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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 2 responses by baffled

baffled OP
106 posts
 
Edesilva.....thank you for clearing that up for me. I have been pondering that question for a while. Sometimes ya just gotta ask!
Unsound....I have read that I should use the digital connections whenever possible. I was surprised to hear the analog RCA connection sounding better. Maybe it IS in the bass management as you suggest. Or, maybe just a matter of which component has the better DAC??? I will check the bass management on both units. I appreciate your help.
baffled OP
106 posts
 
Thanks Dave. I have already done everything you suggested except for using the digital connection for movies only. I will give that a shot. When I compared digital to analog connections for music, I was comparing 2 channel analog vs. 5.1 analog vs. digital coax. 2 ch. analog was the winner with better bass. By the way, Monster makes the RCA/DB-25 adapter. I think the difference I hear is probably in the bass management settings. I will be experimenting with that later this evening. Cheap entertainment for a Friday night, huh? Hard to come by in this hobby!
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