Is it really worth getting a reciever that can do HD audio right now?

Question

Is it really worth getting a reciever that can do HD audio right now?

Answer 1

Bluray players do all the decoding so a HD receiver that decodes DTS Master HD or Dolby True HD is not necessary. All that's needed is a receiver that can accept LPCM over HDMI or a player that has 5.1 or 7.1 analog audio outputs (this hooks into the analog inputs of the receiver).

The only benefit you'll have with a HD receiver is that the front display will say "Dolby True HD" rather than "Multi Channel In" when you're watching a movie that has Dolby True HD. There doesn't seem to be an audible difference whether the decoding happens in the player or the receiver.

Bluray player will incorporate decoders from now until the next format takes over. HD Audio decoders int he receiver are pointless. I would never upgrade just for that. If you are buying a new receiver, and want high end quality, then you don't really have a choice as all the higher end ones have it.

Answer 2

There really is no correct answer other than it being a matter of preference. Some folks like the clarity of the sound. It can give you better clarity at higher decibles. Old school is out and New School will be here to stay untill someone discovers another technology. It all comes down to this, if you want the best then go for it.

Answer 3

"HD audio" is pretty much just a fancy marketing term that lets them tack on some extra money for the same thing. Audio quality is audio quality. It depends much more on the actual quality of the receiver than a few words in the corner of the box, your speaker brand (good ones are Klipsch, Paradigm, Wharfedale, Infinity, bad ones are Coby, Samsung, Sony, Bose), the quality of your cables (for speaker cable, as long as it's not low quality it will sound fine, you do not need overpriced "luxury cables") (for HDMI though, it does help to have a good brand), and other such things.

Answer 4

I have heard DTS-HD and Dolby Digital Master Audio which are the 'new' lossless surround sound formats and i can safley say...there is no audable difference. If you want better 'sound' upgrade your speakers i'de suggest - makes a HUGE difference