Stereo analog and digital audio

[thoff]

Hello,
I have begun to build my home theater system and am still running it in stereo (and will be for a while). Will I notice any difference running the audio from my DVD player to my reciever through a digital audio cable versus the analog cables I am now using?

thoff

 

[jaxvon]

Hello,
I have begun to build my home theater system and am still running it in stereo (and will be for a while). Will I notice any difference running the audio from my DVD player to my reciever through a digital audio cable versus the analog cables I am now using?

thoff

If it's just stereo, no. If you're trying to get surround, most definitely. If you want surround, use a digital cable.

 

[j_garcia]

It may make a difference, but it depends on whether the player or the receiver has better DACs. You'll have to try both to find out.

 

[f0am]

It may make a difference, but it depends on whether the player or the receiver has better DACs. You'll have to try both to find out.

I agree with this statement as well. I switch from my multi-channel outputs to my digital out frequently depending on what I am watching.
To put this all into laymens terms, your receiver does the sound decoding when you are using digital outs, your dvd player does the decoding if you are using analog.
Let us know what you end up figuring out.

 

[thoff]

Tested

I didn't have a digital audio cable to see if I could hear a difference. Then I remembered that Coaxial Digital Audio and Component video are the same cable. Using a component video cable I tested the digital audio.

My wife, not knowing what cables I was using, volunteered that it sounded better with the digital audio connection. I thought so too. So the DACs in my receiver are better than those in my DVD player. For reference, my receiver is an Onkyo TX-SR504 and my DVD player is a Panasonic DVD-F87. I am using a pair of Primus 150 bookshelf speakers. Thanks for the replies.

 

[Seth=L]

That doesn't surprise me that the Onkyo would have better DACs, I once had that receiver, very nice for under $300 in it's time. It ran a little warm so I had a fan on mine.

 

[thoff]

I was able to get the Onkyo for $190 direct from Onkyo as a refurb. I haven't noticed any problems with it. Coming from a little bookshelf stereo system, I have been very pleased.

 

[Seth=L]

I was able to get the Onkyo for $190 direct from Onkyo as a refurb. I haven't noticed any problems with it. Coming from a little bookshelf stereo system, I have been very pleased.

It is normal for that receiver to run warm, it isn't a defect.

 

[Jack Hammer]

I agree with this statement as well. I switch from my multi-channel outputs to my digital out frequently depending on what I am watching.
To put this all into laymens terms, your receiver does the sound decoding when you are using digital outs, your dvd player does the decoding if you are using analog.
Let us know what you end up figuring out.

That would make sense. I usually jump back and forth if I'm not happy with the sound (default is digital). Some music sounds much better to me with the analog, on others I really can't tell much difference.

Jack