Do I need to replace the A2

I consider my audio set up pretty good. Onkyo TX-DS797 with NHT bookshelfs (SB2) and Center and Sub, with three surrounds for 6.1 sound. I couldn't pass up the $98 special for the A2 earlier this month, but now realize I cannot get true HD sound since the A2 does not have the 5 analogue output, yet my receiver does, but does not have an HDMI port (which I don't mind since I think any type of split to the signal can lose quality) which I need based on the A2.

Since I think this receiver is one of the best in its class and would hate to replace it (pretty sure the wife would prevent it), question is am I really missing out on the sound quality because of this and if so, is the only solution to get a stepped up HD player. Couple other things for consideration is that I don't play movies as loud as I used to now that there are a couple small kids asleep at that time (but still want good, clear sound) and I don't expect to own too many HD DVDs since I have a big collection of standard DVDs and won't replace them, most HD movies will be rented. Also, I am guessing that there would be no difference in sound quality of my current collection of standard DVDs. Lastly, the DTS on the HD movies does sound better than my current DVDs and I am hoping that my receiver produces a good enough sound that there isn't a big difference with what I am missing.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

DerekC, I'm on the same boat as you. I have the HD A2 and I have a Yamaha receiver with the 5.1 direct inputs but no HDMI. So my options are to upgrade my HD A2 to the HD XA2 or upgrade my Yamaha receiver (which I love) to the Onkyo TX-SR-605, 705 or for the rich guys the 805 (I personally would be happy with the 605 as I've heard it and it sounds GREAT with Dolby TrueHD).

Its a hard choice because I know the XA2 is second to none when it comes to upconverting regular DVD's and like you said I can hook it up to my current receiver via the 5.1 direct inputs to enjoy the HD audio. Decisions decisions...I'll probably end up upgrading my amp though...unless of course I can score an XA2 for cheap on ebay or amazon

[Post edited by Falcon01 on Nov 30, 2007]

falcon --

I am also on the same boat as you are. I want to upgrade to a new receiver to play HD audio codecs. However the problem is -- no player in the market (HD or BD players) send TrueHD and DTS HD MA as a Bitstream. Other it is converted to PCM. 5.1 analog is the best way to enjoy TrueHD without upgrading. I haven't seen a HD-DVD title with the DTS HD MA

rpruthee,

I believe the XA2 and the A35 now send True HD and DTS HD bitstream via HDMI. The Samsung 1400 also just received a firmware upgrade to send True HD and DTS HD bitstream.

It is a tough choice. I bought a A2 for my mom for christmas but I didn't upgrade my A1 because it has the 5.1 analog outputs and I know there is no way I could go back to listening to movies through Optical (my receiver has no HDMI input). I love the 5.1 analog outputs, I think they even make my regular SD soundtracks sound better.

I'd like to at some point, upgrade my receiver but it's a great receiver so I can't really justify buying a new one for the conveinence of HDMI.

At the AVS Forums, a Microsoft Insider said a few weeks ago that he thought the fewer times an audio track was encoded and decoded, the better it would sound. Therefore, he felt the analogue outputs directly through the receiver was a better proposition than encoding TrueHD at the player and having to decode it (1.3 HDMI) again at the receiver.

John

Quote:
I didn't upgrade my A1 because it has the 5.1 analog outputs and I know there is no way I could go back to listening to movies through Optical (my receiver has no HDMI input). I love the 5.1 analog outputs, I think they even make my regular SD soundtracks sound better.

I'd like to at some point, upgrade my receiver but it's a great receiver so I can't really justify buying a new one for the conveinence of HDMI.

[/b]

My thinking exactly. Before I found DVD Town, I had no idea what the analogue outputs on my older Toshiba SD DVD player were for. I was using a coax cable for sound and I was not happy with the quality. When I bought my A-1 and discovered DVD Town (around the same time), I read a post addressing the analogue cables, hooked them up, and I've been a happy camper ever since. I bought the A-35 mainly because it had the analogue outputs. I am perfectly satisified with the audio through my 5.1 Denon and I'm in no hurry to upgrade, run more wires, etc. Perhaps I'll buy a 7.1when I set up my theater downstairs, but that's for another day.

