be careful--on my hd cable box, the digital output can't be downrez'd to PCM, so it will output DD 5.1 bitstreams that my Wadia 861 can't decode obviously...I bought an ART Dio for a 100 bucks to convert the analog outs to a digital stream and it works ok. satellite boxes may be different of course...
higher end cd player
I'm finally in the market for my last cdp. Line of thought here is that sacd software will get more plentiful, and players more sophisticated, in a few years time, but presently I want to get the best out of my red book cd's. Preferences for a tubey, bloomy, and dark soundstage should be taken into account; cold and clinical not really my cup of tea. Hardware to match includes ML 334, SF Line 2, ML Ascents, and Cardas Golden Cross cabling. I currently have an Arcam Alpha 9; it sounds wonderful, but I'm ready for the next level. I'm thinking audio aero cap mark 11 or musical fidelity nuvista; any thoughts guys? I really like the idea of the line level inputs on the audio aero!