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4.1 analog vs. digital

I’m getting ready to buy a Blu-ray player. I run a 4.1 system through a processor that does not have HDMI. My question is will I receive any benefits from the new audio formats by running a 4.1 system through the analog outs of a player that has 7.1 analog out capability, or should I just stick with a lesser player and use the digital out? The specific players I’m considering are the Panasonic BD80K and the BD60K. As I understand it the primary difference (besides cost) between the two players is that the 80K has 7.1 analog outs and the 60K does not. I have no plans to upgrade my audio to 7.1 so that is not a consideration. Thanks very much for any help.
jaffeassc
kr4's avatar
kr4
3,662 posts
 
The real question is whether you care about the HD audio codecs on BluRay. If you do, analog output is the only way for you to get them. If you don't (and never will), then coax/optical digital out will be OK.

Kal
jaffeassc OP
166 posts
 
Thanks Kal. I understand that the only way to get HD audio codecs in my case is through tbe analog outs. I guess my question is will Blu-ray discs sound better through analog outs rather than digital outs considering that I only have a 4.1 system?
audiojan's avatar
audiojan
390 posts
 
You will get the same benefit through 4.1 as you would 7.1... the big difference of the new lossless formats, is just that, lossless, no compression of audio signal. Just keep in mind that you are using the DAC's of the blu-ray player instead of the receiver, and many BR players does not include the best dac's... Denon makes a very expensive model that sounds amazing through analog outputs, but Oppo BDP-83 sounds really decent for not too much money, I would recommend that one highly
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dbphd
1,624 posts
 
Kal writes, "analog output is the only way for you to get [HD audio codecs on BluRay]". I think what he meant was case specific, i.e. without HDMI, but adding "without HDMI" would have made it clearer and more general.

db
jaffeassc OP
166 posts
 
Thanks Audiojan, that's what I was wondering. I'm using an Oppo DVD player now and I'm very happy with it, particularly considering the price to performance ratio. I've considered the BPD-83 but the Panasonic players are very well rated and considerably less money. Plus it matches my Panasonic Plasma. I’m not really looking for the best player out there, I’m more of a 2 channel guy, but I do want something that will give me decent sound while watching music videos.
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