CD players and digital in/out

[riglehart]

I've always used the 2 channel analog inputs for my cd player. I have a simple questions...

If you use the digital connection into your receiver, will any old CD player work just the same as an expensive one, since the receiver is doing all the D/A work? The CD player is just ripping info from the CD and sending it directly to the Receiver, correct? Sound quality then becomes only a function of the Receiver's circuitry, I would guess.

[danger boy]

using the DAC's from your receiver could yes have a different sound then the analog hook up from your CD player. Where people really hear a difference is when an external DAC from the CD players digital output to a stand alone DAC using either coax or optical connection.

I switch between my pre amp and CD player using both analog and digital connection... and I don't hear much difference.. i can notice the difference between the two.. but it's subtle. Once i include a stand alone DAC, the difference is quite noticable.

I know you didn't ask about an external DAC.. but i just mention that to make a point.

good luck.

[Willow]

DB it does make that big of a dif? what price would you have to pay for a DAC in order to notice a difference.

[audiobliss]

The CDP's transport also makes a difference, so no, a cheaper CDP would not be as good as a more expensive one, if you're using the receiver's DAC. A nicer transport won't have so much jitter and such. I don't understand all I know about this subject, but suffice it to say that there are SQ improvements to be had with nicer CDPs.

And as a rule, the DACs built-in to receivers aren't usually that great. Now, whether they're better than your CDP's DAC depends on your CDP. Let your ears decide that.

[AndyGwis]

My CD player (Pioneer 59avi) has better DACs than my receiver, in my opinion, however, the bass management of the HK635 is better. So, there is quite a difference in the sound from analog and digital connection in my system.

For clarity and vocal tracks, I use the analog outs. For CDs where I want to hear more bass, I use the digital out.

[Willow]

FWIW, I use a good pair of ICs, not digital for my cds.

[danger boy]

external DAC's don't start out that expensive.... say around $250 on up to as high as thousands and thousands of dollars. you can find lots of DAC's in the $300 to $500 range though too.

[steveinaz]

If your equipment has high enough resolution, most will hear a difference between transports. My CEC CD-3300 is definitely a better transport than my Denon DVD-2910. I tried to use the Denon as a all-in-one solution, that lasted about 3 days.