Digital Coax or analog connection

rpalme1
rpalme1 Posts: 34
edited May 2011 in Basic Hookup/Wiring Questions
For music which would be better? Is there any noticeable difference? I have an Onkyo DVD/CD 5 disk and Pio 1120 reciever. Thanks for any help..
Post edited by rpalme1 on
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  • mdaudioguy
    mdaudioguy Posts: 5,165
    edited May 2011
    If you want multi-channel audio (for DVDs), then the digital cable. For strictly 2-channel, stereo music (regular CDs), it probably doesn't matter a whole lot which one you use. It only changes where the digital to analog conversion takes place, so whichever sounds best to your ears is the better one.
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  • rpalme1
    rpalme1 Posts: 34
    edited May 2011
    Thanks for the reply.. If I use the Digital Coax I'm using the DAC in the cd player. If I use analog cables I will be using the Pio. Dac correct? Sorry for all the questions I'm still learning.
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  • rpalme1
    rpalme1 Posts: 34
    edited May 2011
    I think I will keep using my Music Streamer 2 off my computer and not worry about it.
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  • BlueFox
    BlueFox Posts: 15,251
    edited May 2011
    rpalme1 wrote: »
    Thanks for the reply.. If I use the Digital Coax I'm using the DAC in the cd player. If I use analog cables I will be using the Pio. Dac correct? Sorry for all the questions I'm still learning.

    You have it backwards.
    Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
    Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
    Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes

    Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
    Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
    Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables

    Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
    Three 20 amp circuits.
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  • kawizx9r
    kawizx9r Posts: 5,150
    edited May 2011
    You got it backwards;

    If you use a digital coaxial cable, you will be using the receiver's built-in DAC to do the digital to analog conversion because you're sending a digital signal from the disk player to the receiver for the receiver to convert.

    Using analog cables means the disk player will do the conversion from digital to analog because the signal being output through the analog cables is just that, analog.

    To better help you make a decision, use a set of 'quality' cables (whatever that means to you) and compare both analog and digital signals coming from your player.

    My assumption would be that the Pioneer would have the better DAC, but again that's just an assumption.

    -Freddy
    Truck setup
    Alpine 9856
    Phoenix Gold RSD65CS

    For Sale
    Polk SR6500
    Polk SR5250
    Polk SR104


    heiney9 wrote: »
    Any clue how to use the internet? Found it in about 10 sec.
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  • kawizx9r
    kawizx9r Posts: 5,150
    edited May 2011
    BlueFox wrote: »
    You have it backwards.

    Just said that while I typed everything else out lol
    Truck setup
    Alpine 9856
    Phoenix Gold RSD65CS

    For Sale
    Polk SR6500
    Polk SR5250
    Polk SR104


    heiney9 wrote: »
    Any clue how to use the internet? Found it in about 10 sec.
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  • dragon1952
    dragon1952 Posts: 4,907
    edited May 2011
    Umm....he has it backwards :smile:
    2 channel - Willsenton R8 tube integrated, Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE DAC, audio optimized NUC7i5, Windows 10 Pro/JRiver MC29/Fidelizer Plus 8.7 w/LPS and external SSD drive, PS Audio PerfectWave P3 regenerator, KEF R3 speakers, Rythmik F12SE subwoofer, Audioquest Diamond USB cable, Gabriel Gold IC's, Morrow Audio SP5 speaker cables. Computer - Windows 10/JRiver, Schiit Magni 3+/Modi 3+, Fostex PMO.4n monitors, Sennheiser HD600 headphones
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  • kawizx9r
    kawizx9r Posts: 5,150
    edited May 2011
    Lol.....
    Truck setup
    Alpine 9856
    Phoenix Gold RSD65CS

    For Sale
    Polk SR6500
    Polk SR5250
    Polk SR104


    heiney9 wrote: »
    Any clue how to use the internet? Found it in about 10 sec.
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  • BlueFox
    BlueFox Posts: 15,251
    edited May 2011
    kawizx9r wrote: »
    Just said that while I typed everything else out lol

    Yes. I was getting ready to eat dinner, so short and to the point. :biggrin:
    Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
    Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
    Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes

    Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
    Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
    Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables

    Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
    Three 20 amp circuits.
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  • kawizx9r
    kawizx9r Posts: 5,150
    edited May 2011
    What's for dinner? I'm craving thirds....
    Truck setup
    Alpine 9856
    Phoenix Gold RSD65CS

    For Sale
    Polk SR6500
    Polk SR5250
    Polk SR104


    heiney9 wrote: »
    Any clue how to use the internet? Found it in about 10 sec.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited May 2011
    Try in both ways for a full week at a time (or more), and decide for yourself. Don't try to A/B it, the changes are likely far too subtle.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • acmf74
    acmf74 Posts: 936
    edited May 2011
    I tried both and really couldn't hear a difference between the two. I went with the digital cable because it has a sturdier connection than the optical cable.

    HTH
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  • rpalme1
    rpalme1 Posts: 34
    edited May 2011
    Thanks for the help and setting me straight.
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