Which output should I use!? Analogue Digital?

[mawst95]

I have a Pioneer DV-588A running into a Elite 54TX. I'm playing a cd through the analogue RCA cables. Last night I made a digital coax (DIY) and plugged that into the DVD digital "in" on the 54tx. Looks like I can select on the receiver to play the digital input or the analogue input or "auto" (chooses for me). What is the difference? I think it has something to do with the 588's DAC's being used, or the 54tx's DAC's being used. Can someone explain to me or provide me a reference for understanding this stuff (digital/analogue/who-does-what-conversion/etc)?

Thanks!

Matt

Edit: this is all for the same 2-channel garden-variety CD playing on the 588A

 

[Takeereasy]

My understanding is the same as yours. When you run the analogue (red and white stereo cables) from the dvd player to the receiver you are using the DVD player's dac's, when you use the optical or digital coax you are feeding the data to the receiver and using it's dac's to decode. You should use which ever one has better Dac's, I think yor receiver fed via a digital connection would be best, but I'm not at all familiar with your dvd player. Hook em both up, whichever sounds better go with is my advice.

 

[mawst95]

That's my thoughts as well. The Elite should have the better DAC's. I didn't hear any obvious differences A/B'ing the connections but I didn't really listen critically.

 

[gwilav]

Most newer receivers digitize all signals coming into them, so It is usually better to go digital into the receiver rather than have the DVD convert to analog and then re-digitize it in the receiver.

 

[rgriffin25]

Your receiver will convert the signal better than your dvd player. Use a digital connection.

 

[Leprkon]

I'd run the digital output to the DVD input on your receiver and also run the analog output to the CD input on the receiver.

Most receivers only let you use an analog input for their "pure" or "direct" modes, so for the best in music sound, you'll want to have the analog input as an option.

You'll want the digital line for the best in HT sound.

 

[T2T]

That's my thoughts as well. The Elite should have the better DAC's. I didn't hear any obvious differences A/B'ing the connections but I didn't really listen critically.

I have (had) a very similar setup to yours. I still have the 54TX, but had the 578 - and sold it off.

When I was testing it out, the 578 DACs didn't sound much better than those in the 54TX. With that being said, I guess I really didn't care for the DACs - for stereo listening in the 54TX. The players, from what I've read, are supposed to have Burr-Brown DACs in them. Ideally, this should have meant the player was capable of quite good sounds via their own DACs. With the 578, I wasn't really "wowed" by the sound for 2-channel music. Instead, I purchased a $29 Motorola DVD player -- and **really** prefer the sound of the DACs in that player vs. the Pioneer. However, I do recall reading in the AVSForum where a member purchased the 588 and felt that the 2-channel performance was quite a bit better than the predecessor.

I'd get a 588, if they were sold locally.

 

[mtrycrafts]

so for the best in music sound, you'll want to have the analog input as an option.

Could you explain this further?

 

[mawst95]

I think he means that the pure/direct mode that most receivers over need an analogue signal, not digital. Pure/Direct defeats external processing and therefore the signal is "pure"...so to have this you need an analogue connection. Is that correct?

 

[MDS]

I think he means that the pure/direct mode that most receivers over need an analogue signal, not digital. Pure/Direct defeats external processing and therefore the signal is "pure"...so to have this you need an analogue connection. Is that correct?

That is correct. Now whether or not the 'pure analog' signal is the best is open to debate.

 

[mtrycrafts]

That is correct. Now whether or not the 'pure analog' signal is the best is open to debate.

OK. Now that makes more sense