, not to mention the SQ (although the x over is an unknown). For me the analog outs are only an option until I get a better receiver next year some time.

 

[ErinH]

Well, here’s a stupid one…

In my situation, I’m only going 5.1. At least for a while until I can upgrade to 7.1. It would definitely save me a bit of money doing this, if I go with separate pre/pro & amp. So, the silly question here is, if you only go 5.1, is there any issues? I would imagine you simply are not feeding signal to the rear surrounds. Correct?

 

[zumbo]

Well, here’s a stupid one…

In my situation, I’m only going 5.1. At least for a while until I can upgrade to 7.1. It would definitely save me a bit of money doing this, if I go with separate pre/pro & amp. So, the silly question here is, if you only go 5.1, is there any issues? I would imagine you simply are not feeding signal to the rear surrounds. Correct?

Correct. My Marantz player had a set-up option for 5.1/7.1 config. I am running 5.1 as well. But remember, on most receivers/pre-pros, m/c inputs bypass the receivers x-over(bass management), and any other auto set-up/calibration features.

For me, the downgraded DD/DTS digital coax connection works best. The sound is not as clean, but my receiver processes the audio, and sends-out the correct bass managed/calibrated audio.

 

[zumbo]

There are so many threads about this, I just wanted to be clear.

1) I use the m/c 5.1/7.1 inputs because I don't have HDMI on my receiver/pre-pro.

2) I prefer the digital coax connection because the m/c inputs bypass all of my settings in my receiver.

3) Another option would be HDMI receiver/pre-pro that doesn't decode the audio. My player can be set to output LPCM via HDMI, while utilizing the players bass management. It looks as though recalibration is in order for this application. I have no idea how this would compare.

4) It's just so much easier to buy a receiver/pre-pro that handles everything.

 

[billy p]

Hum.. trying to understand this analog fiasco, even with my new Panny(DB55 when it arrives) is there not going to be any benefit to SQ using the m/c with my 3805? I have never used the analog m/c on this receiver because I never had the need to before and will be using a 5.1 set up, so would there be any benefit with my new Panny via analog. Or am I better off getting the Panny DB35 and using its digital outs because the bass mgm is such a pain to deal with m/c?

Thanks

 

[zumbo]

Hum.. trying to understand this analog fiasco, even with my new Panny(DB55 when it arrives) is there not going to be any benefit to SQ using the m/c with my 3805? I have never used the analog m/c on this receiver because I never had the need to before and will be using a 5.1 set up, so would there be any benefit with my new Panny via analog. Or am I better off getting the Panny DB35 and using its digital outs because the bass mgm is such a pain to deal with m/c?

Thanks

The benefit is you will be getting the new formats.

The pain is, m/c inputs bypass everything. It basically gives the player of your choice a volume knob. The b/m and calibration is in the hands of the player. Your receiver will be nothing but a volume controller with speakers connected to it.

It's up to you on your purchase.

 

[zumbo]

I have not researched it, but you would want to be certain the 35 will core stream DD/DTS in place of the new audio via digital-out. It may not do this.

My Marantz BD8002 does, and that's all I have to go on.

 

[ErinH]

after reading your posts, Zumbo, you've pretty much pushed me to look at pre/pros that can do the decoding themselves. The only one I was looking at that couldn't was a Mcintosh, and the more I look at it, the less I want to go that route. I think I may look at either going with an AIO receiver, or using a pre/pro with decoding and a separate amp.