PC vs Bluray Player vs Dedicated CDP

[chinu_hark]

I have alc888 onboard audio and the AudioCDs sound quite good. I believe that this is probably 'Pathetic' as compared to what dedicated CDPs can do(out of question due to budget issues).
I am thinking of getting a Sony S380 BDP for blurays and my question is whether it would be much better than the PC 'FOR AUDIOCDs'.
I have my doubts since audio CDs sound disgusting as compared to PC on my current entry level Philips DVD player.
PS: Only analog output will be used as I don't have a reciever. I have a great Sereo Amp which only has analog IN.

[lcaillo]

When you say that the sound is "disgusting" what exactly do you mean? It is hard to answer your question until one understands your expectations.

[tesseract]

Welcome to HTS, chinu_hark!

Are you looking for a one box solution for Blu Ray/DVD/CD?

I am pondering something along these lines myself, with streaming thrown in.

[RTS100x5]

My PC sounds far better than my Marantz 6001DV SACD/DVD player .... that said if your looking to upgrade your sound card look at ASUS Xonar . I have the HDAV deluxe which is HDMI and 7.1 analog out. Sadly they can only be had on eBAY now.... Retail you might look at the HT CLARO XT for superior specs w 7.1 analog .

I also have some of my op amps upgraded to discreet op amps from BURSON . My 7.1 analog sounds so smooth and alive its rediculous......

[chinu_hark]

tesseract wrote:

Welcome to HTS, chinu_hark!

Are you looking for a one box solution for Blu Ray/DVD/CD?

I am pondering something along these lines myself, with streaming thrown in.

Exactly. The small size, simplicity and sleek looks are what's pulling me towards a BDP. The thing is that I can't sacrifice quality just for the looks. I really like BDP S380 (many features, good reviews, dirty cheap)
Now the BDP will cost the same as a (Bluray drive+reasonable creative X-fi sound card). I just don't want to regret after getting the BDP that the video and AUDIO quality is not as good as the PC.

[fusseli]

My hesitation with going the PC route for bluray would be the software. Over the years I've bought two seperate licesnes for nice DVD software, and haven't done much besides regret it and move on. By my experience the flexibilty of buying software to play discs has a lot of flexibility, but it won't take more than a year or two to not be able to find the installer again or get support on it. Those companies seem to want you to upgrade to their new version every year for $50+ each time. Maybe it's different now, I donno. All of my endeavours were prior to bluray.

If it were me I'd probably get the S380, I've pndered the S580 myself. The sonys seem to be the cheapest options that also all play SACD.

[chinu_hark]

fusseli wrote:

My hesitation with going the PC route for bluray would be the software. Over the years I've bought two seperate licesnes for nice DVD software, and haven't done much besides regret it and move on. By my experience the flexibilty of buying software to play discs has a lot of flexibility, but it won't take more than a year or two to not be able to find the installer again or get support on it. Those companies seem to want you to upgrade to their new version every year for $50+ each time. Maybe it's different now, I donno. All of my endeavours were prior to bluray.

If it were me I'd probably get the S380, I've pndered the S580 myself. The sonys seem to be the cheapest options that also all play SACD.

I think I will go with the S380. Are you completely satisfied with your S580. If so, I don't think there is any need to hesitate.(Both have the same audio and video DACs)
I also liked my DVD player more than PC before HD came. And maybe the player has just gotten very old and so I see a huge difference in it and my PC(sound wise)

[fusseli]

I haven't gotten an S580 yet, but I've thought about it.