Simplest Blu-Ray Player for Multi-Channel Audio

[Beechwoods]

I need to get a Blu-Ray player to play the Blu-Ray content on the forthcoming Pink Floyd Immersion sets.

The most important thing for me will be the ability to play back the Quad audio mixes. Video isn't really a concern. I know all Blu-Ray players will handle the video well enough for my 'HD Ready' 720p television.

I don't want to have to get an AV reciever / channel processor so I'm looking for a machine with discrete multi-channel phono outputs on the back. I'll feed this into my 2 amp setup to hear the Quad mixes through 4 channels.

Anyone with any experience of Blu-Ray hardware that could point me in the right direction?

[The Vinyl Adventure]

If your any good (or know anyone that's any good) at fixing things ... Sony's first player ... Built like a tank ... Well, apart from the bit that's broken ... Whatever bit that may be?? ... I'd say you could have it, but it's not mine to give away unfortunately
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Sony-BDP-S1E-Blu-Ray-Player-Faulty-Spares-Repair_W0QQitemZ250827223486QQcategoryZ171947QQvar ZQQcmdZViewItem

Else I use a Sony bdps550 ... That's got all the the holes you need

They seem to have ditched multi channel outs on lots of sonys range now ... I guess they want people to buy new amps ...

[Beechwoods]

Thanks for the tip Hamish! I'm no good mending things unfortunately, but the sony recommendation is much appreciated :hifive:

[Stratmangler]

I bought one of these the other week http://www.richersounds.com/product/blu-ray/lg/bd550/lg-bd550 - mine was the display model in the shop, and hadn't been used.
So no box or manual, but it is guaranteed.
Picture and sound is excellent, and it will do network stuff if you want it to.
Gives great results with DVD too - the upscaling is rather good.

[Arfa]

Can second that Sony S550, its a good solid player. Can easily be zapped to play multi region DVD's too. Not multi region bluray though.

Yeah, tis a bit naff that none of the later Sony bluray players have 5.1/7.1 analogue out. :(

The other model worth checking out would be the Cambridge Audio 650BD or 651BD. The former recently sold new for £400, but now discontinued so check second hand, the latter is £500 I believe. Does SACD, DVD-A and HDCD too - bonus.

[Reid Malenfant]

Probably a bit late here :eyebrows: I would also recommend Sony BDP-S550, or better yet a Panasonic DMP-BD80 (i have both & two of the Pannys) which you may well also find cheap nowadays. The Panny does video better (if you ever want it) & audio is at least as good as the Sony.

As with the Sony it'll spin just about anything, there is not a damn thing it won't play that i have :cool:

[The Vinyl Adventure]

How did the 550 turn out Nick
I meant to ask a bit back...

[MartinT]

My Sony BDP-S300 also has discrete multichannel output, as well as digital outputs. You'll probably find them on the used market? Very well built and good quality as a transport, too.

[Beechwoods]

How did the 550 turn out Nick
I meant to ask a bit back...

Fab! It's played everything I've chucked at it, including the Blu-ray content on the recent PF Imersion box. It sounds good, though I've only used it for 4-track Quad playback so far. Very pleased anyway!

[The Vinyl Adventure]

Good news! :)
Try it as a cd transport with a dac if you get a chance... Supprisingly capable!

[Beechwoods]

:uhho:

I haven't got a DAC ... except my little FiiO E7 headphone DAC :whistle:

[MartinT]

You need a Caiman!

[worthingpagan]

You need a Caiman!

what's that?

[MartinT]

Beresford Caiman - an inexpensive but very high performing DAC with potential for much modding. Stan Beresford is a member of AoS.

[worthingpagan]

Beresford Caiman - an inexpensive but very high performing DAC with potential for much modding. Stan Beresford is a member of AoS.


Ahh, thanks for the clarification Mart :)