Quick question.
Which of the following connects will have the best "movie" sound with a blu-ray dvd player:
They say the HDMI connection is the best. Has anyone actually tested this?

Lightpipe from DVD player to amp
SPDIF from DVD player to amp
7.1 analog from DVD player to amp
HDMI from DVD player 2 amp

I run HDMI and output 7.1.

I really think technology has evolved beyond our ears. I don't hear much difference between optical and HDMI.

I assume "lightpipe" is optical?

SPDIF carries compressed data, where HDMI is uncompressed. Less work for the amp and theoretically, better sound. Again, I think you would be hard pressed to see the difference without an oscilloscope.

I would forgo analog simply because most movies are recorded digitally and for sure are encoded digitally.

Mars23 said:

Lightpipe is optical.
I was trying 2 avoid switching my Yamaha THX amp over 2 my Denon which has HDMI.

I have everything running through my Denon receiver on HDMI and it looks and sounds great. I never tried anything else.
[Edited 8/5/09 9:22am]

SCNDLS said:

Denon.....here (hear) I come.....

Graycap23 said:

Both optical and HDMI carry uncompressed audio.

I prefer HDMI because I only need 1 cable. Although I have always preferred Yamaha amps, so I might be inclined to stick with your current setup.

I've been running an HTR 6180 for a few years and love it.

Mars23 said:

That's my issue.....I love the sound of this THX amp.....even though the Denon may be a better unit.

Graycap23 said:

You know how I do baby, only the best.



What kind of speakers do you have?

Graycap23 said:

Hook it up, listen to it, and if you like it, that's the best one.

I've never cared what the best on paper is. It's what is best to my eyes and ears.

Mars23 said:

Lol.....my set up would take at least an hour or so. I'm not looking forward 2 that if I have a switch back.

hdmi is best

reason being that hdmi has a higher bandwidth that optical or coaxil output. both optical and coax have the same bandwidth

so outputting via optical/coax you have to downsample any signals that require a higher bandwith, such as trueHD etc

that's why you can't output multichannel SACD or DVDA via optical/coax and those system traditionally required analogue connections until hdmi 1.2 allowed SACD and hdmi 1.3 added DVDA

everyone should know this, it's standard stuff

and make sure you get one of the £100 hdmi cables with gold ends as it makes the digital 1's and 0's flow nicer. you won't notice any improvement in picture quality or sound, but you will think the picture quality is better than a £2 cable from amazon

in playing video dvd's it doesn't matter if you use optical/coax/hdmi to your amp as there are no audio dvd formats that can't be equally transferred via those cables, so you are passing the exact same data. it's only DVD audio discs with the uncompressed MLP soundtrack that requires hdmi 1.3 or analgue connections. they will let you output stereo via digital, but not the full uncompressed, likewise SACD

SCNDLS said:

In this particular room there are 6 Infinity monitors, Genelec center channel, and 2 Infinity subs.

unique said:

I know it is, I was trying 2 justify NOT changing my setup. I need 2 get that True HD sound so it looks like I'm going 2 have 2 switch anyway. I'll just have 2 give up my lazy ways as it relates 2 this project. I've been putting if off 4 months.

Graycap23 said:

i'd start by getting a matching set of speakers from the same manufacturer with the same size cones and tweeters before upgrading your amp, as your sound isn't going to be properly balanced

you need to start with a good speaker system before upgrading your amp. particularly matching centre and fronts, matching rears if you are interested in mutli channel music. the sub doesn't have to be part of the same range though

i don't know the speakers you mean, but i'd look at getting a centre speaker to match your fronts and work from there

unique said:

I actually have all the gear.....I've just been putting off setting it up. I've run out of excuses 4 not switching over.

unique hit it on the head. Start with your speakers first and work backwards.

HDMI carries the most signal, so def go with that.
[Edited 8/5/09 10:36am]

JerseyKRS said:

Looks like I just lost my Saturday.....but I'll be happy in the end. (I hope.)

Graycap23 said:

Here's a great source for HDMI cables www.monoprice.com/home/index.asp Do not buy your cables from any big box retailer like Best Buy they are ridiculously overpriced and not as good a quality as what you can find on Monoprice
[Edited 8/5/09 11:06am]

SCNDLS said:

I'm good.....but thanks.

Graycap23 said:

the cable guy took it upon himself to fuck with my wiring a few months ago....I was fucking FURIOUS. I ended up having to rewire a bunch of shit, took almost two hours. All he was supposed to do was change out the box!!!

JerseyKRS said:

I've found that some of guys have no idea what the optimal wiring should be.