[Jungle Jack]

Hello,
You could certainly get a much more expensive SSP if not needing HDMI 1.3. I would want at least an HDMI 1.2 Processor so that SACD can be sent via HDMI. All the same, you can get into a much higher Dollar Processor for a fairly large discount by picking up a pre HDMI 1.3 SSP.

The problem is there are not too many pre HDMI 1.3 Processors available. There are insane discounts on Processors which omit HDMI entirely. It is amazing how cheap some formerly 5-10K SSP's are listed for on Audiogon sans HDMI.

The best example I can think of is the Rotel RSP-1069 which is HDMI 1.1 and is heavily discounted.
Cheers,
JJ

 

[Jungle Jack]

Hello,
I agree wholeheartedly of the importance of HDMI. Especially 1.3 and have been using a 1.3 processor since introduction. HDMI is going to become more and more important as Content Providers are doing everything possible to make Component Video and spdif a thing of the past. In the near future, Component Cable output will be restricted to 480p if they are even offered on BDP's.

Given that so many younger folks are accustomed to all media being free, I can completely understand mandating the HDCP protection being built into HDMI. It really is a difficult situation. CD sales in in the gutter. As are DVD sales. With so much media being available for free via bit torrent, it has got to be a nightmare for Content Providers.

Part of me feels the enhanced capabilities and convenience of HDMI are the Trojan Horse of making copying of media all but impossible. I felt the same way about SACD/DSD and DVD-A though I still enjoy and supported the formats.

All of this aside, it is a wonderful thing to have one cable handle High Definition audio and video. It makes setup so much easier. Especially for those starting out on building their first HT. It is not exactly intuitive to go to a onscreen menu for both audio and video connections and to match them up.
Having just one cable really does simplify hookup. And makes for much cleaner hookup.

In the earlier days of Universal Players, it required running 6 analog RCA's, a Optical or Coaxial Cable, and 3 Component Cables to have everything connected. It is a wonderful thing indeed that one HDMI Cable can do all of this.

All the same, if you are into Vinyl and have a primarily 2 Channel preference yet still want the ability to enjoy HT as well, the pre HDMI High End SSP's offer tremendous value. What was once 10 thousand Dollars can be purchased for practically Pennies on the Dollar. And many of these SSP's offer fantastic analog performance and build quality.
Cheers,
JJ

 

[Jungle Jack]

Hello,
I am liking where the 3 Universal Players Comparison is going as I have an optimistic hunch which players might be under review. Even if the players are not the ones I think they are, I look forward to your findings.
Cheers,
JJ

 

[Jungle Jack]

Hello,
Kal, I will take the triumvirate of OPPO BDP-83, OPPO BDP-83SE and OPPO BDP-83SE Nuforce for 100 Dollars Alex.

Again, even if it is not those three I look forward to whatever components are going to be reviewed.
Cheers,
JJ

 

[Jungle Jack]

Hello,
Nice. Now that makes for an interesting comparison with the Lexicon. Please correct me if I am wrong, but the Lexicon shares more in common with the standard BDP-83 than it does the SE.

I really am intrigued by this group. Is this going to be a "Music in the Round" Feature?
Cheers,
JJ