SACD/DVD-A question

[FAB]

First of all, I would like to thank everyone here on this forum. Even though this is my first post, I have managed to get great answers and advises by just reading and searching through old posts here.

I'm in the process of upgrading my DVD/CD player for a new one. I see that multi formats players have become quite popular. I'm really interested in going SACD/DVD-A way. My question is, do I still need to buy a set of 6 anolag RCA cables (this was the case when I checked this a few years ago) or I can connect such player with only a toslink/hdmi cable and still play those formats??

Tks in advance for any comment.

[Blindamood]

Yes, you will still need to connect the 6 analog outputs in order to hear multi-channel SACD and DVD-Audio. Digital coax and toslink connections will not carry the hi-rez tracks. Certain flavors of HDMI (e.g., 1.2 or 1.3) can carry it, but I'm not aware of any player that can send it (except maybe the new Oppo DV-981HD?). Then, of course, the receiver/processor would also have to be capable of receiving it.

A third option is i.Link, but while several players can send via i.Link, the number of receivers/processors that can receive it are also dwindling.

[FAB]

tks Brad. You explained all loud and clear!!

[Dave999]

FAB, I agree with Brad that the safe thing to do is to get RCA cables, even though there are player/processor combinations that will pass the multi-channel signal with fewer cables (like HDMI 1.2 and 1.3), I-link and some other proprietary cables like those with Meridian. However, I think that in the next six months or so there will be many more players and receivers/processors able to pass the signal via HDMI 1.3.

[FAB]

Tks again. I'm convinced now that RCA is the way to go, specially because I currently use a Rotel amp and planing to get a Rotel pre-amp anytime soon. Rotel is not famous for being the first company to offer those fancy connections....

[littlesaint]

Yes, you will still need to connect the 6 analog outputs in order to hear multi-channel SACD and DVD-Audio. Digital coax and toslink connections will not carry the hi-rez tracks. Certain flavors of HDMI (e.g., 1.2 or 1.3) can carry it, but I'm not aware of any player that can send it (except maybe the new Oppo DV-981HD?). Then, of course, the receiver/processor would also have to be capable of receiving it.

A third option is i.Link, but while several players can send via i.Link, the number of receivers/processors that can receive it are also dwindling.

The Oppo 970HD and 981HD can pass DVD-Audio and SACD as multichannel PCM over HDMI. The 970HD comes highly regarding considering its price. HDMI 1.1 is all you need. HDMI 1.2 adds DSD support for SACD, but I don't believe anyone is actually using it.