Heard/Saw the Marantz AV8003 processor today

[turbo88888]

thanks frenchmon...had a look already!

[Edan]

Hi all. Hope all are well! Mr Peabody I know you have been a real advocate of high quality HDMI cables. I've been using the AudioQuest HDMI-X ($95) which is decently spec'ed cable. My AV supplier lent me the HDMI-1 ($175) and I noticed a further improvement, across the full frequency spectrum and one that has made a significant impact on the enjoyment on the music. (I am still to test the HDMI-3 which should be in stock this week.) Just thought I would let you all know - I would highly recommend demo'ing higher spec'ed HDMI cables when you feel like an upgrade.

Incidentally I'm thrilled with the sound of the AV8003 especially after run-in.

[Mr Peabody]

Eden, thanks for sharing your experience.

[turbo88888]

hi
Just a quick question regarding audio - getting Dolby true HD and DTS HD master audio from processors that do not have these decoders but players that do.

Is it best to connect via HDMI (older version ?v 1 but not 1.3a) or via analogue outputs of the HD players that have them and connected to the 7.1 inputs of the amps - a friend of mine has the marantz SR 7001 which does have HDMI inputs (?version).
Would the receiver display the decoded signals ?eg Dolby True HD etc
My own av8003/mm8003 are working great and I recently addd the samsung BDP 1500 which seems a great little player.

[robb01]

Very interesting read, I look forward to hearing it myself

[Mr Peabody]

HDMI would be best IF the receiver will accept and play PCM. When using the unit to decode the HD audio formats, the decoded signal will travel via HDMI in PCM. Just go into the BR player's set up menu and set it "PCM" audio output.

Now, why isn't the multi-channel as good, it's because most BR players lack bass management and many receiver/preamps can't adjust/process the decoded analog signal once received because the analog bypasses all the processing. Also, many BR players have about a 10dB drop in the LFE when using MC analog out. I think some units may be addressing these issues but I can't say for sure or which ones. It looks like the trend is to put the decoding emphasis back in the hands of the receivers/preamps. Crazy how this flip flops. At least it gave people an option until they were ready to upgrade. I believe the new Marantz player at $699.00 includes bass management. It should, it's a bit shy on other features.

And, actually with the limits I discussed, I still liked the MC analog that I used until switching to the AV8003. I just set my sub up to compensate and tweaked the menu of my preamp for the digital in I was using for satelite input. This may be an option for your friend as well if his receiver don't accept PCM.

The 1500 should be bitstreaming though because it has no internal decoding for HD audio formats, it will bitstream them though.

[turbo88888]

hi Mr Peabody
Thanks for your helpful input again...! The marantz SR7001 is fairly recent AV amp and should process PCM and has an HDMI input. I recommended him to get the Sony S550 which has all the in built decoders for Dolby HD and DTS HD master audio.
In fact the Samsung 1500 has in built decoder for Dolby Digital True HD but not DTS HD MA.
How do you know if the sound processed is True HD /HD MA unless it is displayed on the amp itself...like the AV8003 when u play the PCM signal in the receivers. THe SR7001 will prob only show Dolby Digital or DTS when it is actually receiving the HD sound...would that be correct??
Thanks again!

[Mr Peabody]

Are you sure the 1500 has internal decoding for Tru-HD? According to bluray.com it does not. http://www.blu-ray.com/players/playe...=23&show=specs I like using their site to compare machines. It is supposed to bitstream the HD audio though.

You'll have to check the manual to see what the display should say. I haven't seen my
AV8003 show the HD audio and I believe some one on the AVS forum mentioned that the AV8003 lacked that ability. You should be able to tell though when the HD audio formats are playing it's a noticeable difference.

I haven't seen the ad yet but I heard the Samsung BD-P2500 was around at $299.00 that would be my player of choice of any of them. I don't think even the Panasonic dmp-55 can touch the 2500 for PQ and features. The 2500 is Netflix streaming capable and features the Silicon Optix video chip.

[turbo88888]

Hi Mr Peabody
My AV8003 shows the audio format in full when the different audio formats are played. Thus on the front window..it says DOLBY DIGITAL TRUE HD and when DTS HD MA is played this is shown with the lesser Dolby digital plus etc also showing when it decodes the signal from the blue ray.
The Samsung BD1500 does have internal decoders for dolby true HD but not DTS HD

http://www.samsung.com/au/consumer/d.../XSA&fullspec=

I think the blueray.com has the wrong info!

[Mr Peabody]

Thanks for the update. Do you use bitstream to the AV8003?

[turbo88888]

yes i do..with.bitstream. I dont think there are any other ways of doing it to get the AV to decode the signals.

[Mr Peabody]

I think that's why I haven't noticed it or paid attention. At first I was using PCM because some of my BR discs are "uncompressed PCM". I recently switched to bitstream but haven't checked the display. I have some movies for the holiday I'll have to make a point of looking.