Actually Im trying to decide what I need and dont really understand DVD audio and SACD I have a plasma tv and getting 6.1 receiver I will be about 50/50 video and music
Why don't you just go to OneCall.com and order up a Yamaha 5770 DVD player. It plays everything very, very well - and will set you back about $359 USD. You won't be sorry - and you'll have a player that will not only do what you want it to do now, but will be ahead of its time in audio qualities. The Onkyo stuff is OK - but not really great. Do yourself a favor, though, and read up on all the SACD and DVD-A literature you can find. It will help you understand what so many people are going through right now.
The Yamaha won't give you the HDMI up-sampling cable, but if you just use component video you'll get everything you need, and more!
DVD-A and SACD are high resolution recording formats offering better fidelity than cd's. They can usually be played in 2 channel stereo and up to 5.1 suroound, though some (especially SACD), can come in stereo formats only. Hybrid SACD's (both in 2 channel and Multi channel)can have a normal CD layer allowing them to be played on a regular cd player. DVD-A can be played on any DVD player, but if it does not have DVD-A option then only the Dolby Digital or DTS (or both) layers can be accessed. DVD-A also has some video content and menu options.
Some DVD players will have DVD-A decoders only. Some CD players will have SACD decoders only.
A universal DVD player will enable both formats to be played with a suitable reciever that has the multi channel inputs available. 6 good quality audio interconnects are used for the multi channel surround capabilities of DVD-A and SACD ( L&R mains, the center, the rear L&R surrounds and the subwoofer).
Some higher priced components now have firewire or HDMI connections allowing only one lead in place of 6 but these not necessary for good quality playback.
If you like your music to sound really wonderful then DVD-A and SACD should be of interest to you.
To find out more re; specs etc do a google search for DVD-A and SACD.
WOW thats lots to know Since Im shallow in the pockets and am trying to get a whole HT system up and running Im not sure if Im advanced enough to untilize the features of a more advance player. Do I understand this? Are the formats DVD-A and SACD something that I would be creating in my own audio recordings or are they formated on store bought CD's This whole discussion is for CD music only is that correct. Thanks for helping me with this. dc
