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Is there much of a quality difference between HDMI and Optical for audio?
blazevxi
14-04-2009
Im considering buying this AV package but i've read it doesnt have HDMI audio, just video.

Is there much difference in quality between optical and HDMI? It probably wouldnt bother me, but im just wondering if i'd be losing out in regards to PS3/Blurays and DVDs?

I doubt I would notice any difference myself, as im not such an audiophile!

Appreciate if anyone can help me out!
RobAnt
14-04-2009
Well, an HDMI cable will carry the wider bandwidths required for HD audio types.

While both SPDIF types TOSlink (optical) & 75ohm coax (RCA style plug) could be engineered to carry this bandwidth too, they have not been so engineered, thus the best they will deliver is Dolby Digital & DTS.

HD audio may still be available, via discrete analogue outputs on your player. If your amplifier doesn't have it's own built in HD audio decoder, but does have sufficient discrete analogue audio input channels, HD audio may be available via this route.

The specific Onkyo/Tannoy kit you have linked to is perfect for the HD Audio job in both digital (HDMI) and analogue formats. Be sure to get the 7.1 upgrade kit too, though. The description is a bit hazy as to whether they're included at that price.

You'll need two HDMI leads in total. One from the player to the receiver, one from the receiver to the TV. I expect the audio will be filtered out so that only the Onkyo will play back sounds. Which is where you may have been confused. The Onkyo doesn't pass the sound on to the TV because it would conflict with it's own speaker system, causing all kinds of nasty echo-like effects.
blazevxi
14-04-2009
Thanks for your reply! I think it's 70 odd quid or something for the 7.1 upgrade from the 5.1

I've found it has "multichannel audio inputs so you can send decoded HD audio via analogue PCM"

I'll probably go for the 5.1 to start with then maybe upgrade to the 7.1 later on
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