Coaxial, Optical, or Analog?

[bluebeard]

Which is the best choice for a CD player to receiver?

 

[markw]

Which is the best choice for a CD player to receiver?

If the CD player has the better DAC then the receiver then use analog connectors.

If the receiver has the better DAC, it's a toss-up since optical and digital pass the same information and should sound the same,assuming there are no mechinical problems with the optical cable. You can use one of your two analog connectors to send a digital coax signal to your receiver to try it.

If you're talking about a SACD/DVD-Audio player you haver no choice but to use six analog conectors.

 

[zumbo]

How would one determine which unit had a better digital analog converter?

 

[markw]

Well, one way I could think of.

How would one determine which unit had a better digital analog converter?

First, connect the CD player's digital output connected to a digital input on the receiver, say the DVD input. Odds are if you're using a DVD player it already is.

Then, connect the CD player's two analog (red/white) outputs to a different analog input, say the CD input.

Now, play a CD and flip between the two inputs. Which sounds "better"?

 

[zumbo]

Works for me. Thanks!

 

[Jedi2016]

I use my DVD player for playing CDs, so it's running through coaxial.

 

[Sheep]

My dvd player DAC's aren't that great, cause it doesn't have any.

SheepStar

 

[mtrycrafts]

Works for me. Thanks!

Before you try this though, put in a test CD and make sure you get the same level in the speakers on both the analog and digital pathways. I tested some where the analog is much louder so you cannot really compare it. Different output levels.

You need that test cd for constant output, unlike music.

 

[mtrycrafts]

I use my DVD player for playing CDs, so it's running through coaxial.

That's your best bet in my view.