Anyone using the analog inputs from the processor?

"Yes I prefer analog outs from the dvd player to an analog multi-channel preamp, then to a multi channel amp, instead of a avr processor/amp.
Think the idea is if you have a good dvd player you can use it's dac processor straight to a dedicated amp or amps."
(Mumbles)

"Don't fear the analog connection! Done properly it does sound excellent. I continue to use a "dolby digital ready" receiver (Sony GA7-ES) in my system so I have never used a digital connection from my DVD player (Sony DVP-C600D) for DD." (John Z)

Now I'm certainly not bashing anyone's opinion. And cerainly I don't know of every connection and setup out there. But I've yet to hear ANY DD/DTS setup where processing in the DVD player and passing it "analog out" to a preamp or amp HAS EVER SOUNDED BETTER THAN DIRECT DIGITAL PROCESSING IN AN OUTBOARD PRE!!! (let me quantify: the sound is basically flatter, more two dimmensional, and less dynamic sounding, from my experience - at least for DD/DTS)
I've certainly plaid with lots of av gear over the last couple decades, including lots of retail and custom experience.
Yes, I've tried using expensive DVD players to process DD/DTS, and sending to integrateds, 2 channel pre's, receivers and pre/pro's - EVEN DIRRECT TO AMPS - and it just never sounds right to me. At least that's my experience anyway. Others experiences might differ.
At the very least, I can't immagine any of these "analog out" Dd/DTS setups winning any dynamics awards!

Well, maybe things are changing. But I doubt it, in this case.
Infact, I challenge anyone who has a HD/Blue Ray player and a 1.3a capable HDMI pre or receiver to "AB" both connection methods, and get back to us!!! I for one would like to hear more people pipe in here, and give their feedback on this p-point. Cause things could have changed over the last few here. Dunno.

You tell 'em, Flrnlamb!! I believe that, in almost all cases, the preference for analog is based on archaic philosophy.

Kal

I never said the analog connection sounded better than a digital connection, but I stand by my opinion that it is certainly an acceptable alternative. In my situation, I chose to invest in a receiver years ago prior to DD/DTS becoming defacto in receivers, so my priority at the time was good quality 2-channel, Pro-Logic processing, and a analog 5.1 input to ensure compatablity with future formats. And guess what? Nearly ten years later it's still at the heart of my A/V system and performing just fine.

Uncompressed PCM at 24/96 sounds terrific through an analog connection in my system and I have a hunch that the uncompressed Dolby Tru-HD and DTS-MA will sound awesome too. Maybe a hair or two less dynamic than digital HDMI, but still very enjoyable nontheless. Splitting hairs at most between the two.

As an aside, if an analog connection is so limited dynamically, explain why the two most dynamic music formats, SACD and DVD-A, are only available via analog connections? You'd think that the industry would have passed on that option if it were so inferior for their new flagship high-res format? -jz

1. SACD/DVD-A are now available, as digital, on HDMI and, in my case, on 3xS/PDIF. The prior restrictions were based on the intention of keeping the digital output away from those who would copy it, allowing them only the analog. That should tell you something.

2. Well, the best justification of keeping it digital, for me, is not any dynamic limitations but the ability to make use of the DSP in modern AVRs and pre/pros, most especially modern roomEQ.

Kal

"Uncompressed PCM at 24/96 sounds terrific through an analog connection in my system" (john Z)

YEP! Indeed, I have been running PCM 24/96 and redbook from a superb CD player direct to an analog input on 2 channel pre's for years, WITH EXCEPTIONAL RESULTS TOO! Infact, until the advent of the DSP room correction, that was the ONLY WAY I'd run my 2 channel setups! And, I agree, it sounded terrific (considering a solid setup in an an acoustically sound room) HOWEVER, processing DD/DTS with this connection setup (processing in the DVD player) was another story entirely!!
Perhaps its likely do to the quality of the DD/DTS decoders and how it's processed and amplified from the analog out's of the DVD players. However, nontheless, it just never worked well in this regard. That's all my experience has said here. Also, if you read many of the back articles over the past years, you'll hear reviewers commenting on these options and saying they recommend digital connection processing in an outboard pre/pro for dd/dts dubties (heck, if you didn't need to do it this way, all us av-phile guys could do without pre/pro's completely!!!)

"As an aside, if an analog connection is so limited dynamically, explain why the two most dynamic music formats, SACD and DVD-A, are only available via analog connections?" (John Z)

Again, see above. I agree, PCM cd's work well from the analog outs of players - just not well for the movie processing.