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,
baffled

Showing 1 response by sogood51

I would use the digital out on the Denon for movies and let the Sunfire decode those. For music...most multichannel players I've used (not all...read your manual) sound best if you use their multichannel outputs for everything else.

The Sunfire has a DB-25 input for this so you would need an RCA/DB-25 type cable (you can have one made, or...there are a few ready-maids on the market). This is a pass-through input on the sunfire. This does defeat the Sunfires sub outputs though so may not be for everyone...depends on how good the players bass management is.

Also, the Sunfire sounds best if you use it's balanced outputs...even if you have to use an XLR-RCA adaptor to an unbalanced amp...blacker background, less noise.

If you do use the Sunfires other analog inputs...tone controls are active, you can add or subtract bass if you like. Sub outputs and settings are also active for these inputs if I recall correctly...again, read the manual for both components.

Hope this helps a little

Dave