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lpcm or bitstream for bluray?

I own a PS3 and have a Cary Cinema 11a on order. I know that the PS3 will decodes hd audio internally and sends it out as lpcm and will not send out bitstream.. Does this mean that the PS3 is sending an anolog signal or is the reciever doing the d/a conversion? Would there be any advantage to using a player that outputs bitstream? How many d/a or a/d conversions are actually taking place?
mrmikesmail
kennyt's avatar
kennyt
1,226 posts
 
I don't think it matters if you run bitstream and let the Cary do everything or you send it PCM (which is all you can). PCM is not an analog output, so both should sound the same.
holenneck
127 posts
 
the PS3 is sending out a digital PCM signal which your processor receives and the sends out to your amplifier. The decoding is taking place in the PS3 so your processor does all of the bass management from there. Its like there is double processing going on,
bar81
791 posts
 
All the PS3 is doing is unpacking the digitally compressed sound formats into LPCM. The D/A is being done (once) in the processor. Note that you have to use HDMI output on the PS3 if you want surround as toslink is limited to 2 channel PCM.
docks
43 posts
 
Bitstream enables the receiver/preamp to do the decoding.
LCPM Lets the ps3 do the decoding, Some people with a nice decoder chipset in their setup will want bitstream.

They both are digital when they leave the ps3, thus requiring you to still use a dac.
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