Home theater advice

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XecutioneR

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Hi all

Im planning on buying a home theater system and currently stuck between two options
1. Sony BDV E370 (HTIB)
http://www.makro.co.za/p/33186/sony-5-1-blu-ray-home-theatre/
2. Sony HT-STR500BDP (Component)
http://www.makro.co.za/p/40857/sony-5-1-blu-ray-component-system/

My dilemma is choosing between HD audio from the E370, or better sound range and upgradability from the STR500. The STR500 does not carry audio over HDMI (only video switching) which is a major concern, however after some googling some sources claim support for LPCM over HDMI which is good enough.

Can someone who owns these systems comment on the following:
1. Sound quality
2. Bass response (I like BOOOOOOM)
3. Can anyone confirm audio over HDMI, specifically LPCM which is uncompressed

Thanks
XecutioneR
 
I have the STR500. Unbelievable sound for the price (paid R3999) for music, TV, movies, etc. Just run audio over optical/SPDIF, still digital.

Got DVD player, Mede8er and HD PVR all connected to the amp with 1 HDMI to the TV and DVD player over RCA.
 
I agree with Postman.

Go for the component over the HTiB - mainly for future upgrades and sound quality.

HD codecs are slightly over rated.
 
Thanks for the replies. Im really keen on the component, but I also want the HD audio. Have any of you tried setting your blu ray player to output as LPCM. If the amp can play this then Im sold
 
I don't have an ST500 - but I'm for it because of the component. Not sure of the LPCM ...

I promise you that you'd battle to hear the difference of HD audio. The difference - although there - isn't huge.
 
XecutioneR said:
Thanks for the replies. Im really keen on the component, but I also want the HD audio. Have any of you tried setting your blu ray player to output as LPCM. If the amp can play this then Im sold
Click to expand...

I thought optical was hd audio and that optical gives the same audio as if it were going over hdmi. Just the extra cable.

I stand to be corrected.
 
Don't think optical has enough bandwidth - HD is only via HDMI
 
The E370 doesn't have any HDMI inputs...
To me that's a deciding factor. WhatHiFi loved it though.
 
Optical can do 5.1 DTS I think (or at least one of the 5.1 standards), but like TYR says, not HD....
 
Yea - that's what I said ... Can't do HD

Does 5.1 and 7.1
 
Yup :)...

I found out the hard way myself.... tried to stream HD Audio over the optical and my receiver looked at me like I was smoking my own socks...
 
PostmanPot said:
Could be a third IIRC... :D
Click to expand...

Very rare occurrence ;)

Postman - very quickly ...

LCD or plasma
Canon or Nikon
Audi or BMW
PC or Mac
Xbox or PS3
Blackberry or iPhone
Cats or dogs
 
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