RE: I was looking at the Sony BDP-550

Posted by cfraser (A) on June 19, 2009 at 21:08:58

In Reply to: I was looking at the Sony BDP-550 posted by Prisoners on June 19, 2009 at 16:50:30:

It is mostly true that BDPs with multi-ch analog outputs cost more. This is reasonable even if you just consider the needed extra parts and complication (compared to just HDMI output). Then refine that to fairly GOOD multi-ch analog outputs, and the price creeps up even more, probably close to $500 like for the Oppo BDP-83 (which has numerous other features too). And a lot more $$ for very good, as it usually goes.

Yes, if you don't have an HDMI-capable audio processor, the Sony S550 would not be a bad choice for entering the format. Just a short time ago they could be had for ~$250 or so on clearance. Try Panasonic for now if price is a concern, or just want to get a taste. You do not necessarily have to use the lossless audio formats right away, it's the video that's usually the big motivation, and after that you will be spurred to further evaluation of the direction you want to go.

Anyway, I feel your pain. I broke down for an HDMI-capable processor. Frankly, the multi-ch outputs of the BDPs I heard sounded worse than the HDMI output, probably better models available now. And lip-sync (movies) becomes more "complicated" with analog outs...something that even a tiny bit of it really annoys me, maybe not others that much...easily handled in the digital domain. As far as I'm concerned, the multi-ch analog outputs are best left to music, not movie discs.

This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:

Follow Ups Full Thread

Topic - Cheap Blu-ray players: $$ vs. Quality... - Redbook 09:46:04 06/18/09 (20)

Pioneer BDP-51FD - panhead 19:31:36 06/23/09 (1)

Not Sure Why But - Robertc88 11:06:18 06/27/09 (0)

RE: Cheap Blu-ray players: $$ vs. Quality... - jimmyjames 07:51:55 06/23/09 (0)

RE: Cheap Blu-ray players: $$ vs. Quality... - cfraser 11:47:44 06/18/09 (16)

I really want analog multi-channel out. - Prisoners 12:52:16 06/19/09 (15)

Look at Oppo (now on general release), Sony & Panasonic. - ppopp 08:10:06 06/28/09 (0)

Try Panasonic at midrange and Denon at higher. [nt] - chris.redmond2@bushinternet.com 15:09:06 06/20/09 (0)

At any price point? - Kal Rubinson 14:19:59 06/19/09 (11)

I was looking at the Sony BDP-550 - Prisoners 16:50:30 06/19/09 (10)

The BDP-550 is a stopgap... - oscar 14:21:55 06/23/09 (6)

Do you mean sound via the analog outputs? - cfraser 18:49:59 06/23/09 (5)

"I prefer to keep my analog source signals totally out of any digital processor box. " - oscar 05:33:00 06/24/09 (4)

I think you and cfraser are saying pretty much the same thing - racerguy 06:34:09 06/24/09 (3)

Yes, I think so - cfraser 10:44:54 06/24/09 (2)

So if you use HDMI for your sound, don't you wind up going through the pre/pro's preamp anyway ? nt - oscar 08:53:24 06/28/09 (1)

RE: So if you use HDMI for your sound, don't you wind up going through the pre/pro's preamp anyway ? nt - cfraser 14:33:33 06/29/09 (0)

RE: I was looking at the Sony BDP-550 - cfraser 21:08:58 06/19/09 (2)

I did not consider the sync issue. - Prisoners 22:33:44 06/19/09 (1)

RE: I did not consider the sync issue. - cfraser 13:18:20 06/20/09 (0)

There are approx 30 different player models currently available... - racerguy 14:19:16 06/19/09 (0)

Follow Ups

RE: I was looking at the Sony BDP-550 - cfraser 21:08:58 06/19/09 (2)

I did not consider the sync issue. - Prisoners 22:33:44 06/19/09 (1)

RE: I did not consider the sync issue. - cfraser 13:18:20 06/20/09 (0)

RE: I was looking at the Sony BDP-550

Post a Message!