I used the AVS search feature and found quite a bit however would like some clarification as possible. I have a Samsung a650 hooked to my PS3 via HDMI. My receiver unfortunately is over 5 years old and a HTIB I've had through college. It does not have a optical audio hookup but rather only Coax, Component, and RCA. I guess from what I'm reading is the PS3 won't do both HDMI and audio through the regular RCA hook ups. I don't have the extra coin to run out and buy a new AV set up so I'm looking for a alternate avenue.

Will this work?

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=104&cp_id=10423&cs_id=1042302&p_id=2948&seq=1&format=2

Eventually I plan to buy a solid AV set up but that's a little while down the road seeing as I recently graduated and just bought a new TV and bed. Anyway any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Alright I'm an idiot. I went in to the audio settings on my PS3 and set it to Audio Input Connector/SCART/AV Multi and I'm getting sound through my receiver. Therefore I'll redirect my initial question. If I use the adapter I posted above will I get better sound through my current set up?

Yes. If your receiver is capable of Dolby Digital 5.1, then you will get better sound using that converter.

That converter will be fine.

But remember that your audio settings need to be set to bitstream, not PCM. Optical/Coaxial connections do not have the bandwidth capacity to send uncompressed 5.1 signals...it'll downgrade to 2 channel uncompressed stereo only.

Yes. If your receiver is capable of Dolby Digital 5.1, then you will get better sound using that converter.

Thanks. Yes it's a DPL II capable receiver. I'm far from a audiophile so I'm not all that savvy but out of sheer curiosity how much of a sound difference will I notice if I go the converter route?

That converter will be fine.

But remember that your audio settings need to be set to bitstream, not PCM. Optical/Coaxial connections do not have the bandwidth capacity to send uncompressed 5.1 signals...it'll downgrade to 2 channel uncompressed stereo only.

So the benefit of going the Coaxial route won't be all that substantial? I know I need to get a new set up and plan too but want to get the best possible sound right now with my current digs. If the converter isn't going to deliver a substantially better sound I may just go with the current settings and wait until I get a better receiver and speaker set up.

So the benefit of going the Coaxial route won't be all that substantial? I know I need to get a new set up and plan too but want to get the best possible sound right now with my current digs. If the converter isn't going to deliver a substantially better sound I may just go with the current settings and wait until I get a better receiver and speaker set up.

To be honest, i've never used the AV multi out but it's analog sound.

I would assume that the digital connection will sound better. If you can do coaxial, do it. Plus, it's only 11 bucks :P

So the benefit of going the Coaxial route won't be all that substantial? I know I need to get a new set up and plan too but want to get the best possible sound right now with my current digs. If the converter isn't going to deliver a substantially better sound I may just go with the current settings and wait until I get a better receiver and speaker set up.

With the RCA connection, you'll only be getting a stereo signal. so go with Coaxial to get true 5.1 sound.

Thanks. Yes it's a DPL II capable receiver. I'm far from a audiophile so I'm not all that savvy but out of sheer curiosity how much of a sound difference will I notice if I go the converter route?

If you only have a DPL II receiver, then the Toslink to Coax is kind of pointless. You might get better quality sound out of the fiber over the RCA cables, but you won't get the 5.1 soundtracks as you'll need a Dolby Digital receiver for that.

I'd probably just wait until you upgrade your receiver. I don't think it will be that noticable.

If you only have a DPL II receiver, then the Toslink to Coax is kind of pointless. You might get better quality sound out of the fiber over the RCA cables, but you won't get the 5.1 soundtracks as you'll need a Dolby Digital receiver for that.

I'd probably just wait until you upgrade your receiver. I don't think it will be that noticable.

Yea I've been doing some additional research and have come to the same conclusion. The receiver is at least 5 years old, possibly 6 I'm not certain so I'm definitely due for a upgrade.

EDIT: Isn't DPL II Dolby Digital? My receiver says Dolby Digital Pro Logic II.

PL II is for post processing.
Have you ever played a dvd through it?
Does it show Dolby Digital?
Its 5yrs old, and should be able to handle DD and DTS core.
Those will sound MUCH better than PL II post processed analog stereo.
Maybe you should get a new receiver.
The onkyo 606 is a great package for only $400.

PL II is for post processing.
Have you ever played a dvd through it?
Does it show Dolby Digital?
Its 5yrs old, and should be able to handle DD and DTS core.
Those will sound MUCH better than PL II post processed analog stereo.
Maybe you should get a new receiver.
The onkyo 606 is a great package for only $400.

I believe the model number is XV HTD 530. It's a pioneer and yes I've watched plenty of DVD's and I'm honestly not sure if it says Dolby Digital when playing a DVD.

EDIT: So you're saying I will benefit from the converter or I won't. Please forgive my ignorance on this subject.

I'm not familiar with you system, but dolby digital or dts from coax or optical will sound better than the red/white av cables that come with thep ps3.
If your receiver can't play dd or dts, get a new one. But I'd find that hard to believe.

I believe the model number is XV HTD 530. It's a pioneer and yes I've watched plenty of DVD's and I'm honestly not sure if it says Dolby Digital when playing a DVD.

EDIT: So you're saying I will benefit from the converter or I won't. Please forgive my ignorance on this subject.

Most receivers have print on the front showing their capabilities. Check out the front to see if a Dolby Digital logo is on there. If it's only 5 years old and has a coax input, I find it hard to believe it isn't Dolby Digital capable. If it is capable, buy the converter.

I tried googling that model number but didn't come back with much - it actually came back as a DVD player. If you're on a budget, you should be able to find a DD receiver on Craigslist for $50 that most likely has Toslink. I'd sell you one of my extras if you were close by.

I believe the model number is XV HTD 530. It's a pioneer and yes I've watched plenty of DVD's and I'm honestly not sure if it says Dolby Digital when playing a DVD.

EDIT: So you're saying I will benefit from the converter or I won't. Please forgive my ignorance on this subject.

OP, did you end up giving the converter a try? I actually have the same HTIB (you and I may be the only ones still using this thing), and I'm wondering if this would be worth my time...

I highly doubt there are actually receivers that support DPLII but not Dolby Digital.

I highly doubt there are actually receivers that support DPLII but not Dolby Digital.

It does support Dolby Digital.

(should any person find this thread at a later date, via the search function, details on the receiver can be found at pioneerelectronics.ca/pio/pe/images/portal/cit_11221/83644723HTD-530.pdf ...I'd love to post the actual hyperlink, but it looks like I have to have 3 posts under my belt to do so...)

I got antsy and bought the converter, so hopefully it's worthwhile.

Okay, since you only have coaxial on that, the converter should work fine, and you'll be able to hear Dolby Digital.