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Digital vs Analog output on CD players

Folks, I'm sure this has been discussed before but I can not find the thread. I'm in the throws of experimenting with connecting my two CD players (yes I use two for the fun of the hobby and switch around; some CD's sound better on the NAD and others on the Rotel) via their digital ouputs to the digital inputs on my A-V receiver vs their analog jacks. What's the official scoop on this? Does using the digital outputs improve the overall soundstage, depth, detail, etc of the music being played? Are there any other benefits going digital vs analog? My hi-fi store sold me a digital interconnect and is letting me try it out. I can always go back to analog. I have the my NAD C541 connected via its digital output and my Rotel RCD-1072 via its analog outputs. So far, I am finding the differences to be subtle. What does everyone think on this? Many thanks. Sorry if I sound naive on this topic.
pdn

Showing 1 response by niles300z

niles300z
18 posts
 
I agree that it does come down to personal preference. It takes work to test these things. 
Same levels (measured) ,same interconnects, same associated equipment, same ambient noise,same exact location, same feet, same warmup period,same mindset..
Then when you feel confident you have not changed anything else you can make a fair comparison. I am currently listening to a lexicon rt-10 through rca analog and hopefully my rotel rsp-960 preamp is not converting it because I would rather believe the $2500 player is responsible for the beauty.

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