HDMI or Analogue for sound quality

[jarra]

Im just wondering would the audio quality of my system sound better if I used analogue leads instead of a HDMI lead. This entails an Oppo 93 - Marantz 7005 amp.

Like a lot better or just slightly better.

 

[chudleighpaul]

I use analogue leads and am very pleased with the set up. I had my leads made up to the exact length required to minimize the "spaghetti" effect.

Try both methods of connection and see which you prefer.

 

[jarra]

Thanks Chudbud. lol

roughly what would you be paying for the leads.

 

[Anonymous]

Hi Jarra

I have experimented using both an HDMI connection and analogue connections and found to my ears that I prefered the sound using the analogue leads. There was a little more presence and low end grunt. The slight downsize to that is more cables to keep tidy, but I was more interested in the sound so happy with the compromise.

If it is of any help I use 6 x Van Den Hul The name 0.8m interconnects, from hificables.co.uk available as a pack for £160.00. Can't remember if that is what I paid.

Hemmy

 

[The_Lhc]

Hemmy, you have a different amp and BDP compared to Jarra, so he can't really use your experience as a guide.

If you use HDMI you're using the amps DACs, if you use analogue connections you're using the BDPs DACs, which sounds better will depend very much on the relative quality of the DACs in each component.

As has been said, try both and chose the one you prefer.

 

[scene]

the_lhc:Hemmy, you have a different amp and BDP compared to Jarra, so he can't really use your experience as a guide.

If you use HDMI you're using the amps DACs, if you use analogue connections you're using the BDPs DACs, which sounds better will depend very much on the relative quality of the DACs in each component.

As has been said, try both and chose the one you prefer.
+1 on that, and if you go down the multichannel analogue approach, the interconnects have a greater impact on the quality of the sound, as you no longer have lossless digital between the BDP and Amp.

 

[chudleighpaul]

jarra:Thanks Chudbud. lol

roughly what would you be paying for the leads.

I had mine made up by a supplier in Deptford. They supply cables and equipment to studios and professionals. The cables were studio quality double screened with gold plated phono plugs. Charged me £35 for the lot.

 

[jarra]

Thanks guys, happy to pay around £50 for the analogue leads. Will shop around now.

 

[chudleighpaul]

Are you in London? If so I will give you name of my supplier.

 

[jarra]

Thanks, but Im in Bangor County Down. If you post a link to the suppliers site I will have a look see.

 

[chudleighpaul]

Afraid they don't have a site, I will get their phone no next time I pass.

 

[RobGardner]

Before you rush out and buy analogue connections I would try and get a few loan HDMI cables from your dealer as they don't all sound the same. I've got about 6 -7 different brands and there are quality differences between them all, both in terms of picture and especially sound. One simple inter-connect and it's all done.

 

[fayeanddavid]

RobGardner:Before you rush out and buy analogue connections I would try and get a few loan HDMI cables from your dealer as they don't all sound the same. I've got about 6 -7 different brands and there are quality differences between them all, both in terms of picture and especially sound. One simple inter-connect and it's all done.

Oops....................here we go, take cover!!!

BTW I do completely agree.

 

[jarra]

Re: HDMI or Analogue for sound quality

Afraid they don't have a site, I will get their phone no next time I pass

Thanks.

 

[jarra]

Re: HDMI or Analogue for sound quality

Before you rush out and buy analogue connections I would try and get a few loan HDMI cables from your dealer as they don't all sound the same. I've got about 6 -7 different brands and there are quality differences between them all, both in terms of picture and especially sound. One simple inter-connect and it's all done.

Rob

Actually I have a £50 HDMI lead at the moment,so wont be rushing to buy anything.
I will be borrowing some analogue leads to try out and if the difference is big and better.