Which DAC would be better to play my cds through?
My cd player is a Denon DCM-390, and my integrated amp is a Denon pma-600ne. I was wondering which one's dac would be better for playing my cds through. The cd player has rca connections and digital outs. So would i be better off using the rca cables plugged into the "cd" ports on my amp, or using the optical audio cable to use the amps dac.
It is likely that the PMA-600NE wins as @patrickalston points out. However, I would think the coaxial digital output might sound better... or maybe you will not be able to tell. In budget components optical are off the shelf very inexpensive optical - electrical converters... so they are often the poorest sounding option. I’d start with the Coax. The only way to know for sure will be to try both. |
+1 @ghdprentice In addition to the optical connection likely being the lowest quality you’re doing additional optical conversions and resolution may be limited to 24/96 as well depending on the implementation of your components. Go with coax. |
@ghdprentice @soix Im already using the coaxial port on my amp with my 4k Blu-ray player, so its either optical or rca. |
@elmer444 DCM-390 has coaxial out. Your best option is to use it to feed the external DAC then use that DAC’s RCA analog outs to drive the amp. A decent external DAC can be had used under $500. If you are looking to use the amp’s dac then it’s a matter of priority. If you prioritize cd playback then use coax from 390 into that amp dac and use optical with blue ray |
You’ve received some great info from some very knowledgeable people, might I suggest this. Are you currently using an entry level coax cable for your Blu-ray to receiver connection? Try an Audioquest Forrest or Cinnamon digital coax cable. Get one from Amazon that offers a 30 day return policy and try it on your CD and see. Since you’ll have to disconnect your Blu-ray , try it on both and see ( hear ) if there’s an improvement. Other than that you’re stuck at the starting line. Regards, Mike B. |
