CD out: Digital or Analog?

Phild & Dan: Analog pass-through means exactly that. Many processors convert an incoming analog signal into a digital signal, process it, then convert it back to an analog signal. The analog by-pass skips this stage. Many newer models have this stage, in order to accomodate SACD and DVD-A inputs. In the absence of a digital input for SACD & DVD-A, this unfortunately is the only way to maintain any integrity of those signals, since they leave the player as analog signals. One of the underlying assumptions for the A/D, then D/A conversion processing was the DAC's in the processor were better than the DAC's in the cd player. Although this can be the case, it creates its own problems. So, in the end, to paraphrase from the real estate business, listen, listen, listen,

Using the digital out put does provide the oportunity for increased jitter.

For me, the type of gear I have owned, analog has always been a noticable improvement. Which really stinks because with a dvd/cd combo things would be cheaper if I only had to buy the digital verses digital and analog cables.

As always, just try.

Marty

For those above who seem a little confused when it comes to the difference between analog and digital signals, just remember this: Please to do not attempt to take a digital output from a player and run it into an analog input on your processor/preamp/reciever (a digital output will be just a single connection containing all channels, not separate L/R, etc.). You definitely do not want to feed your amplifiers, speakers, or ears an unconverted digital datastream!

There is a 'stereo direct' mode on the B&K202 - you must select this mode if you want to use your CD player's DAC. Otherwise, all signals (ie. digital and analog) will be processed by the B&K's DSP's.

In the case of an analog connection, the signal is passed through the A to D converter AND then to the receiver's D to A converter. In other words, using analog cables does not automatically mean that you're bypassing the receiver's DAC's UNLESS you select the 'stereo direct' mode. At least, this is my understanding. Note that the 'stereo direct' mode disables bass management so if you have a subwoofer hooked up, you won't be able to use it in this mode.