Choosing Blu ray player

[K-High-Fi]

Hi Everyone,

I may need little help and recommendation.
I'm using Arcam 137 DVD player as transport, I'm connecting digital coaxial output to processor for surround, and HDMI to display for picture. Now I'm thinking to go for blu ray, I don't need sophisticated D/A converter because I want to use the player as transport, the only output I need is HDMI and digital coaxial, so I was thinking Sony BDP-S790 but I wonder would I get same picture and sound quality as Arcam 137 or as high end player If I use sony as transport.

Please let me know.
And many thanks.

[Mr Peabody]

The Sony S790 is an excellent choice, a lot of features for the money like Wyfi and internet streaming, I also read a review that said the video playback was as good or better than the Oppo 93. If wanting a bit more status you could opt for the new Oppo 103 or Cambridge Audio 751. I think the Sony would get you what you need though. However, if I had your system the Oppo or Cambridge might be my choice and use the multichannel analog outputs to take advantage of the Dolby Tru-HD and DTS-MA (master audio), these formats are said to be equivalent to the master tape, I can at least vouch they are noticeably better than DVD. I'm assuming since you used toslink for audio the Krell doesn't have HDMI inputs,

[K-High-Fi]

Thank you Mr Peabody for reply. Sadly my processor does not have 5.1 inputs, so a high end player that have 5.1 output is useless.

My I ask is the digital coaxial output and SD DVD upcale of Sony s790 is good as Arcam 137?

I was thinking digital coaxial output sound different from player to another due to jitter noise, I wonder if this apply to blu ray players as well. Also I have many DVD that I want them at least to look good as Arcam 137 when upscale to HD.

Anyone care to answer.
Many thanks.

[Mr Peabody]

The Sony will sound slightly better with Blu ray audio using the optical digital, Blu ray will be less compressed than DVD. I would suspect the DVD video should be comparable based on the 790 reviews, what you could do is buy the 790 from a retailer who will allow a 30 day return if not happy.

[Smokey]

Sony along with with Panasonic bluray players always seem to get good remarks regarding their DVD upscaling capability. Here is a review of Sony BDP-S790 where is was chosen "Awards 2012 Product of the Year", and also check out reviews for Panasonic players:

Sony BDP-S790 review from the experts at whathifi.com

[K-High-Fi]

Thank you all for reply, and Smokey for the link. Is optical better than coaxial? As far i remember coaxial have 75 and optical is 65.

As for players, I hope Sony will do the job If only does not sound bright or less realistic when playing DVD movies.