If using digital connects, what is the difference from one cd player to the next?

[sikoniko]

Currently I have a panasonic rp-62 which I use for DVD and music. It is hooked to my system, which is a Sherwood/Newcastle P-965, via an optical cable. I am thinking about replacing my rp-62 with the forthcoming sherwood SD-871 (http://www.sherwoodusa.com/prod_sd871.html).

What I am wondering is, if during audio play I am using the DACs of the pre/pro, would there really be any advantage in audio by using a different player? Obviously this will be good for SACD/Multi-channel, but for example during movies, would I notice any audio difference?

I hear about people saying that the CD player is the weak link in their system from time to time, but I don't necessarily understand this if they are using digital connections to the pre? enlighten me oh great ones!

Im thinking about jumping on this when it is released because next year when HDDVD is out, there will be little to no spending and a lot of saving for a house. That will allow me to see how the standard battle goes anyways...

[Neal_C]

I would say that most people probably are a little more "purist" when it comes to CD playback and probably use analog connections to the pre/pro, thus using the DAC's in the cd player. This is probably why they say the cd player is the weak link.

If you are using just a digital connection, then audio wise, you won't hear any difference is you would always be using the DAC's in the pre/pro. On DVD's, a newer and better player may provide you better video quality though, but using a digital connection will provide the same audio quality.

Just my thoughts on the matter.

[Jeff]

Sikoniko, there will be a difference in audio depending upon the player using
the digital out. There is a thred in "Home Theater" under "POLL: which determines audio quality". There I gave my experience with an a/b test between my dvd player and my cd using the digital out.