HD Audio - Completely Baffled !

[stufran]

I have a Sony all in one system & have been considering upgrading to a separates sytem but on a sensible budget as we're not really "home cinema purists". I have been looking at the Sony STR-DG820 but stock seems to be sparce more or less everywhere. I then switched my attention to the Onyyo TX-SR576 which I have been looking to couple with a set of Kef 1005.2 speakers. We play BRs through a PS3.
There is an issue around the decoding of HD audio which I have to say the more I read about the less I understand.
Given my requirement of just getting a good sounding system on a sensible budget, would plumping for the Onkyo rather than waiting for the Sony to come in stock but me at a significant disadvantage in terms of loss of functionality ?

 

[Anonymous]

For the little extra mulla the SR606 is the better buy more future proof (ie more HDMI inputs) and decodes all formats DD TrueHD Master Audio PCM DTS.

 

[Andrew Everard]

But then again the PS3 stufran is using can't output the HD Audio formats in native form, but converts them to multichannel PCM (which is no bad thing), which the TX-SR576 can accept with no problems.

 

[stufran]

Thanks for the responses Gentlemen. I'm going to add Sky HD shortly - does that impact upon the decision ?
I should also mention that I intended have a look / listen to the Onkyo at Superfi in Leeds today. I 'phoned at least half a dozen times to ensure that they had it in stock before travelling & eventually left a message as there were apparently no humans available to answer the 'phone. As they haven't got back to me, I assume that the recession has yet to hit Leeds & the staff were therefore beating off customers with a stick all day. As usual. I'll vote with my feet & spend my hard earned elsewhere.

 

[cram]

To add to the confusion Sky HD doesn't output HD sound. It does however output Dolby Digital 5.1 sound via its optical connection

 

[simonlewis]

stufran the reason you got the answer phone is because superfi do not open on sunday's.

 

[Dave_]

stufran:Thanks for the responses Gentlemen. I'm going to add Sky HD shortly - does that impact upon the decision ?None whatsoever as Sky HD doesn't use HD formats for sound,just DD 5.1

 

[stufran]

Our new Leeds store is now open for business!

Day:
Hours:

Sunday (viewing only)
10:00 - 10:30

Sunday (trading)
10:30 - 16:30

According to their website they do !

 

[simonlewis]

Apologies stufran, i have just just checked superfi's website, leeds superfi is open on a sunday but all the other superfi branches are shut. strange???

 

[Anonymous]

Superfi are always busy they know their stuff great people to do a deal with