Surround Sound Question

[jammiedodger26]

Hello,

I've recently bought a new Panasonic 37" LCD and a Panasonic Blu Ray player...which is all good.

I now need to sort sound...I've seen a few surround sound systems around, but I'm not 100% sure what I'm looking at.

As I've already got the blu ray player, am I right in thinking I just need something that supports Optical Out to get the best sound? No HDMI connectivity needed?

There's one of these for sale cheap near me so, would this be ok?

http://asia.cnet.com/reviews/home_av/others/0,3903...

Thanks for your help!!

Edit: Just read that it hasn't got an optical out...back to square 1!

question still stands though, is optical out all I need?

Edited by jammiedodger26 on Tuesday 5th October 22:10

[RobDickinson]

I'm fraid optical out only gets you old school dolby digital and DTS not the new DD truesound etc - for that you need HDMI 1.3 to the AV amp, or analog outs.

[Kermit power]

RobDickinson said:

I'm fraid optical out only gets you old school dolby digital and DTS not the new DD truesound etc - for that you need HDMI 1.3 to the AV amp, or analog outs.

Are you really likely to notice the difference in most home environments?

I've got optical links from my HD PVR and my DVD player into my AV Amp, and the sound is pretty damned good!

[Plotloss]

Kermit power said:

RobDickinson said:

I'm fraid optical out only gets you old school dolby digital and DTS not the new DD truesound etc - for that you need HDMI 1.3 to the AV amp, or analog outs.

Are you really likely to notice the difference in most home environments?

At this point in the market, no.

[RobDickinson]

I havnt noticed any myself.. ( br player via analog to denon amp and MA speakers)

Having HDMI switching on the av amp is a good thing also though so you can connect more devices to your tv etc.

Though I'd want HDMI 1.4 thesedays to (hah) future proof myself a little.

[jammiedodger26]

Thanks for your reply.

So I should really be looking at something more along these lines with HDMI 1.3?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/676060-REG/P...

[RobDickinson]

jammiedodger26 said:

Thanks for your reply.

So I should really be looking at something more along these lines with HDMI 1.3?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/676060-REG/P...

Not sure, remember if you want to use it for switching the new stuff for 3d is coming out with hdmi 1.4 which cant be switched by a 1.3 amp.

if your not bothered about that then hdmi 1.3 wil be fine I think.

[jammiedodger26]

Unfortunately, I think I'm a few years off buying 3D...so that shouldn't be an issue for a while!!

Thanks very much for your advice.

[Original Poster]

I did a lot of research into this and decided to go with the Onkyo HTS3305 system which you can get for £300 if you shop around, it is by far the best system for the money and sounds perfect for you!

[parapaul]

I'll see your Onkyo and raise you my Sony STR-DH800

[Original Poster]

parapaul said:

I'll see your Onkyo and raise you my Sony STR-DH800

The two aren't really comparable, what you listed is purely an AV receiver. the Onkyo system I recommended is an AV receiver, 5 speakers and a sub!

[Gingerbread Man]

Off topic slightly, but what model was the 37" and how are you finding it?

[andyroo]

Kermit power said:

RobDickinson said:

I'm fraid optical out only gets you old school dolby digital and DTS not the new DD truesound etc - for that you need HDMI 1.3 to the AV amp, or analog outs.

Are you really likely to notice the difference in most home environments?

I've got optical links from my HD PVR and my DVD player into my AV Amp, and the sound is pretty damned good!

Perhaps my hearing isn't so great, but having demo'd some kit that peaked about £30k using DD HD, I couldn't tell the difference between that and my on DD/DTS separates.

[RobDickinson]

I can tell the difference between a CD and SACD - and 'old' DD to DDHD should be a larger difference, but so far I just havnt noticed.

[andyroo]

RobDickinson said:

I can tell the difference between a CD and SACD - and 'old' DD to DDHD should be a larger difference, but so far I just havnt noticed.

Speech and explosions and stuff just must not have the same dynamic range of music, and as such isn't as noticeable perhaps?

[RobDickinson]

When I'm sat listing to music I'm listning to the music, when I'm watching a movie my concentration is on the screen and typicaly part of the screen, and the actors voices etc. The rest isnt as important (as your brain sees it).

[andyroo]

RobDickinson said:

When I'm sat listing to music I'm listning to the music, when I'm watching a movie my concentration is on the screen and typicaly part of the screen, and the actors voices etc. The rest isnt as important (as your brain sees it).

I suppose so.