Pana 85 vs. Sony 370...

[strapped for cash]

In a straight shoot out between these two Blu Ray players, assuming the extra functionality of the Pana is not a factor, which is the better player purely in terms of sound and pic quality?

Other threads haven't proven particularly revealing on this question.

I'm planning in buying one of the two, which will be run via HDMI through my Yamaha 1065. Presumably I will get the greatest benefits with audio, as my PS3 (fat) is currently decoding lossless audio internally?

All opinions appreciated...

 

[simonlewis]

These two blu-ray players are reviewed in this months whfs&v mag.

 

[sta99y]

The Sony came out tops!!! But it's not just on performance, I believe price etc... Is taken into account! My Yamaha rxv2400 av amp does not accept hdmi so I have to go with the Panny so I can use analogue outputs on BD into multichannel in on amp.

 

[strapped for cash]

I read the supertest results in the mag, but based on what was said the Sony only edged it because it is incredibly cheap (especially from Amazon). That doesn't neccessarily mean that the more expensive Pana doesn't shade it in terms of performance. For what it's worth, audio clarity is a big factor for me, working on the assumption that any difference in picture quality will be marginal.

 

[ear]

let us now!!

 

[Anonymous]

i personally cant figure out how these new blu-ray players are said to yeild better picture quality than last years already pin sharp models ? i think were getting to the point where improvements are (if any) so minute , as to be irrelevant ..

just my view...

 

[True Blue]

I have recently upgraded from a BD 35 to a BD 85. Sooooo much more fine detail, things are clearer, motion handling is better. Then sound was crystal clear.

Personally I have never really liked Sony (except the 5500ES series, just a tad out of my budget), they seem to me too much about being in your face, like TV's on a shop floor and not about the subtleties of an accurate reproduction both visually and tonally.

Technology moves on Max, why do some CD players sound better than others?

Yes the jump in picture is getting smaller and smaller, but its these extra fine details that make all the difference together with improved motion handling and faster load times.

 

[Anonymous]

well i havnt compared blu-ray players , so cant talk from experience , yet ..

im buying a pana 50vt20 later in the year , along with a pana 3d player , ill be keeping my bdp-s363 for the bedroom , so ill do a 2d comparism , i doubt ill notice much of a difference , but if i do , ill report so on here

anyway tb , shouldnt you be watching a blu-ray right now

i hope you enjoy your new kit anyway

 

[True Blue]

Have watched four today, think I am fit to burst

Just been to play and ordered next weeks viewing

 

[ear]

four? 4 what?

 

[True Blue]

Blu Rays

Max said I should be watching Blu Rays so my responsewas I have watched four already today

1. Batman the Dark Knight (again for test purposes)

2. Phantom of the Opera (Wife)

3, TakeThat Circus (Wife)

4. Cloverfield (speaker tester)

 

[f1only]

strapped for cash:

In a straight shoot out between these two Blu Ray players, assuming the extra functionality of the Pana is not a factor, which is the better player purely in terms of sound and pic quality?

I'm planning in buying one of the two, which will be run via HDMI through my Yamaha 1065. Presumably I will get the greatest benefits with audio, as my PS3 (fat) is currently decoding lossless audio internally?

All opinions appreciated...

The brand might be just down to user preference. To check out the quality why not, or can you do an audition of both machines on the same tv & judge for your self?

I also have a fat ps3, changing that to a dedicated player was an instant improvement. The Pioneer & Sony player, both improved the quality of sound & vision, Pioneer being the better of the 2 dedicated players. The ps3 though is still a damm fine piece of kit for what it is, a good all rounder for anyone on a budget, into gaming, Blu Ray films & media streamer.

Regards ....

 

[cstanwhf]

My understanding of the reviews in the test is that the Sony BDP-S370 is the better player than the Panasonic DMP-BD85 (at least in sound department and picture colour balance).

The BD85 also got 5 stars as it has the extra 7.1 audio out. Something the Sony S370 lack.

Read the Sony review here http://www.whathifi.com/Review/Sony-BDP-S370/ .

 

[bigboss]

Choosing between these 2 players is purely down to brand preference & connectivity, although it's more fair to compare the S370 with BD65 which are in the same price bracket.

