Mr

[Tangent]

Hello All



I am new to this my main interst is audio vs DVD and I am keen for SACD's

I have two Sony CX777EX 400 disc DVD / CD changers that I control through an Escient Fireball.

I am considering adding an outboard D/A converter and am curious to know any / all of the following:

1) Does the digital output bypass the internal D/A electronics i.e. is the output delivering a PCM bitstream right off the optical pick-up or is the digital output "re-converted" from analog?

2) Assuming my D/A has both optical and coaxial inputs which is the better way to make the connection? Any advantage disadvantage to either method?

3) Are there any "fucntional" issues using the digital output? e.g. problems palying certain CD or SACDs?

4) Is there any signifciant (i.e. noticable) differences in optical cables

No doubt someone will say "depends on the D/A". Lets assume that I have a very very good outboard D/A unit. Although I can't remember the name of it right now because its in storage, I can say that it came as part of hugeley expensive single disk CD player (i.e. all metal construction, combined weight of player and A/D over 60 lbs, cost >$10K). So the big picture question is how: "How to get some use out of this monster by combing its A/D with my 777ES?"

All ideas welcome.

The "system": 2 777ES's drive a pair of Sony 3200F's which in turn are used to bi-amp a modified pair of Tangent TM-1s with the original KEF drivers.

 

[MDS]

1) Does the digital output bypass the internal D/A electronics i.e. is the output delivering a PCM bitstream right off the optical pick-up or is the digital output "re-converted" from analog?

The data on an optical disc is digital. The data is sent straight to the digital output and whatever you send it to must perform the D/A before amplification, whether that is an external DAC or receiver/pre-processor.

2) Assuming my D/A has both optical and coaxial inputs which is the better way to make the connection? Any advantage disadvantage to either method?

They are functionally the same; one is electrical and the other is optical.

Coax is more sturdy and uses RCA connectors which tend to fit better. The Toslink connector on an optical cable is more fragile and cheap plastic cables can't be bent very far. In practice either one is fine and the sound quality is identical.

3) Are there any "fucntional" issues using the digital output? e.g. problems palying certain CD or SACDs?

No, but you cannot send the DSD format found on SACD over either type of digital connection.

 

[Sheep]

4) Is there any signifciant (i.e. noticable) differences in optical cables

No.

SheepStar