Question:
I've just upgraded my DVD player to the Pioneer 656A which is also DVD-Audio and SACD compatible. It says in the manual that the best way to connect the player to an AV amp is via the 5.1 outputs. I always thought that Digital Coax was the best method - am I wrong?
Is it also correct that SACD and some DVD-Audio will not play through the digital outputs?
Originally posted by AndyPearce
I've just upgraded my DVD player to the Pioneer 656A which is also DVD-Audio and SACD compatible. It says in the manual that the best way to connect the player to an AV amp is via the 5.1 outputs. I always thought that Digital Coax was the best method - am I wrong?
You are correct.
You are generally better off with a digital/optical connection for watching DVD's.
Is it also correct that SACD and some DVD-Audio will not play through the digital outputs?
Yup.
The "ideal" cable configuration is roughly:
2-channel analog for CD
5.1-channel analog for SACD
Digital/Optical for DD and DTS
I'm not sure about DVD-Audio. Probably digital/optical.
This does mean connecting rather a lot of cables, but it should give you the optimum connection for each use of the player.
DVD-Audio/SACD you'll need to use the 5.1 Channel Outputs using High Quality 3 pairs of Phono leads. I stress High Quality.
CD Audio and some may disagree, I often find that Digital Coaxial/Optical. I just find the base a bit more snappier than using 2 channel outs. Prob cause my amp handles it better?
www.hifistore.co.uk sell an IXOS 6xch interconnect for £25 + postage..
Originally posted by GarethH
CD Audio and some may disagree, I often find that Digital Coaxial/Optical. I just find the base a bit more snappier than using 2 channel outs. Prob cause my amp handles it better?
Depends on the relative quality of your Amp and CD.
With an analog connection, you are using the DAC's in the CD player, and can usually tell the Amp to bypass some of it's circuitry and output the analog directly.
With a digital connection you are using the DAC's in your Amp.
Is it also correct that SACD and some DVD-Audio will not play through the digital outputs?
Answers:
Originally posted by AndyPearce
I've just upgraded my DVD player to the Pioneer 656A which is also DVD-Audio and SACD compatible. It says in the manual that the best way to connect the player to an AV amp is via the 5.1 outputs. I always thought that Digital Coax was the best method - am I wrong?
You are correct.
You are generally better off with a digital/optical connection for watching DVD's.
Is it also correct that SACD and some DVD-Audio will not play through the digital outputs?
Yup.
The "ideal" cable configuration is roughly:
2-channel analog for CD
5.1-channel analog for SACD
Digital/Optical for DD and DTS
I'm not sure about DVD-Audio. Probably digital/optical.
This does mean connecting rather a lot of cables, but it should give you the optimum connection for each use of the player.
Answers:
DVD-Audio/SACD you'll need to use the 5.1 Channel Outputs using High Quality 3 pairs of Phono leads. I stress High Quality.
CD Audio and some may disagree, I often find that Digital Coaxial/Optical. I just find the base a bit more snappier than using 2 channel outs. Prob cause my amp handles it better?
Answers:
www.hifistore.co.uk sell an IXOS 6xch interconnect for £25 + postage..
Answers:
Originally posted by GarethH
CD Audio and some may disagree, I often find that Digital Coaxial/Optical. I just find the base a bit more snappier than using 2 channel outs. Prob cause my amp handles it better?
Depends on the relative quality of your Amp and CD.
With an analog connection, you are using the DAC's in the CD player, and can usually tell the Amp to bypass some of it's circuitry and output the analog directly.
With a digital connection you are using the DAC's in your Amp.
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