Question: Optical VS RCA/XLR for Audio

[nick.h]

Hi,

I current use an optical connection from my DVD player to my A/V Reciever. It also supports RCA connections for each channel.

Is there any benifit in using RCA over optical?

I know if you use seperates from a processor it uses RCA/XLR to the amplifier for each channel.

Does using optical cause it to loose quality?

Has anyone changed from Optical to RCA/XLR?

[riceaterslc]

unless you want to listen to multi-channel music (ex SACD) you will be fine with the digital output. the only other advantage to switching to analog i see is if your DVD player or AVR has some sort of sound (bass) management with the analog inputs/outputs.

[nick.h]

I see.

When using seperate pre/pro why is it that most people use RCA/XLR over optical?

Is it becuase the signal going to the amplifier needs to be converted to anolog?

[riceaterslc]

When using seperate pre/pro why is it that most people use RCA/XLR over optical?

because that is the most common, if not only, way to send signal from the pre/pro to the amp. i have never seen digital connections between amps and processors.

[Brandon B]

There are a very few amps out that are digital and can receive the signal in digital form. I think B&O actually has some speakers with amps like these in them.

Most amps do only have analog inputs though.

BB

[bigburner]

Hi Nick,

This is a really important issue so I hope that someone more knowledgeable than I am will step in if I've got this wrong.

My understanding is that the RCA connections for each channel on your DVD player can potentially produce a higher grade audio signal because the signal is not being restricted by DRM.

If you use the optical or digital coax connection from your DVD player to your A/V receiver, material like DVD-Audio, HDCD, and DTS tracks which can contain 24/96Khz audio information will not be transferred to the receiver because of DRM. You will only receive 16/48Khz audio information.

If any member out there can point us to a document that explains all of this then I for one would be most appreciative.

Nigel.