6 channel analog vs optical

[mtber101]

Which is better? Seems like all the higher end multi format dvd

players come with both options. But if you have the option to use

either... which one is better and why?

Thanks

Ben

[sfogg]

For PCM, DD and DTS soundtracks use the digital connection.

For DVD-A or SACD you need to use the 6 channel analog connections.

Shawn

[mtber101]

Thanks for the quick reply. Does this mean the actual player is

doing the decoding... rather than a receiver/ prepro?

[RTTR]

Thanks for the quick reply. Does this mean the actual player is

doing the decoding... rather than a receiver/ prepro?

Yeah, any form of digital connection will be using the receiver/pre-pro DAC to decode, where as analog (descrete 6 channel out) will rely on the source hardwares DAC.

For example, a CD player connected via RCA output, the CD player will be doing all the decoding, where as the same CD player if it has a coax or optical digital connection, connected to a receiver, the receiver will do the decoding.

[mtber101]

Its becoming so clear now....thanks guys. Why is this stuff so

much more fun to learn about than any of my college classes?

[mtber101]

So should I have both connections connected? The pre/amp or

player should select between analog or digital depending on disc format?

[ccsakura]

Its becoming so clear now....thanks guys. Why is this stuff so

much more fun to learn about than any of my college classes?

If you can find a way to keep applying the stuff you learned in college it would be fun too, otherwise it's just pain in the neck to keep memorizing everything.

So should I have both connections connected? The pre/amp or

player should select between analog or digital depending on disc format?

You just need the digital connection for the DTS/Dolby digital output for DVD video. You will need the analog connection if you play DVD-A or SACD on the player. Keep using digital signal unless you have a crappy preamp or decent DVD player with a decent DAC in it(do A/B comparison if they are close).

[DrWho]

So should I have both connections connected? The pre/amp or

player should select between analog or digital depending on disc format?

That is how I normally go about it...but then again, I've got so many

extra cables laying around that it doesn't really cost me anything.

For as long as the signal is digital, there should be no degredation in

sound whatsoever...so you'll want to send the digital signal to the

location where the best DAC (digital to audio converter) is located. I

find that the better DAC usually sits in the reciever.

And as mentioned, the only time the digital output doesn't work is when playing DVD-A or SACD.