Denon Outputs

[theryugobuddy]

Hello audiophiles,

Can you help me with something?

I've got a 10-year old Denon CD changer, a DCM-520, and I'm adding a D-to-A converter I just bought--

The back of the Denon CD changer has two sets of outputs: "fixed" and "variable" on the back. I have used the fixed outputs, but should I use the variable outputs for the converter? What is the difference between these outputs?

And, should I use 75 ohm digital coaxial interconnects between the CD changer and the converter?

Thanks--(until I'm tubing, SS rocks!)

[Frzninvt]

The variable output is so you can adjust the amount of voltage output out of the CD player. The Fixed will be full output. I would use the fixed unless the DAC instructions suggest otherwise.

[dougdrake]

You can use a good quality video cable for the digital audio connection to your DAC. The variable outputs can have their volume raised and lowered, as Frzn said. There is probably a volume knob somewhere on your CD player, but I'm guessing that's on analog outputs, not digital.

[jhawk92]

I have the Denon DCM-440 and a 460. I use the fixed outputs and run to my preamp. IIRC, the variable outputs allow you to hook the CD player direct to an amp, and control volume using the CD remote. With the DAC, you should use the digital coax, as that will send the signals, still digital, to the DAC, where it will decode them. Using the analog outputs means you use the DACs in the 520.