HD-XA1 or HD-A2?

Definitely get the newer A2.

Do YOU use the analog outputs on the XA1?
If you do, and your AVR doesn't have HDMI, you will NOT get TrueHD with the A2.

Good point. If analog is not an issue then definitely go with the A2!

Are you claiming that the A2 is capable of FULL HDMI 1.3 features? I thought that it was not capable of audio portion of the spec.

The A2 is second gereration and quicker on the startup and load. May be more refined, but not a clear choice as the XA1 is solid top of line while A2 is entry level.

If you don't need the 5.1 discrete audio, then you won't go wrong with an A2. PQ is same.

I'm not claiming anything, I was just asking.

If TrueHd is not allowed(functional) over HDMI, I have no use for it myself.

Do you NEED 1.3 for PCM over HDMI?
If he uses HDMI ONLY, then it's kind've a moot point IMO.

HDMI 1.3 isnt an issue or part of the question...TrueHD is available using the Analog outs of the A1, XA1 or XA2 or HDMI out of all the players and since the A2 doesnt have analog outs then the question is does he have an HDMI capable receiver which he does so getting an A2 would be the better choice


maybe you were thinking TrueHD was only going to be available with HDMI 1.3?

I was always under the impression that HDMI would pass TrueHd myself.
I don't have an HDMI AVR, so I never really dug into it too much.

The HD-A2 has a Dolby TrueHD decoder, so you get full lossless TrueHD sound over its HDMI 1.2 output. HDMI 1.3 is only required when the player doesn't have a decoder to unpack TrueHD into uncompressed LPCM.

I actually bought the xa1 off crutchfield over the a2 (both are $500). My decision basically came down to the build quality and looks. I would use the analog outputs but i only have one set of mulit-channel analog inputs on my denon 3805 (which will be upgraded to an hdmi receiver soon) that are being occupied by my blu-ray player .But after reading around a little more i find myself a bit confused. Should have i just went for the newer a2? What would i be missing out on? Faster load times? I am a pretty patient guy and dont mind waiting a few extra seconds. I know its a 2nd gen player and everything but i also read it freezes up just like the xa1. Any suggestions since i am wondering if i should cancel my order and just go along with the A2???