DVD/CD: Digital or Analog hookup?

[samba]

Noob here. I've done a search on the digital/analog connection issue in this forum, but still have a couple of stupid questions which I'll get to after some background.

Most (all) agree that if a CD/DVD player ("player") is connected via its digital outputs to a receiver, the receiver decodes the signal with its DAC's. It follows that there is really no (or close to no) difference b/w any player connected via digital outputs so long as they are played through the same receiver. With a digital connection, the receiver's DACs (and other internal electronics, processing, etc.) will determine the ultimate sound quality.

Others state that expensive, high end DVD/CD transports with better internal DAC's etc. will sound "better" than their lesser counterparts when played through analog outputs (decoding taking place internally at the player).

So, if I have a run of the mill under $1000 receiver (you name it: Yammy, Denon, etc) with digital inputs, it really doesn't matter (for sound quality purposes only) what player I get so long as it has a digital out? I've answered my own question, I think, but just wanted to be sure. Also, besides the obvious DVD-A and SACD, why would I ever want to use an analog connection when playing CD's (assuming my receier had digital connections)?

Now my situation: I have an old ('96 or so) yamaha receiver (Rx-901, if I recall) that only has analog inputs, and a equally old yamaha 5-disc CD player with only analog outputs, playing through some Axiom speakers. My CD player died, as it will no longer play brand new CD's w/o skipping. I listen mostly to music, but will likely increase movie viewing after a plasma purchase. I need to upgrade by stages. Should I buy a new player (like the Yammy C750) with good analog playback and keep my old receiver? Or, buy a receiver with digital ins and outs (like the yammy rvx 1500, or rvx 657, denon 2106, or 2805, etc...) and any cheap player with digital outs (like a sony DVD player I already have with digital outs) since the sound would be the same?

thanks

 

[racquetman]

If you are going to increase your movie watching, I'd spring for a new reciever. There has been a lot of progress made in decoding since '96. You will definitely enjoy your movie watching more with a newer receiver.

I also wouldn't go super cheap on a DVD player. You get what you pay for. Aim for middle of the road and you'll probably be a lot happier in the long run.

I have a $500 Denon DVD player and a Denon AVR-4306 receiver (list $2000). I can't tell the difference whether I hook them up analog or digital. I stick with digital (less cables).

Anyway, those are my thoughts.

 

[tbewick]

Though I'm sure others disagree, I can see the point in getting a high quality CD player and connecting it through analogue outputs. Whether or not this sounds better (and distinguishable) from DVD players with digital connections I cannot say. As you say, some say there is no difference and point to double blind tests as conclusive evidence.

There isn't any harm getting a good CD player and it may possibly sound better. Deciding which player is good is difficult since most reviews are subjective, but I'd just go by brand or personal preference. The Cambridge Audio line of CD players is highly recommended.

You might find the following link interesting, as it is a comment on CD player perfromance (jitter):

http://www.digido.com/portal/pmodule_id=11/pmdmode=fullscreen/pageadder_page_id=28/

 

[AudioSeer]

Theoretically you can get better performance from a CD player using it's built-in DAC because the signal doesn't have to go through the S/PDIF interface. It all depends on your receiver.

I have done a lot of experimentation and my opinion is that differences between CD players are usually subtle. The real cheap ones will sometimes restrict the frequency extremes.

For some reason, however, the sound from my Marantz receiver in my surround system is warmer with the analog input (s-direct mode) versus the digital input from my Behringer DEQ2496. The analog input sounds more pleasing but it may because of added distortion. The digital input sounds more clinical. The Crystal DAC's in the Behringer are higher quality than those in the receiver, however.

This is easy to test for yourself - just hook up both inputs to your receiver and switch back and forth. Make sure to try to match the sound levels to within 1 Db because the louder one will always sound better. Have fun!

 

[tbewick]

You can get more jitter running a digital interface, which also occurs in the studio with their professional interfaces:

'The AES/EBU (and S/PDIF) interface carries an embedded clock signal. The designers of the interface did not anticipate that it could cause a subtle amount of jitter due to the nature of the preamble in the AES/EBU signal. The result is a small amount of program-dependent jitter which often sounds like an intermodulation, a high-frequency edge added to the music. To minimize this effect in the listening, use a D/A converter with a high degree of internal jitter reduction. An external jitter reduction device that removes the subcode signal (containing time of day, start IDs, etc.) also helps.'

- Bob Katz, from the website I linked to earlier.

 

[markw]

IIRC, in '96 there was no DD/DTS, only DPL.

Most receivers today, in all price ranges, do a pretty good job with digital sound. There's no need to go crazy with either them or pull your hair out looking for a DVD player that has the decoders built in. You'll fine that in virtually evety case the receivers do a fine job.

As for CD's, well, any player offers analog outs staqndard and it won't cost an arm and a leg to try it out. I'm satisfied with tha basic red/white analog feed from my player to the receiver.

The only players that mandate built in decoders are those that do SACD and DVD-Audio. At this time no receivers can convert these.