Panasonic BD35 vs BD55

[admin_exported]

Hey there, Sorry if this is becoming a boring subject now, but we have a Yamaha DSP-Z7 (fantastic!) and we're shopping for a bluray. Intend on bitstreaming audio to the Z7 from the bluray player, so do we need the Pana BD55 over the BD35? What would be the difference?

Screen is Pioneer Kuro 5090 and M&K Xenons (currently 5.1 but poss intending upgrade to 7.1)

Had settled on Panasonic BD55 as it seems to have the edge over the Sony 550, but we're now wondering about the benefits of the Panasonic 55 over Pana 35, given our amp.

Any advice wise ones? Happy New Year!

 

[nads]

not a wise one, but i went for the 35 as i do not need the 7.1 outs as i will send it all via the HDMI. Now if there is any different audio and video chips in there i dont know.

put the rest of the money into discs (and a bit more) Clare did also sugest a look at the Pio 51 BD player.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks Nads. Have found Clare's advice helpful too when reading the forums/reviews on this one, but don't think anyone has asked this specific question.

Does anyone know if the BD 35/55 do have different audio and video chips? Trying to get to the bottom of any differences in performance of the two models if bitstreaming to an amp such as the Yamaha DSP-Z7?

Thanks again

 

[Anonymous]

Only difference between the two players is the analogue audio outputs on the 55. Video processing is identical and unless you use the analogue connections for sound, you will be paying quite a bit extra for absolutely no benefit.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks Alsina for your help. I wasn't too keen on over-spending on a blu-ray as the stellar ones might come down in price in the future/ I start downloading stuff.

All the best.

 

[nads]

I will confirm what Alsina said that is the conclusion I cam to but have no info to back it up.

 

[nads]

just found this

EDITED BY MODS - HOUSE RULES

 

[professorhat]

I'm pretty sure from the WHF review the BD55 has an upgraded DAC and also some components to improve stability (as well as the other differences listed above) - don't just go by spec sheets! Whether this is worth the extra or not if you're bitstreaming the audio via HDMI, I can't confirm - best bet if you're concerned is to go and see them somewhere side by side.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks Nads & Prof. It's a toughie. Will ask Clare and David at Frank Harvey Hi-Fi as he's a star.

 

[Clare Newsome]

The 55 is a step-up - it's not just the analogue outputs that are different. Yes, it uses the same video processing chipset, but the 55 also has enhanced HDMI output, for example (to reduce jitter). As mentioned on another thread, a receiver as good as the Z7 deserves a player at the level of the 55 at least, in my opinion. The Pioneers are also seriously worth considering....

 

[Anonymous]

Ahh yes, I was thinking about the Pioneer 51 as recommended by FrankHarveyHiFi, and by yourself of course. I was put off by the lack of ethernet port for updates... No ethernet but not sure how interested I am in BD Live or updates over the net (can burn to CD instead). Not keen on stretching to the Pio 71 or Denons as there are so many machines coming onto the market don't want to invest that much just yet.

Thanks Clare & everyone - your advise is invaluable as blu-ray is going to be a huge part of our Z7 Kuro 5090 enjoyment for the next couple of years (at least hopefully)!

Just researching the Pioneer now! Tempting price now.

 

[Anonymous]

Hello,

ÿÿ ÿ ÿ ÿcan I ask in what other ways the 55 is a step up from the 35?

ÿÿ ÿ ÿ I don't have an AV receiver yet, and today bought the Sony kdl46w4500, which should be here next week, and I want to get a blu ray spinner at the same time as well. Was going for the 55, but it has been oddly discontinued, and if I am not going to use the 7.1 analogue output what extra am I paying for?

ÿÿ ÿ ÿ Any reply gratefully received!ÿ

ÿÿ ÿ ÿ Love the magazine by the way, always have!ÿ

 

[Rorschach]

What prof and clare said is about it, really. I heard it's more stable than the Panasonic DMP - BD 35 too. Can't wait for tomorrow to test my new Panny tv and BD 55

.

 

[Anonymous]

Yup, I'd vote for the 55. Rules the roost at the moment I think.

 

[Rorschach]

Even though it's discontinued! It'll still be a top contender even when the new models are brought out.