Optical or analog connection?

[KEW]

This is for audio only. How do I decide which connection I should use between my CD(DVD) Player and Receiver? Do I need to figure out which component has the better DAC? If so, how would I determine that?
Here is the spec sheet on my CD player:
http://us.marantz.com/VC6001.pdf
Here is the spec sheet on my receiver:
http://ca.marantz.com/SR6001v2.pdf

Thanks,
Kurt

 

[Adam]

Kurt - are you interested in multichannel audio or just stereo?

I ask because I don't think that the multichannel analog inputs will use the Audyssey equalizer settings or your receiver's bass management. I'll check the manual in a few minutes, but that was a deal breaker for me on my Pioneer 1015 and why I didn't use those multichannel inputs for DVD-Audio.

 

[KEW]

Stereo only (actually 2.1).
Thanks!!!

 

[Adam]

My suggestion would be to connect your disc player to your receiver using both an optical and analog connection. Then, see for yourself which one you prefer. Personally, I prefer the convenience of the digital connection (single cable) and the lower chance of the signal being degraded over the connection.

My guess, although I can't say for sure, is that the DACs in your disc player and in your receiver will perform similarly. I say that because they are both 192kHz/24-bit DACs and both components are of the 6001 line. Just a guess, though.

 

[j_garcia]

The signal isn't going to be "degraded" over a few feet via analog. We've been doing analog for a LOOOOOOOONG time. These two pieces of gear are likely to be similar in quality of DAC, so I would say it is a toss up, since the x-over will be handled by the receiver in both cases except when using "source direct".

 

[KEW]

I'll probably just stay where I am (analog connection). I don't have the digital cable and I've got plenty of other fish to fry. I mainly wanted to make sure I wasn't missing out on some clearly significant improvement.

Thanks!