Oppo DV 980h + what receiver?

[andyhof]

I've got an Epson HC720 720p projector with HDMI in.

I've got an Oppo DV 980h upconverting DVD player.
Oppo has HDMI out (which carries video as well as high-resolution multi-channel digital audio output). Oppo also has individual analog 7.1-channel surround outputs. Oppo also has optical and coaxial digital audio outputs with DTS, Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro-Logic II and Linear PCM support.

I'm looking for a receiver and I've really started to like the
Onkyo TX-SR506. This Onkyo has S/Pdif coax & toslink audio ins as well as separate 7.1-channel analog audio preamp inputs. The HDMI input is pass-thru only and does not extract audio.

Yes I'm on a budget. I'm a single dad and times are tough... but I want to have movie night for the kids as well as me and the guys.

Question is:

what is the best way to connect audio from Oppo DVD to the Onkyo receiver?

Would it make a huge difference if I were to upgrade (+$100) to the Onkyo TX-SR576 which supports audio over HDMI ?

 

[Adam]

Welcome to the forum!

I like the Onkyo 506 unit. I've recommended it a few times. FYI, Amazon generally has good prices on it. At the moment, it's $202 in black and $203 in silver. They've had it as low as $180 that I've seen, and they'll price match themselves within 30 days of a purchase.

The best way to connect your DVD player to that unit (or any similar receiver) would be with either the optical or coax digital audio connections. I prefer coax because I think the connection is easier to make (round RCA connector versus keyed connector), especially if you're reaching behind the unit when it's in an entertainment center. Either one will sound the same, though.

Upgrading for HDMI audio processing...hmmm. That's more of a convenience than anything. With the Oppo, you only have to run one more cable (optical or coax) in addition to the HDMI to get the best audio with the 506. If you step up to Blu-ray or something else with the new lossless surround sound codecs, I don't think that the optical or coax lines have the bandwidth to handle those. So, you would want to use the 7.1 analog inputs on the 506 versus a single HDMI cable on the 576. I believe that you could get the same surround sound either way, but you would need to run more cables with the 506.

[Somebody please correct me if I'm wrong about optical/coax not being able to carry the new lossless surround sound signals. Thanks!]

Adam

 

[EJ1]

[Somebody please correct me if I'm wrong about optical/coax not being able to carry the new lossless surround sound signals. Thanks!]

Adam

You are correct on that. Great advice! I'd get the 576 just to have that option down the road.

 

[andyhof]

Thanks for the clear up. I really like the price of the onkyo and the "room calibration" feature. Looks like an easy choice.

Thanks again.

 

[fastwahoo]

I am hooking up my Oppo DV 980 h today. I have a pioneer Elite VSX 92 txh. This where my confusion comes in. HDMI carries both video and audio. I am being led to believe that in order to get superior audio performance I should be using a additonal optical cable whether it be coax or toslink?

 

[EJ1]

I am hooking up my Oppo DV 980 h today. I have a pioneer Elite VSX 92 txh. This where my confusion comes in. HDMI carries both video and audio. I am being led to believe that in order to get superior audio performance I should be using a additonal optical cable whether it be coax or toslink?

Just use HDMI. It's all digital and HDMI makes it easier because you only have one cable for audio/video.

 

[gus6464]

You should see if you can find an Onkyo 605 on clearance or something instead of the 506. That way you can process audio over HDMI and have a future proof receiver just in case you want to get blu-ray in the future.

http://www.accessories4less.com/index.php?page=item&id=ONKTXSR605

$279 at accessories for less