hdmi or 5.1 analog

hello, in your opinon... which will sound better hdmi audio or 5.1 analog audio? I am looking at the Toshiba xa2 hd dvd player, but my reciever has the 5.1 analog inputs but not hdmi. Should I invest in a new a/v reciver?

Thank you for your time!

Shane

 

If you use high quality audio cables you won't hear much of a difference. I would only upgrade your receiver if you want to enjoy 7.1 surround sound in the future. But new receivers from just about everyone are incorporating HDMI. Yet, only a few ($400-$500 and up) incorporate HDMI audio decoding. So If you do buy one make sure it supports 7.1 surround sound, (or has 8 channel inputs) will decode audio from HDMI, (not just pass through) and that the HDMI will pass a 1080p video signal over a SimplyHD certified connection. All of that information should be right one the box!

Ced

 

thank you for the information. I will stick with my current a/v reciever I just recieved a year ago, and it is THX certified.

I have also been reading that 5.1 analog has excellent sound for Dolby True HD. I mentioned in an earlier post that I compare it to a good lp record, which in my opinion sounds more crisp and natural than the digital cd's do.

Thank you again,

Shane