getting High Definition Sound

[jcshutts]

I bought a flagship AV receiver a number of years ago - the Yamaha Z9. I assume that even by today's standards the ability of the amplifier means that it is worth retaining it in preference to a £500 modern alternative. I would like to 'upgrade' the sound now to High Definition but am not able to justify the expense of a replacement high end AV receiver. I have it plugged into a Sony BD S770 which doesn't have the right interconnect to take decoded audio through to the Z9 which relies on component and optical links rather than HDMI.

Any ideas on how I might improve my sound without spending £1000's?

thanks

 

[Anonymous]

change your 3d blu-ray player to either a samsung c6900 or panasonic bdt300, both have multi channel analogue outs that you could connect to your z9...

 

[jcshutts]

thanks Max. will they do a fairly convincing job of it, do you think?

 

[Anonymous]

no probs, they both generally get good reviews, so i see no reason why they shouldnt be as good as your sony, the samsung is a bit cheaper, but if it was my money i'd go for the panasonic, i think it's better made and because it has dual hdmi outs (which means it will work with any hdmi compatible avr) it may be easier to sell on should something else take your fancy in the future...

 

[Ronald Archiebald]

jcshutts:thanks Max. will they do a fairly convincing job of it, do you think?

Yes, they will do a fine job. Also consider the Sony BDP-S760 if 3D isn't particularly a concern.

 

[jcshutts]

what is the best method of interconnects to prevent too much loss of sound? remember by Yamaha Z9 doesn't have HDMI!

 

[The_Lhc]

Use the multi-channel analogue outputs that Max mentioned in his first reply... You won't experience any "loss" of sound that way, the blu-ray player will be doing the decoding of HD audio, the amp will just be amplifying it.

 

[jcshutts]

Being a bit thick but what do they look like! Can you direct me to a worthy set of cables?

 

[Dave_]

http://markgrantcables.co.uk/shop/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=43_61&page=1&sort=2a

Or just use stereo interconnects (3 pairs if you have a 5.1 setup, 4 if you have 7.1)

 

[The_Lhc]

jcshutts:Being a bit thick but what do they look like!

You mean on the player? It'll be a set of 8 standard RCA outputs, each one marked with the appropriate channel name (ie Front Left, Centre, Subwoofer, etc etc).

 

[jcshutts]

thanks all that is just the stuff I need. I could persuade the wife for a slightly more expensive blu-ray if anyone has a particular preference - Do Denon still make top notch players??

 

[Anonymous]

im pretty sure the two mentioned are the only ones that come with multi channel analogue outs at present..

you own a sony hx903 don't you? so need a 3d player?

 

[jcshutts]

in an ideal world. I can keep the S770 but I am not taken by the 3d stuff. Haven't watched a film yet - got part way through Meatballs and Clouds but gave up! The sound and 2D is the main feature in our house.

 

[jcshutts]

maxflinn:
im pretty sure the two mentioned are the only ones that come with multi channel analogue outs at present..

you own a sony hx903 don't you? so need a 3d player?

Wouldn't something like this work?
Denon 3D Ready Universal Blu-Ray Disc Player with HDMI v1.4 & 7.1 Pre out - DBP-2011
I presume the 7.1 Pre out allows for an analogue connection to the AV amp and will then process HD sound for me?

 

[Anonymous]

jcshutts:maxflinn:
im pretty sure the two mentioned are the only ones that come with multi channel analogue outs at present..

you own a sony hx903 don't you? so need a 3d player?

Wouldn't something like this work?
Denon 3D Ready Universal Blu-Ray Disc Player with HDMI v1.4 & 7.1 Pre out - DBP-2011
I presume the 7.1 Pre out allows for an analogue connection to the AV amp and will then process HD sound for me?

yep, according to the specs it has the multi channel outs

 

[jcshutts]

thank you. Off to bed now to dream about 2011 and what goodies she may bring me! HNY Max and all

 

[michael hoy]

jcshutts:maxflinn:
im pretty sure the two mentioned are the only ones that come with multi channel analogue outs at present..

you own a sony hx903 don't you? so need a 3d player?

Wouldn't something like this work?
Denon 3D Ready Universal Blu-Ray Disc Player with HDMI v1.4 & 7.1 Pre out - DBP-2011
I presume the 7.1 Pre out allows for an analogue connection to the AV amp and will then process HD sound for me?

I would go for this one as well, waiting for a demo when it comes out, probably February.

 

[jcshutts]

will be interested in your thoughts.

 

[Anonymous]

you have to give some thought to the new Oppo BDP-93 which is available from this week

it has analogue outs and dual hdmi 1.4 which are programmable so all your bases are covered for the future

yes it might be more expensive than the other 2 mentioned but it will wipe the floor with the pair of `em

Al

 

[unfocused]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned the Cambridge Audio 650BD whch would seem to tick all your boxes. Best blu-ray player £300+ in the recent What Hi-Fi 2010 awards.

 

[jcshutts]

albriscoe:
you have to give some thought to the new Oppo BDP-93 which is available from this week

it has analogue outs and dual hdmi 1.4 which are programmable so all your bases are covered for the future

yes it might be more expensive than the other 2 mentioned but it will wipe the floor with the pair of `em

Al

Interesting. I have not heard of Oppo before. I am thinking the Denon would be better in quality than the Sony, with a budget of about £600. How would the Oppo compare to this mid-range budget.

Cambridge Audio is an idea, although again I feel as though Denon (with their track record in this particular arena) may give a better all round performance..... open to debate!

 

[The_Lhc]

You can feel or think anything you want but until you or someone you trust reviews them all side by side you've got nothing to base those thoughts and feelings on.

 

[v1c]

I would put these at the top of any sub 2K BDP list at the moment. Even more so for your amp.

 

[jcshutts]

with these sound formats aren't we about to see a new set of standards to incorporate 3D viewing? I notice that Yamaha have withdrawn their Z11 AV amp. Are they planning a new high level standard sound format?

 

[jcshutts]

can anyone explain this to me?

When a disc player is connected to a receiver with multi-channel analog cables, the player must perform digital to analog decoding and send the analog signal to the receiver.

(this bit is the confusing part) - In this case, calibration and bass management adjustments such as speaker sizes and channel levels should be done in the player's setup menus or the receiver must have bass management for the 5.1, 6.1, or 7.1 ANALOG inputs. If the player lacks calibration adjustments or the receiver cannot perform adjustments for analog inputs, bass management cannot be performed.

question - how will I establish if the AV amp ( Yamaha Z9) has bass management for Analog inputs? I presume it does?