HDMI/Optical sound quality?

[Tim2121]

HI

I plan to purchase a HD-DVD player in a few days. My receiver doesn't have HDMI. Is there a huge different in sound quality between using HDMI and optical cable for audio connection? Thanks

[mantis]

Yes there is. You can't get Dolby True HD or DTS A over optical or digital coax. You can only get it Via Hdmi. Now if your player has built in decoders and your receiver/preamp has a 6 channel in, you can use that to get the new audio formats. It sucks to do so with all that wire but it will get the job done.

The best thing to do if you want the best possible sound is upgrading the receiver/preamp to one that has HDMI and 1.3a with built in decoders.This way no matter which player you own, you will have the ability to process the audio one way or another.

Dan

[crd2002]

I could be wrong but I think that optical is a way better sound

[mantis]

I could be wrong but I think that optical is a way better sound

You are wrong.

[crd2002]

see I was wrong oh well learning

[mantis]

see I was wrong oh well learning

It's all good.

[Willow]

see I was wrong oh well learning

HAHAHA, but at least you have the right attitude about it !

[crd2002]

hey I'm only in the 80 post range but do a lot of ready learning as I go along

[Ferres]

The thing is, when you start out with a relatively low end set-up, optical, analog, coax etc, don't sound so different. Optical may even have a slight edge over analog with all the noise affecting it.. But as you get up the food chain with more powerful/cleaner systems, analog will start to shine and digitals start to come off a bit lean.