Help with Pioneer DVD 578a and Denon 3805

[Johnny Canuck]

Just got the Pioneer 578 a hooked up to my Denon 3805. A few questions to those who might have the same set up as i do..:

1)Any way to turn up the different speakers with the 5.1 set up? My Panasonic f-85 has this option. I also don't see a "test" feature like the Panny. I only see distance adjustments on the Pioneer.

2)When one wants to listen to DVD Audio or SACD, what are the proper settings on the Denon 3805? I assume you go to Digital input, select Denon Link, and change it to "ext in". I have a coaxial cable and an optical cable both hooked up so i can hear which one sounds better...that leads to my next question....

3)not meaning to start the coaxial vs optical debate again, but with my set up, what connection is better? I have a higher end $60 Monster coaxial and a lower end $30 Monster optical. I know..don't flame me for Monster..was my best option at the time. I don't seem to notice a difference, but the funny thing is, my girlfriend did

on first glance, I have to say this Pioneer doesn't appear to be an upgrade to my Panasonic F85. maybe a little in the picture department although it has no control to make it "blacker" like the Panny. DVD Audio is not as good as the Panny (or I am doing something wrong) as like I said, you can control distance and volume with each channel on the Panny. i have not tried a regular CD yet. Eagles Hell Freezes Over DTS DVD was excellent..I do not have a SACD as yet to try. I do however, really like the single disc and fast loading.

Thanks guys...

 

[Mort Corey]

not familiar with your player, but the Denon Link on the 3805 is propriatary to Denon equipment. For DVD-A and SACD, you will probably have to use the six analog cable interface...then switch the receiver to "ext in". IIRC, it's only quite recently that Denon was approved to carry SACD over their D-link.

Mort

 

[Johnny Canuck]

It appears in the Digital setup, you can choose OPT , Coax, off, or Denon Link. As I have digital and analog hookups, what do i select when I want to listen to DVD A?

 

[JVC]

As said.........the D-Link won't work with the 578a. You'll HAVE to connect the 6 analog cables, then on the receiver, choose EXT. IN to listen to DVD-A or SACD music discs.
Don't know about the Level settings for the 578a.
For which cable is better.......... 6 of one, a half dozen of the other. Surprised your GF hears a difference..........

 

[Johnny Canuck]

ok...i thought i had to go into the digital connection menu on the Denon to change that before listening to DVD A, but I only have to hit "ext. in" on the remote. I guess I was getting confused with the analog button on the Denon...that seems to alter the sound as well..

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Coaxial is rated better than optical. JVC is right. You'll need to connect the 6 rca's between your player and the 3805 unless you buy a newer Denon player

 

[Johnny Canuck]

I do have the analog connectors hooked up guys!! I also have the 2 channel connectors hooked up too....so I have 8 connections in total, + the optical and coaxials...I know I just need one or the other, just trying to determine which is the best...so far, don't see the need to keep this $60 coax cable as there is NO difference between the optical i already have...if anything, optical sounds a tad better!!

i just wanted to know where to set my Denon for DVD audio...it appears all I have to do is hit "ext.in"

 

[JVC]

Yes.........EXT. IN
You really don't need the 2 ch. cables (red & white?)
You listen to the dvd-a and sacd "High Resolution" 5.1 surround tracks, through the 6 analog cables. Everything else (movies, cds, etc.), will play through the optical cable.
Isn't the Denon remote fun?

 

[Johnny Canuck]

So I gave up on the Pioneer 578a. I listened and watched numerous discs. I compared it to my Panasonic F85 I have had for about 2 years. The Panny smokes it for picture, at least on my set up now. The Panny, once I figured out to set the speakers to "small" in the multi-channel set up in the player, was better in DVD Audio as well. Much better cross over point I would think as the sound was just more fuller and I had to turn down the sub a tad. CD audio difference was inaudible. I just don't have SACD and from the two titles I have seen i would buy, DSOTM, and Boston, did not see the reason for this upgrade. I took it back and got a Harmony 659 remote for the same price. I will get a good Denon DVD player later when all this uncertainty in the DVD world settles. And, I have DVD Audio on this Panny anyways...picked up Metallica and Santana "Supernatural" on DVD A today...haven't had a chance to listen yet...

 

[Ilovemovies]

I also bought Santana "Supernatural" on DVD A , Curious to know what you think of the mixing of this disk...

 

[Johnny Canuck]

I don't know what to say. Some of it sounds good, some sounds like you are listening in a very bright sounding hall...might need some tweaking..very detailed but the bass is all over the place...some songs have too much (Maria Maria), some lacking (Smooth)...very good separation, just maybe a tad bright ...the Smooth video in 2channel sounded excellent though

what were your experiences?

I guess what i really am thinking is , i don't like this album THAT much to have bought this DVD A.