Digital Audio Cabling

[Josiah]

My boss recently purchased a Panasonic Boxed surround system (against my suggestions). It has very few connections but it works for him.

There are no digital audio inputs in the back (no optical nor digital AV), just the standard L & R audio AV inputs in the back, which seems crazy to me even for a cheap "receiver".

I know this is a long shot, but is there a special cable available that you can use on the digital AV out (from any device) to the L & R audio ins on his receiver that will still carry the digital signal? my first inclination is to not even ask the question. My limited knowledge of the subject makes me want to say ABSOLUTELY NO WAY, but, as I said, my knowledge is limited.

Thanks!

 

[agarwalro]

There is no cable that will meet the requirement since the digital signal needs to be processed to convert it to analog signal. So you will need an external DAC processor like this, External DAC. I am not recommending this device, it is the first one I found through Google.

The best option would be coerse your boss into returning the Panasonic setup and instead buy a HTIB from Onkyo or Denon. Here on AH, the HTIB reviews are located here. The Onkyo and Denon HTIB's come with entry level receivers that will meet all the connection requirements from an audio stand point.

 

[BMXTRIX]

I'm simply going to agree with the above poster and add: Don't bother with an external DAC unless there is some really specific reason for doing so. All A/V gear has internal DACs which output the stereo L/R signal which a receiver can process just fine.

If your boss wants quality, he will follow the advice of the above poster and at the very least end up with a Onkyo HTIB system which will have a real A/V receiver and some sucky, but upgradable 7.1 speakers.