So I should ditch my optical and go with the analog on my A2? I have the Yamaha HTR 5850 receiver that I am running.
Oh by the way like my snowflake??? LOL

[Post edited by InvisibleBiker on Dec 1, 2007]

"So I should ditch my optical and go with the analog on my A2?" --InvisibleBiker

I thought the A2 didn't have 5.1 analogue outputs, only the XA2?

John

There are no analogue outputs on the A2.

Wait! Wait! Wait! So you guys are saying that on my 4 year old Sony STRDE595 receiver I can use the 5.1 analog inputs to listen to DolbyHD and DTSHD signals even though my receiver does not decode the HD signals? And you are saying that would be better than Optical on my receiver? That is the message that I am getting here! I hope this is true so I can save myself some money! Would using the 5.1 inputs on my receiver and outputs on my current SD DVD sound better than using optical? This would be awesome.

Ironbull,

Yes, any of the HD-DVD players equipped with the 5.1 analog outputs will out put DD+ and Dolby True HD to you receiver. They convert it to PCM send it through the outputs and the receiver amplifies it. If you're receiver is capable ditch the Optical cable my friend. You may need to check your receivers manual on how to change the input to the 5.1 analog (it's not usually the default setting obviously). If you have this capability there's no reason to upgrade your receiver IMO.

Note: it will not output DTS-HD at it's full bitrate. Right now HD-DVD players can only output DTS core which is 1.5 MBPS.

If you use an HD DVD player's 5.1 analogue outputs, there is no need for decoding at the receiver end. Indeed, from reports that I've heard and from my own experience, the analogut outs may still be better than any HDMI 1.3 decoding. Just be sure to increase the bass response at the receiver by about ten decibels on the 5.1 inputs because there is no decoding equalization curve involved.

(I mentioned this almost a year and a half ago in my original Tosh A1 review and again in the XA2 review, plus any number of times here at the Message Board. But does anybody listern? Well, yeah, StevePro heard me. My life is complete.)

John

[Post edited by John J. Puccio on Dec 2, 2007]

Quote:
But does anybody listern? Well, yeah, StevePro heard me. My life is complete.

Ah yes, the words of a former teacher!!

I might add that I also have an optical cable installed as well as the analogues so that I can switch between having the A-35 or the receiver to do the work. The sound is better 99.9% of the time through the analogues.

A case in point here is the Star Trek Original Series Season One 8 disk set (the one in the yellow plastic box). The sound on this set is AWFUL through the analogue and it has to be played through the digital optical connection. It will be a moot point soon anyway, because I have it on good authority that Santa is bringing me the HD DVD set for Christmas. If (ahem, when) he does, I'll sell this one. Unfortunatly, I bought the A-35 a month before the inception date for the free phaser remote campaign, so I don't qualify for the phaser, but I just e-mailed CBS to see if they will make an exception. We shall see.

Steve

[Post edited by StevePro on Dec 2, 2007]

Thanks guys! Now I have some experimenting to do!
John I am sorry for not listening but I have not read a lot of older threads regarding these matters. Please don't make me write lines!

[Post edited by Ironbull on Dec 3, 2007]

Anything wrong with the A1? Costco here in Canada has lots for $199.

Ironbull,

My A1 is still going strong from the first day of its release (it's the one I reviewed). It's big and heavy (which I consider good), and it's only minor drawback is that it takes a little longer to boot up than the later models. But for $199, I'd take it over any of the lower-priced later-generation models if for no other other reason than getting the 5.1 analogue outputs, which are still the best way to listen to lossless Dolby TrueHD (if your receiver has 5.1 inputs).

John

go for it. its like a truck but its worth it for 5.1 analog outs. No need to upgrade your receiver. I have it and I am happy with it so far. BTW, John I did listen to you

One note on the A1 you will have to upgrade the firmware as it doesn't decode Dolby True HD out of the box. Other then that it's a superb machine. I love mine and I've felt no reason to upgrade as my TV is on 720P anyway. The sound out of the 5.1 analog outs is great.