24/96 DAC + DVD Player - Help

There are a number of threads on this, so you should check the archives as well as any responses here. Basically, not all DVD players have a coaxial digital output which will output a 24 bit/96khz data stream. Most of the Pioneer units did, and my Marantz DV-18 does (but only after some on-screen programming of the unit), but some players do not. Check your owner's manual on this. In addition, if you play a CD, the only digital data that can be transmitted will be the 16 bit/44khz signal; you need a DAD with 24 bit/96khz data to have a chance at the higher rez data stream. Hope this helps somewhat.

Neil,

Not all DVD players allow 24/96 to go out. Some will down sample 96k to 48k. Some will simply block it. Please double-check the user manual to make sure your player actually allow 24/96 digital out.

Also, which DVD did you play? Not all DVD contain 24/96 PCM track. Even if it does, you might need to select the right audio track from the DVD menu because 24/96 usually is not the default.

When you said "When I turn off Dolby Digital at the digital output, it defaults to D-PCM". I assume you meant changing a setting from the setup menu of the player, not from the DVD menu. If that is so, when you set it to D-PCM, it might be telling the DVD player to block Dolby Digital from digital out because if you are connecting to a regular DAC, Dolby Digital will cause loud noise and may damage your speaker. This is just my educated guess without knowing what player you are using.

FYI, the Technics DVD-A10 has a "re-master" function that upsamples redbook cds from 16 bit 48 khz to 24 bit 88 khz. And, the digital out transmits up to 24 bit 192 khz.

With only a generic powercord, the DVD-A10 with the remaster on and only with a stock powercord sends an equally good signal to the Meridian 563 as good as the Meridian 500's transport with a Virtual Dynamics Audition Cryo PC.