Multichannel - Is It worth it?

[admin_exported]

I have an Arcam AVR350 AV receiver and Pioneer PDP507 plasma. Currently I use Playstation 3 for blu ray. The AVR350 does not decode HDMI but does have multichannel inputs.

Question 1 - Is it worth buying a Blu Ray such as Sony 760 with multi channel outputs ie will the difference in sound be worth the outlay?

Question 2 – If using multi channel outputs for HD audio is it best to stick with this for all formats or do I revert to a digital output for non HD such as 5.1 and DTS and let the Arcam perform the decoding?

 

[chudleighpaul]

Is it worth it? Certainly. Instead of the Sony you could try the Panasonic BD80.

I tend to use the Multi channel outs for DVD as well, but you could use the digital outs if you wish.

Try both methods and see which you prefer.

 

[Anonymous]

but most amps when using multichannel in, will bypass any eq , so maybe the digital connection would be better for the non-hd formats.

 

[Anonymous]

What is eq?

 

[simonlewis]

equalizer.

 

[chudleighpaul]

I never use equalisation or DSP effects. I think it sounds better without.

 

[scene]

Well, I have an Arcam AVR250 and a Pioneer KRP500A. I bought a Sony BDP-S760 and am planning to use the m/c analogue outs to feed the Arcam. The downside is the large number of Analogue interconnects required - four pairs! (I'm getting them via fleabay and have 3/4... so only 5.1 for the moment - watch this space...)

I definitely think it is worth it. I really don't want to get rid of my (recently repaired) arcam amp as it sounds great with music. I'm still using my DV79 to feed it CDs - I haven't tried the Sony for this. I suspect that this is the better configuration, as I think the Wolfson DACs on the Arcam beat the Sony ones (I am planning to confirm this by trial). If I was buying now, I might be tempted to wait for the new BDP-S770, not for the 3D, but for the SACD support (allegedly) and the lower cost.