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AC 3 hook up to DvD Analogue PCM or Bitstream

I have an older AC 3 ready reciever. I have the 2ch hooked up to the 2ch on the dvd and the 5.1 hooked up as well . My dvd gives me the option of PCM Bitstream or analogue. My question is which way should I listen to it if I want the best 2ch listening. Does my AC 3 reciever actualy have a dac in it? or is it all being converted to analogue before it leaves the player.
Thanks for your time
ghost_rider

Showing 4 responses by sidssp

sidssp
1,077 posts
 
Your receiver does have a DAC. If it can accept digital inputs then it can decode PCM as well. My guess is it can but you better check the back of your receiver to make sure.

The decision of using PCM vs. analogue really depends on the quality of the DAC. If your receiver has a better DAC, use PCM bitstream. Otherwise, use analogue.
sidssp
1,077 posts
 
Does it have any optical input? Sometimes they are labled Toslink and may have a black plug covering it.

BTW, what receiver do you have?
sidssp
1,077 posts
 
I am afraid your Yamaha doesn't have a digital input. Its AC3 was designed for Laser Disc.
sidssp
1,077 posts
 
It does not have a DAC in the general sense. It has a DAC and a AC3 decoder for converting AC3 signal into 5.1 analog signal. My guess is the DAC might be embedded inside the AC3 decoder and not be a general DAC for PCM. Besides AC3, Your Yamaha only support Dolby ProLogic from analog input. So every input other than Laser Disc must be analog.
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