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Audio output for a non-HDMI pre-amp

I have a McIntosh MX 135 A/V pre-amp which has balanced outputs for 7.1 and has component instead of HDMI inputs.  Not wanting to upgrade to the latest McIntosh HDMI capable unit (very expensive), I was thinking of having the HDMI sources (blue ray player, cable TV, Apple TV) directly plug into the TV and using the optical audio out from the TV to supply the audio to the McIntosh which in turn would supply my 7.1 system.  

Alternatively, I noticed that the blue ray player I am interested in, the Pioneer Elite UDP-LX500 has several audio output options including 1) analog audio out via traditional RCA jacks, 2) coaxial digital audio out and 3) toslink digital audio out.  Would I get better sound, from the blue ray player, if I output the audio signal directly from the player to the McIntosh and if so, which audio out option would work best.  

The McIntosh has these specs: DTS ES & Neo:6,
Dolby Digital EX, DTS-ES, Prologic II
ymc226
erik_squires
16,056 posts
 
It will probably be about the same.

Do what is most convenient. Of course, the analog out is only 2 channel on the BD player. AFAIK Oppo was the only one to offer a full 7.1 out.

Best,
E
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
Best results will be running HDMI to TV like you said, and then running RCA for the audio from each source to the amp. Do this for the ones you want the best stereo sound from. (Although its hard to imagine anyone with multichannel caring all that much about sound. You would just ditch the HT and go stereo. Whatever.) Going RCA opens up a huge selection of high quality interconnects at killer used prices.
gillatgh's avatar
gillatgh
381 posts
 
I would connect Hdmi from sources to TV and coaxial or optical connection on sources to the AV component. You would get video to TV and full HT audio 5.1/7.1 thru tell Mcintosh. I used this configuration until very recently with great results.
ymc226 OP
21 posts
 
Thanks for all the responses. 
theo's avatar
theo
2,684 posts
 
I had an MX135 and it was a great piece, when I upgraded I went with Anthem D2V as the MX150 was like 10-11K and I couldn’t justify it. But the Mc sounds way better. I think as mentioned if you can get your hands on an Oppo with 7.1 analog out and digital inputs would open more options. With the newer processing within the Oppo for DTS Mastersound and the Dolby counterpart you will benefit via the 5.1 input on the MX135. And with the digital in on the Oppo from the TV and other sources you have a more current decoding of the soundtracks. Look for a Blu-ray player that has 5.1 or 7.1 outputs. I think Cambridge makes one.
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