When you buy a player, you won't compare it everyday with other players, so this "slightly better audio & video" will be largely irrelevant. If you're happy with yours, then that's the player for you.

If you're in the market for buying a new player, then decide on a budget first. My personal opinion is; if you don't need analogue outs, don't buy a player that has one, unless you're going for a high end player (players at higher price brackets generally have analogue outs). Remember that you're also paying for features you may never use.

 

[strapped for cash]

Cheers Big Boss

All I really want to know is whether the Pana 85 has the edge over the Sony 370 in terms of sound and picture quality?

If it really is too close to call, or if the Sony betters the Panasonic in both departments, then I'll buy the Sony and save myself a few pounds. If not, I'm prepared to pay the extra for the Panasonic. I know the obvious course of action is to audition both, but in my opinion this is only of genuine merit if you can test products with the kit you have at home.

The decisive factor is that I own a Yamaha RX-V1065 receiver and, after the honeymoon period, I can understand what WHF were saying about dialogue clarity. It's not that dialogue sounds unintelligible through the 1065, but you just can't help but wish it was a touch clearer. I know the Pana 85 has different sound processing features, including a dialogue enhancement option. I wonder if this would counteract what seems like the only minor flaw with the 1065? Or will the Sony offer noticeable improvement in terms of overall sound and dialogue clarity compared with my (fat) PS3?

Tough questions, I know...

 

[Andy Madden]

Hi strapped for cash,

if you want/need the added functionality of the Panasonic you won't be disappointed. If you simply want the best picture and sound we'd recommend the Sony. Cheers.

 

[strapped for cash]

Thanks Andy

A Clear, concise and very helpful response. Much appreciated!

 

[Andy Madden]

No problem! Just thought i'd pop online between Eurovision entries. Did i really just type that?

 

[Anonymous]

I sold the S370 as I was not impressed with the picture quality. The sound quality is good and it is very fast to load a disc.

I felt the Pana BD35 had a better overall picture quality. I'm sure the BD85 will offer a better performance than the S370 - picture and sound.

 

[Anonymous]

Andy Madden:No problem! Just thought i'd pop online between Eurovision entries. Did i really just type that?

I am sure you can think of something BETTER to do!!

 

[strapped for cash]

Andy Madden:No problem! Just thought i'd pop online between Eurovision entries. Did i really just type that?

Ah, this is my escape. I can hear it in the background, nevertheless, and entries sound every bit on par with those of yesteryear!

 

[strapped for cash]

SamsonD:
I sold the S370 as I was not impressed with the picture quality. The sound quality is good and it is very fast to load a disc.

I felt the Pana BD35 had a better overall picture quality. I'm sure the BD85 will offer a better performance than the S370 - picture and sound.

I wondered whether anybody would question the WHF verdict. It's amazing that any of us end up buying anything at all with the number of contradictory opinions floating around. Not that the input isn't welcomed, SamsonD...

 

[wilsmusic]

I have the 370 with the 1065 and I'm very happy. Sound quality is great and the picture a step up from PS3. I'm using this combination for both as my prime movie and music playing equipment and I'm not thinking about another upgrade anytime soon.

 

[Anonymous]

strapped for cash:SamsonD:
I sold the S370 as I was not impressed with the picture quality. The sound quality is good and it is very fast to load a disc.

I felt the Pana BD35 had a better overall picture quality. I'm sure the BD85 will offer a better performance than the S370 - picture and sound.

I wondered whether anybody would question the WHF verdict. It's amazing that any of us end up buying anything at all with the number of contradictory opinions floating around. Not that the input isn't welcomed, SamsonD...

That's why I buy, see it for myself and then decide to keep or sell it. WHF's review helps me narrow down the choices, nothing more - my money, so I decide if it is any good in the end.

 

[Nick_Shepherd]

Hi all,

Im looking at both now too. And was hoping the 370 is a clear step over the 360??? the Team seem to feel its as good as any mid range player......

Strapped: re diologue pn the 1065, I kind of see what you mean but more so at low volumes, but then again, I was at the cinema last night and the diologue there was not eactly crystal clear. I'm more than happy with the 1065. I watch using 'straight' by the way, so I get the audio as inteneded. Pure direct sounded odd to me and I spke to Yamah who confirmed its meant for stereo.....