My Blu-Ray HDMI conundrum


A few months ago replaced my analog multi channel preamp (McCormack MAP-1) with an upgraded Onkyo 855, and went all multi channel digital. I did so because the Onkyo produded glorious multi channel SACD sound with my Sony XA 5400 CD/SACD player over HDMI (far better than what I was used to using the McCormack). However, for some reason, using the Onkyo with my Denon 2500 Blu Ray transport over HDMI is a big dissapointment on the audio side of things (video is stellar). Although I cannot do an A/B (Denon has no analog outs), I suspect the analog route would sound better on Blu-Ray. I could ditch my Denon 2500, get a player with multi channel analog outs and run multi channel analog through the Onkyo. I could get a Denon Pre/Pro and run high rez digital through the proprietary Denon Link (an expensive proposition). I could get my Denon 2500 upgraded. I am looking for any advise on how to get better audio out of blu ray.
edorr
Ozzy, go to the BDP-83 page on the Oppo website, and select the Support tab. You will see the downloadable firmware versions and instructions:
http://www.oppodigital.com/blu-ray-bdp-83/blu-ray-BDP-83-Support.aspx
Quick update. I decided to go all out and buy a Pioneer BDP-09FD, which allegedly sets the standard for blu ray analog multi channel out. To hedge my bet I got it at a price I could resell it for, in case it disappointed. The Pioneer analog setup completely blows away the Denon over HDMI, and I am now more than ever convinced Hi Rez audio over HDMI packaged with the video signal is a fatally flawed architecture (in its current implementation). I do not understand what these reviewers (I read multiple touting the audio quality of the Denon 2500) were smoking. It is not even close to the Pioneer analog route. What I also don't understand is why every high end home theater store runs HDMI from 3K players into 8K processors in 30K systems, settle for crappy audio, when all it takes is 6 analog cables and a processor with a good multi channel analog bypass mode. Very puzzling. The other things that puzzles me is why my Sony XA54000ES over HDMI sounds so good. Must be the DSD direct bitstream..... Anyway, my Pioneer stays - analog is back and look for a Denon 2500 listed on Audiogon soon....
Vjay00
Thanks , I just recieved the CD update from Oppo for my Oppo BP 83.
Pretty fast, it only took a few days from CA to Michigan.
Faster than regular mail!