Worth upgrading to HD audio?

[admin_exported]

I have an aging Marantz SR4200 Amp, (which does not have 5.1 analogue inputs). Having just bought a new sony KDL40W4000 and an 80GB PS3, I'm trying to decide whether its worth replacing my Amp with one that is compatible with the new HD audio Standards.

I'm really very happy with the current sound of my Amp for both films and Music, so I'm wondering just how much better the HD audio could be. and if its worth the outlay when there is nothing really wrong with the amp I have.

Forgetting HD audio for a moment, I have also heard rumour that the normal Dolby Digital and DTS sound tracks on Blu-ray discs are likely to be better quality than the DVD versions of the same films, because there is more room on the disc to start with, does anyone know if that is true?

 

[Anonymous]

I guess I'll take that as a 'no' then...

 

[Anonymous]

rdsoftware:I'm really very happy with the current sound of my Amp for both films and Music, so I'm wondering just how much better the HD audio could be.

If this is true then I would give it a miss for now.

Don't forget there will always be something better, and HD audio is still in it's early phase as been highlighted by the recent problems with the Sony receivers, which indicates they were rushed out to meet demand/ compete with Onkyo.

Then when you become more ready to upgrade will be able to ask for a bigger discount from your dealer!ÿ

 

[Sliced Bread]

rdsoftware:Forgetting HD audio for a moment, I have also heard rumour that the normal Dolby Digital and DTS sound tracks on Blu-ray discs are likely to be better quality than the DVD versions of the same films, because there is more room on the disc to start with, does anyone know if that is true?

Standard DTS amplifiers can decode DTS tracks that are up to 1.5 mbps, however due to the limited space on a DVD, DTS is not really used to it's full potential as the sound track will then take up too much space. It is instead about 0.75 mbps. Capacity is not really an issue on blueray and so you can listen to standard dts sound tracks at 1.5 mbps. How much difference this makes in the real world I do not know.