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Which DAC processes CD audio - receiver or DVD?

I have a Denon DVM-1815 DVD/CD changer with 24-bit Burr-Brown audio DACs connected to an HK DPR-1001, which also has audio DACS. The audio connection is via coax cable. When I play an audio CD, which DAC is doing the conversion? I chose the Denon in part because of its excellent DAC. Is there some way to control which DAC does the conversion?
don_francis
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hammy
176 posts
 
Snofun3 was correct- if you hook up both outputs it may default to the HK, unless there is a switch on the receiver.
However, if it SOUNDS better using digital output, use the digital. Analog outputs (rca left and right audio out) will use Denon DACs. The whole point of digital out is to bypass the denon dacs to allow external DAC.
soundsgreat
16 posts
 
About using the Adcom as a phono preamp you should be using a tape out on the Adcom to go into your HK's tape in. Don't use the pre out on the Adcom. The volume on the Adcom would be out of the path and just turned all the way down.
don_francis OP
4 posts
 
Soundsgreat -- Thanks! It works perfectly.

Hammy -- With both digital and analog connections made, I can A/B test the Denon and HK DACS by pushing a button on the remote. To me, the Denon DAC sounds a little better, but it's probably a jump ball.
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hammy
176 posts
 
Excellent! it's always worthwhile to A/B. I had a friend with a low-end system and toshiba dvd, and he was using the digital out on the toshiba. We switched to analog, and WHAT a difference. The sound was much less mechanical/ harsh sounding. I guess the receiver had the cheapest DAC as a selling feature.
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