Tuner Vs. 4DTV music channels

I have to admit that I was using the standard audio out jacks on my Sony DSS receiver. Mine is one of the first models built, and does not provide a digital output signal. I made the comparison of the DSS music channels against a Marantz 10B, which is my all time favorite FM tuner. I do not doubt that an outboard converter is vastly superior to the one inside this very inexpensive DSS receiver. I am pleased to hear about this option, any will try it when I upgrade my DSS receiver.

Hi Albert, if you decide to try a new DSS Receiver, be careful of certain Sony Receivers with the dig out. The Sony models A50, A55, A4 are known to have problems with the dig out. I use a RCA DRD515RD but is discontinued. The second generation Sony A2 as George has is a very good IRD but is long discontinued and only has PCM dig out (OPT). The newer models have DD and PCM dig options. Ck on audioreview for input on certain models. The Dip Super Drive can be had for only 199 by going to www.monarchyaudio.com. No need to buy the more expensive 24/96 capeable Dip SD. I can imagine what the DTV programing will sound like with your system. And yes very true certain channels are very compressed but the music channels sound fine. The upsampler that George uses is expensive and no doubt sounds great but for good "wallpaper music" the Dip SD and good Dac will please. If need any more info Albert just get in touch. Thanks Mike

Albert maybe i should give you some options about some newer DSS Systems. For example the RCA DTC100 has a dig out but also is a HDTV Tuner and HDTV Sat reciever and much more. As a HDTV Tuner, it will allow you to receive your local HD programing on reg network tv. I don't know about your area but here in the NY area, there is alot of primetime programming being broadcast in HD. This programing you can receive with the DTC100, HDTV Attennae and HDTV capable tv. For Satellite HDTV you will need to change or add a HDTV dish (inexpensive) and have a HDTV capable tv. This is the most logical choice if looking to replace your older DSS receiver for one with a dig out. Even if, at the present you don't own a HDTV TV. Like it or not we all will replacing our analog tv's for digital ones in the near future as all programing will be digital. This technoledgy has been capable since the 70s in this country and Japan has been watching high resolution tv for many years. Its an economic and political thing. But its finally here. Enjoy/Mike

Mikec, I appreciate your thoughtful information, I did not know about the HDTV option with DSS. I am going to have to do some extensive reconstruction to my living/listening room this year, so I will have to postpone any video purchases until that is over. I copied your two postings and pasted them into note pad for safe keeping. Thank you.

Thanks for the responses to this message. There has been much discussed about DSS, but does anyone have any knowledge about the 4dtv receivers for C-band? I know little about these. www.4dtv.com I went to this site to see if it had digital out, but unless I overlooked something, I couldn't determine. These receivers are not cheap, about $700.

Thanks again!