PS3 with Rotel + B&W

[BWLover]

Hello. I just recently got a PS3 and am enjoying the media server, Blu-ray, and Netflix. Now I was wondering how good this thing is in terms of audio quality? Is it possible to buy hi end audio RCA cables for this thing? I was tossing around the idea of getting a massive external hard drive for it and ripping all my CD's uncompressed to the hard drive and listening to the music thru the PS3. Now I don't really want to replace my CD player (or turntable I'm planning on buying) with the PS3. Not at all. I would just like to use the PS3 for convenience when TOP notch audio quality is not needed. I.E. when I'm cleaning, or when a bunch of people are over (who are not really paying a lot of attention to the background music). So just how good is the PS3 for audio? And how good is the Blu-ray player in it? Note this is the newer slim version. Apologies if this is the wrong club to be posting this in. Thanks a bunch guys. Your always a help

[mjb]

A PS3 via HDMI or TosLink will spit out bits as good as any digital source. I wouldn't like to judge the internal DAC's, but I imagine they would be easily trumped with an outboard unit from a good make. Video wise, the PS3 is still rated very highly. Too bad the interface sucks. If you want to use your PS3 for HT, do yourself a favor and get the optional remote control, its much easier to use with it.

[madmac]

As a Blu Ray player, the PS3 is fabulous and is still considered to be a benchmark player and the most stable platform to play them. The audio that comes out of it via Blu ray is exceptional. When my DVD player needed repair, I watched a few DVD's in it and was very happy with the performance. Not as good as my Oppo but close!!. For background audio, you should be fine with it. You'll love what it does for your pictures as well. It literally creates a slide show for you and you can actually control the dynamics of that show (Move to close up, change the speed of the transitions etc).

Make sure you get it connected to the internet via a wired connection of WI-FI. VERY important for many reasons, biggest ones being firmware updates. Having access to Netflix doesn't hurt either if your interested in that. The Netflix picture quality that comes off of the PS3 is exceptional as well.

As for the remote mentioned above, many have said this but I have had no issues at all operating the unit with the dual shock controllers. It just takes a bit of getting used to is all. Enjoy !!!

[scanido]

I use the PS3 exclusively for my Bluray and media streams. All connected via HDMI to my MX150 processor.

Audio quality is dependent on the Dac's.

[mjb]

Make sure you get it connected to the internet via a wired connection of WI-FI.

Yes, very important point! Make sure you're up to data with the PS3 system software (an update not so long ago enabled 3d for example), and the internet is required for some BluRay extra features (depending on the disk).

[scanido]

While we're on this topic, I've been using TVersity to stream my FLAC files was wondering if others are using any other media streaming software?

BTW, last time i tried MS Media Center it could not stream FLACs.

[PewterTA]

Are you streaming to the PS3? PS3MediaServer is probably the best for the PS3 and many other devices, there's almost no format it can't do. ha ha.

Plus it's free. I've had it stream to 5 different devices at once without any issue when I've used it. It's a good UPNP/DLNA server.

[BWLover]

Thanks for all the comments guys. And yes PS3 media server will work with FLAC. Which is nice to be able to download an album in flac before you buy it. Also, I have a harmony remote, so I bought the PS3 IR to Bluetooth converter thing. Works very well. It makes it seem like I am not using a gaming device at all. Which is awesome because I'll probably use the gaming 1% out of all use. Hahaha.

[BWLover]

Here is a link http://www.ps3mediaserver.org/

[hardy]

While we're on this topic, I've been using TVersity to stream my FLAC files was wondering if others are using any other media streaming software?

BTW, last time i tried MS Media Center it could not stream FLACs.

You only must install wmp Tag Plus
(http://bmproductions.fixnum.org/inde...org/wmptagplus)
and the xiph.org Directshow filters
(http://www.xiph.org/dshow/)
then you can stream FLAC with the Media Center

Hardy

[BWLover]

Just dowload PS3 Media Server. From the link above. It works with FLAC and MKV "out of the box"

Also. Anyone know of a company that makes hi end auio cables for the PS3? I only work with 2 channel so I cant use digital outputs.

[BWLover]

Anyone?

[mjb]

I googled this, and couldn't find anything exotic - probably because of the proprietary Sony AV connector on one end. I'd just go for something that looks a bit meaty, Sony recon their PS3 cables are the best, and I suppose they must meet a standard of some sort. Good luck

[PewterTA]

Instead of buying a higher end cable... you'd probably be better getting a DAC with Toslink input!!!

The Schiit BiFrost would be my suggestion as it's only about double most high end cables and it's going to give you a MUCH better sound for 2ch...

But you can find other DACs that are cheaper...though the quality goes down I believe on most. The BiFrost is about the best quality I've heard at the price it sits... I'd go this way as you'd increase your quality over the PS3!

And the BiFrost IS a step up (maybe two) over the analog out on the PS3.

[Henry982]

I've been using my TV as a receptor. Play3-TV with a good HDMI cable and the from the TV a good Component cable to my ROTEL. This is my setup until I can expend another $500 on a good Digital to analog convertor. I heard that via digital cable is the best way to extract the sound from the PS3.

Thoughts???

Thanks,

[stuofsci02]

If you are serious about streaming music you might also want to consider a squeezebox touch.

Cheers

[BWLover]

While I'm waiting for Rotel to officially announce their dac I have a question.

Which is better for sound. Connecting the ps3 to my tv via HDMI and using the RCA audio outputs from TV to Pre amp. Or using the ps3's audio cables on their own and HDMI just for video.


I do plan on using a DAC with my ps3. This is just for now. Thanks everyone!

[madmac]

While I'm waiting for Rotel to officially announce their dac I have a question.

Which is better for sound. Connecting the ps3 to my tv via HDMI and using the RCA audio outputs from TV to Pre amp. Or using the ps3's audio cables on their own and HDMI just for video.


I do plan on using a DAC with my ps3. This is just for now. Thanks everyone!

If you only have analog capability for sound, just get a decent set of RCA patch cords for the sound and use HDMI to your TV. One day though, you might want to get a digital amp or receiver because the digital out from the PS3 can be exceptional when decoded. :T