Which way to go?

[speed1268]

I,like a lot of film fans have an old!! A/V amp(Pioneer VSX AX5i),This i now run with a PS3 for bluray.The system sounds great.But like others would like to upgrade to the newer audio formats.I have a few questions:-

1)Do i change the amp,and use the ps3 now it can decode the new formats via hdmi

2)Do i buy a new Bluray player with analogue audio outs,and how much do you need to spend to increase the quality as you still rate the ps3 highly as a stand alone player.

3)If i were to follow the new amp route.I am concerned about the quality of the video/upscaling section in comparison to the bluray player itself,should this be a concern??

I have seen quite a few quality amps on ebay and such like and it seems an awful waste when these amps were Expensive,just to bin them and start again.

I look forward to opinions and advice,Thanks speed1268

 

[Messiah]

I am assuming that as you have had the Pioneer amp a while you must like it! (I had the AX3i and wished I had kept it now to be honest, anyway..) If you like the sound from the Amp then try a BD player with analogue outputs.

Like anything though it would be best to demo some equipment. If you try some of the newer amps and feel they don't compare to the Pioneer (once tested with HD audio) then you should have saved yourself some money.

As for the Upscaling - I would not worry about it at all. Just let the receiver handle the signals (if you get a newer model of course).

So really, demo, demo, demo..........

 

[Anonymous]

have to agree with Messiah, Iam in the same boat, but have decided to go for seperate amp/surround processor set up next time, this is going to cost a bit more and its going to take a while ( as the realisation that my spending power has been taken over by our 11 month little boy) so in the short to medium term I have gone for a bdp lx71. their are some cracking deals to be had at the mo. it might be worth going for a deadicated bd player with multi channel outputs that can do the new formats, bare in mind that you will not be able to use the EQ settings on the amp it would be direct from the player.

 

[speed1268]

Thanks for the reply,When i look at what the ax5 can still do it just seems like a waste to get rid of it for peanuts!!If the ps3 did analogue outs!!(a great marketing ploy by sony!!).What level of upgrade would you look at to beat the ps3 as to me the picture looks graet.Thanks speed1268

 

[speed1268]

Hi,Thanks for the reply.I also bought the ax 5 & 868 combo and the fact that it has hdmi/i-link made it last this long.I have just had the 868 upgraded for analogue cd replay and it sounds great(heading to match a townsend eventually!).The trouble with hi-fi is the value after purchase and i am not bothered if the amp doesn't actually say Dolby true HD on the screen,you can't afford to be a snob when a lot seems to be changing.I think i will look at another BD player.But what is a economic upgrade to better the ps3's performance,Thanks speed1268

 

[Anonymous]

looked at a sony 550 or some thing like that and a pany but went for the lx71, may be you should look at the bdp lx 51 someone on here has seen it for £270.00 the new panny is suposed to be good. but remember to go and test befor you buy also are you bothered by loading times, if it just picture quality and sound than the above should be better than the sony ps3.