Is DTS-HD MA possible with PS3 and RSP-1068?

[bnieman]

Hello!

I currently own a Rotel RSP-1068 and am considering a PS3 for Blu-Ray playback. It's my understanding the PS3 can now decode DTS-HD MA and send it over HDMI or Optical as a LPCM uncompressed signal after a firmware update released in late April of 2008.

Is this true? If so can the RSP-1068 accept a multi-channel LPCM signal? Or will it default to the lossy DTS-Core track (traditional compressed DTS)?

If the RSP-1068 is up to the task, what is the best method for 5.1 output? Allow the RSP-1068 to mix the 7.1 signal into 5.1 or is there a setting in the PS3?

If this is not something the RSP-1068 can do, is it a possibility with the newer RSP-1069?

Thanks in advance,
Bryan
Port Washington, WI

[bnieman]

After some more research it appears Optical (TOSlink) and Coax (SPDIF) has only enough bandwidth to support 2 channel PCM which would mean DTS-HD MA is not capable of being sent to the RSP-1068 but it may be possible with the RSP-1069.

It's my understanding the only way to have DTS-HD MA playback on my RSP-1068 is to buy a player that decodes DTS-HD MA internally and outputs to the RSP-1068 via the analog 7.1 inputs. This scenario poses a significant problem for me since the analog inputs are currently being used by my DVD-A/SACD player.

Thoughts?
Bryan

[WI Rotel]

Hello!

I currently own a Rotel RSP-1068 and am considering a PS3 for Blu-Ray playback. It's my understanding the PS3 can now decode DTS-HD MA and send it over HDMI or Optical as a LPCM uncompressed signal after a firmware update released in late April of 2008.

Is this true? If so can the RSP-1068 accept a multi-channel LPCM signal? Or will it default to the lossy DTS-Core track (traditional compressed DTS)?

If the RSP-1068 is up to the task, what is the best method for 5.1 output? Allow the RSP-1068 to mix the 7.1 signal into 5.1 or is there a setting in the PS3?

If this is not something the RSP-1068 can do, is it a possibility with the newer RSP-1069?

Thanks in advance,
Bryan
Port Washington, WI

You answered your own question :T
No, you need an HDMI connection. As far as I know the PS3 does not have a 7.1 analog out. You need a 1069, or better yet wait for the upcomming 15 series rotel which will decode all formats. ( :M :M :M I bought a 1069 for its HDMI and now rotel flipped it and now offers on board decoding of the formats in its new series :M :M :M )

[bnieman]

Any idea when the 15 series is slated for arrival? I've never heard of it. Will it the model name still be RSP-XXXX?

I am trying to decide whether or not to buy a player with on-board decoding of the lossless formats (Pioneer Elite BDP-05FD or Pioneer BDP-51FD) or sell my RSP-1068, buy the RSP-1069 and PS3... which is really the only way to avoid buying an external 7.1 analog input switcher.

I guess if there is a new Rotel surround pre/pro coming out the RSP-1069 should drop in price significantly and then it may be a possibility to grab one on the used market.

[hifiguymi]

Any idea when the 15 series is slated for arrival? I've never heard of it. Will it the model name still be RSP-XXXX?

The official anouncement of the 15 Series is happening at CEDIA this week. The units are going to start shipping in the next 30-60 days. I'm sure some of it will depend on inventory levels on the 10 Series of which some products they are out off already. All of the models will still have the RSP for surround preamps, RMB for multi-channel amps, RSX for surround receivers, etc.

I am trying to decide whether or not to buy a player with on-board decoding of the lossless formats (Pioneer Elite BDP-05FD or Pioneer BDP-51FD) or sell my RSP-1068, buy the RSP-1069 and PS3... which is really the only way to avoid buying an external 7.1 analog input switcher.

That is a tough call. As nice as the PS3 is, it does have it quirks. If you can live with them (having to add an extra box for IR control and the operation isn't as smooth as a SA IMO with those boxes, odd size and cabinet, good but not great DVD playback) the upsides are pretty nice. I just received our first BDP-05FDs on Friday and haven't had a ton of time with it yet but it loads fast (not quite as fast as a PS3, but close), is built well, easy to integrate with a system remote, and looks pretty darn good so far playing DVDs. The jury is still out on DVDs until I can spend more time with it. The Pioneer players also will work with either bitsreaming or internal decoding which the PS3 won't do. It all comes down to preference.

I guess if there is a new Rotel surround pre/pro coming out the RSP-1069 should drop in price significantly and then it may be a possibility to grab one on the used market.

I don't think Rotel will lower the price on the RSP-1069 but dealers might. My guess is you will see a few pop up on the used market pretty soon however. Either way I'm sure you will be able to find an RSP-1069 cheaper than an RSP-1570.

Eric

[bnieman]

Eric,
Thanks for the input, I will be keeping an eye out for the new products!

I've read the Pioneer players blow the PS3 away in picture quality so I will most likely forgo the whole PS3 idea.

What do you think about getting piggy-back cables and hooking up my DVD-A/SACD player and the Blue-Ray player at the same time via analog outputs? This should theoretically be fine as long as I don't have both players on at the same time (I suppose it could be extremely dangerous if I do...)

I believe this is my best option. The Pioneer BDP-51FD is only $599 at the local Best Buy and I can snag a BDP-05FD for around $750 on eBay. Saves me the hassle of listing my RSP-1068 and a bit of money now that I think about it...

Cheers,
Bryan

[kmcheng]

As far as the RSP-1570 is concerned, I just received word from a Rotel rep that the earliest delivery date is estimated to be mid-October. Considering what other manufacturers are experiencing (e.g. Classe, Emotiva) with their latest processors, I would not be surprised if it comes out in December instead, or even later. CEDIA is just around the corner, and let's see what Rotel is saying officially about its production status.