Receiver with audio conversion?

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pelted

pelted

Audiophyte
I've been looking far and wide for a receiver that in addition to HDMI up-conversion also cross-converts audio. I know this may sound odd to most, but I really am just using my receiver as an HDMI/Component/Composite switch. I recently grabbed a new sub $1000 Denon really only because it had 5 HDMI inputs and up-converted video to the HDMI output.

What I want is a receiver that will do something similar with the dang audio too. Whether the input is Optical/HDMI/RCA I would like all audio to be converted to a chosen output. Since I am going to a Samsung soundbar I have RCA, or SPDIF input, but this current Denon only outputs what is input, so I have all these HDMI cables for video and am still needing to have RCA for the dang audio.

Is there such a device around a grand. Or how about at all?
 
Adam

Adam

Audioholic Jedi
Welcome to the forum!

Receivers that have pre-amp outputs will output all audio inputs (digital or analog) through those jacks. I'm not as familiar with SPDIF outputs.

Which Denon receiver and Samsung soundbar do you own? I'd be happy to check out if you can make those work, as well as looking to see if there's a good receiver solution for that soundbar if the Denon won't do it.
 
M

markw

Audioholic Overlord
AFAICT, the only common output offered by receivers is those red/white analog outputs. I can't think of any that will "convert" audio to a digital format.

Assuming you're using the 810 sound bar, it does offer an optical input and it that's important, then you can run that directly from the source.

Also keep in mind that it's only advertised as a 2.1 system, not a full blown 5.1 system. Don't expect mind-blowing surround effects in any case.

Personally, I think the red/white audio inputs wil be fine for this unit.
 
Lordoftherings

Lordoftherings

Banned
Some Denon model receivers output digital audio from analog audio, through their ADC (Analog to Digital Converter).
 
pelted

pelted

Audiophyte
Thanks for the replies. The Denon I bought has Left/Right preamp out, but does NOT output/down-convert digital sources to these outputs. It also has SPDIF (Fiber) output and it will not convert sources other than Fiber/Optical out that output. Yes, the Samung bar has the Fiber input, but it is useless with the output this receiver has.

I contacted Denon's tech support, and Yamaha's as well asking if any receivers they have will do this. Either the tech support people just don't know (VERY LIKELY) or it really does not work. I made the assumption that preamp outputs would imply that any audio source is converted to analog and output through these. This does not seem to be the case on an older Onkyo I have or this new Denon.
 
M

markw

Audioholic Overlord
What do you mean when you say "preamp outputs"

If you're refering to the preamp output that feeds the internal (or external)power amps, then I'm fairly sure any input, analog or digital, is available there. Otherwise they would be useless.

If you're refering to a "zone" output, then no receivers I can think of will convert a digital signal to analog for these. These will pass analog inputs only.

You might want to consider that the techs do have a clue about their products in this case.
 
M

MDS

Audioholic Spartan
pelted said:
The Denon I bought has Left/Right preamp out, but does NOT output/down-convert digital sources to these outputs. It also has SPDIF (Fiber) output and it will not convert sources other than Fiber/Optical out that output.
Click to expand...
That's pretty standard. I'm sure you are talking about analog audio outputs, such as tape out or the audio out of the video inputs, and not 'pre-amp' outputs as those are different.

If the signal comes in analog, it can only go out one of the analog outs; likewise, if it comes in digital, it can only go out the digital out.
 
Lordoftherings

Lordoftherings

Banned
MDS said:
That's pretty standard. I'm sure you are talking about analog audio outputs, such as tape out or the audio out of the video inputs, and not 'pre-amp' outputs as those are different.

If the signal comes in analog, it can only go out one of the analog outs; likewise, if it comes in digital, it can only go out the digital out.
Click to expand...
Are you sure that the digital input signal cannot be downconverted to analog?
As a digital signal can be recorded by an analog tape recorder?
Through the receiver ADCs?

I thought I saw that from some Denon model receivers?

* Denon AVR-5308ci:
~ Digital to Analog conversion for muti-zone output.
~ Analog to Digital conversion for multi-zone digital output.
 
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M

markw

Audioholic Overlord
Lordoftherings said:
Are you sure that the digital input signal cannot be downconverted to analog?
Click to expand...
They all are. They're just not available at all outputs. The only guaranteed output I can think of is the "true" preamp output, assuming the receiver has these.

Lordoftherings said:
As a digital signal can be recorded by an analog tape recorder?
Click to expand...
Are you sure that works? I know that if you feed the analog output of a CD player to the receiver it'll work, but I can't think of any that will allow that with a digital feed.

Lordoftherings said:
Through the receiver ADCs?
Click to expand...
Don't you mean their DAC, or Digital to Analog Converter?

Lordoftherings said:
I thought I saw that from some Denon model receivers?
Click to expand...
Perhaps, but I don't recall seeing it.
 
Lordoftherings

Lordoftherings

Banned
Hi Mark,

1. Some specific Denon model receivers allow you to do just that, from all their analog outputs. At least from my understanding. And because, I was exactly looking for that very specific feature, same as the OP, for several years now. So, I did extensive research in that matter.

2. Yes, I'm pretty sure that works. At least from what I know.

3. I mean what I said; ADC (with the help of DAC). They work in tandem for that situation.

4. I do. Just go to Denon own web site. You can even call Denon technical service support department, and ask to speak to an engineer that knows.

* By the way, this is not all what I know; I keep an arsenal in my lockers. :)

Best regards,
Bob
 
M

markw

Audioholic Overlord
Well then, the problem is solved.

Simply provide the OP with the Denon models that do these things and perhaps directions how to use these features.

Simply saying "they are out there" and leaving it that isn't really much help. It's more like you're teasing him.
 
Lordoftherings

Lordoftherings

Banned
markw said:
Simply provide the OP with the Denon models that do these things and perhaps directions how to use these features.

Simply saying "they are out there" and leaving it that isn't really much help. It's more like you're teasing him.
Click to expand...
Now, don't make false accusations.
I was responding to you only, and you know that.
If you want to spread trouble, do it somewhere else, that's it.
 
M

markw

Audioholic Overlord
Now now. There's no need to get snippy.

I'm merely asking you to show the rest of us where we're wrong and simultaneously solve the OP's problem.

So, quit teasing the OP and clarify the issue.

Bluster and bravado won't do it. Examples will.
 
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Lordoftherings

Lordoftherings

Banned
bandphan said:
So your asking the OP to go out and buy the TOL avr from Denon as his solution:eek:
Click to expand...
No, I just answered back Mark's misunderstanding. Why are you putting the wrong words in my mouth? I never said anything about buying the amp!
Maybe you should read more carefully.
 
Lordoftherings

Lordoftherings

Banned
markw said:
So, quit teasing the OP and clarify the issue.
Click to expand...
So, you assume that I do that? You assume very wrong sir.
That is not very nice at all, to say this about me. You very well know that I don't do that.
I am very disappointed by your false assumption, and wrong accusation.
Saying this is insulting and degrading.
 
M

markw

Audioholic Overlord
OK LOTR, I'll give you this one.

You're right. The Denon 5308 appears to be able to do what the OP needs.

All he needs is about $3,500 (or more) but, on the plus side, he might be able to get free shipping if he shops carefully.

Good job! :rolleyes:
 
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