2. home-theater
  3. 982782167

Are A/V receivers digital?

Do A/V receivers convert analog input signals to digital, process them, and reconvert to analog? Can any A/V receiver keep the signal analog?

I ask this because if receivers always convert to digital, as I suspect, all A/V receivers would harm analog signals from SACD and DVD-Audio players. If the receivers can't handle 96/24, they would harm the signal from 96/24 DAD discs as well. Hopefully the receivers with 5.1 inputs keep the signal analog through this input.
tmartinjr9589
jdale
6 posts
 
The Denon AV receivers have the ability to pass through analog signals without coverting to digital. They call it "Direct" mode, and it's selectable on the unit and remote.

Hope this helps!
sdcampbell
2,136 posts
 
Most A/V receivers and pre/pros convert analog signals to digital for processing, then convert back to analog. Depending on the brand, some have separate circuits that are straight analog (one example is Bryston's SP-1, which has both DSP and pure analog circuits). For vinyl lovers, lack of a pure analog circuit presents a dilemma, since the intent is keep the analog signal "pure". On the other hand, I have a large LP collection, good TT, etc., and my pre/pro
converts all signals to digital for processing. If the analog signal from my LP's is being degraded by the D-A-D conversion process, it is not enough that I find it objectionable.
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
Not all A/V receivers are digital. Those with AC-3 and DTS are digital. The old Dolby theatre technology is not digital (Pro-logic).
More to discover