You have it exactly right. RCA L&R is analog, so the D-A conversion is happening in your Denon. Coax/toslink is digital, so the conversion is happening in your pre/pro. As far as the CATV box, the same applies--if the RCA you are talking about are the analog L&R connections (usually red & white), as opposed the the single RCA coax digital output (usually yellow or orange). If its the single coax, you might be hearing the difference between the digital interfaces, although the standard reckoning is that digital coax usually sounds better than toslink...
The new guy has a question....
I have a Denon 3910 and a Sunfire Theatre Grand II processor. I assume they each have a digital to analog converter. If I go from the CDP to the PRO with a digital cable (either digital coax cable or toslink cable), does that mean I am using the DAC in the PRE/PRO to do the conversion? If I use RCA type cable does that mean the conversion is being done by the CDP?
I have tried it both ways and the RCA cable improves the bass noticably. Also, the results are the same with my Motorola digital cable box when I switch between toslink and RCA. Am I right about which DAC is being used being dependant upon which cable is used? Thanks for your help.
Obviously,
I have tried it both ways and the RCA cable improves the bass noticably. Also, the results are the same with my Motorola digital cable box when I switch between toslink and RCA. Am I right about which DAC is being used being dependant upon which cable is used? Thanks for your help.
Obviously,