HI!
So there is an answer. :) CD's are digital. Speakers are analog. Once, and only once, that digital signal must become analog before your speakers can move air. This is done by a Digital to Analog Converter or DAC of which only 1 is allowed in the chain.
However, DAC's can be in a number of places. The CD player, an outboard DAC, a digital capable preamp or integrated amplifier or receiver. All these devices may include a DAC, especially right now as the market is still figuring out how consumers want to put the systems together.
DAC’s will be either in or out of the signal chain depending on how you connect your source (i.e. CD player, streamer, etc.) to the next device.
If you use the analog jacks, which are either a pair of RCA (often white and red) or XLR connectors then your source (CD player) must use it’s DAC to generate the music.
If you use the digital outputs (coaxial digital uses a single, often yellow, connector) then the CD player’s DAC is not in the signal path, and it’s up to a downstream device, like an integrated amp or receiver with a built-in DAC to do the conversion. Technically, the CD DAC is probably still working, but since you have nothing hooked up to the jacks the CD DAC has no effect on what you are hearing.
Sound quality is subjective. :) The better the electronics, speakers and room acoustics the more you’ll be able to hear of any differences in the DAC you choose to use.
Best,
Erik
So there is an answer. :) CD's are digital. Speakers are analog. Once, and only once, that digital signal must become analog before your speakers can move air. This is done by a Digital to Analog Converter or DAC of which only 1 is allowed in the chain.
However, DAC's can be in a number of places. The CD player, an outboard DAC, a digital capable preamp or integrated amplifier or receiver. All these devices may include a DAC, especially right now as the market is still figuring out how consumers want to put the systems together.
DAC’s will be either in or out of the signal chain depending on how you connect your source (i.e. CD player, streamer, etc.) to the next device.
If you use the analog jacks, which are either a pair of RCA (often white and red) or XLR connectors then your source (CD player) must use it’s DAC to generate the music.
If you use the digital outputs (coaxial digital uses a single, often yellow, connector) then the CD player’s DAC is not in the signal path, and it’s up to a downstream device, like an integrated amp or receiver with a built-in DAC to do the conversion. Technically, the CD DAC is probably still working, but since you have nothing hooked up to the jacks the CD DAC has no effect on what you are hearing.
Sound quality is subjective. :) The better the electronics, speakers and room acoustics the more you’ll be able to hear of any differences in the DAC you choose to use.
Best,
Erik