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CD outputs and HDCD

Hello,

Question(s): In a CD player, such as the NAD C542, with analog and digital outputs, which is preferrable? Also, with HDCD capability, does this function work with either analog or digital out?

My initial thought is that if the CD player is a very good one, the D/A internally (using the analog out) may provide better sound than using the digital out and letting the amp/receiver do the D/A. However, I'm not sure if the HDCD precludes using one output or the other.

TIA,
CD
cdelplato
kr4's avatar
kr4
3,707 posts
 
At the time that HDCD came out, the PM oversampling filter used for it was superior to the other filters on the market. That was in the past.
dmitrydr
221 posts
 
Even more, SimAudio removed HDCD circuitry from its Eclipse due to the fact that PM filter's dinamic range was just 6dB, and the one they were using for non-HDCD 8dB, which caused HDCD sounded worse.
kr4's avatar
kr4
3,707 posts
 
6dB vs. 8dB dynamic range? Check your sources since either one would suck. One problem was the mandatory default lowering of the gain by 6dB for regular CDs. Many fixes were offered.
dmitrydr
221 posts
 
Couldn't find where did I read this. But if my memory doesn't lie me, the major reason of removal was the fact that PM filter offered inadequately narrow range comparing to the Burr-Brown's 24/96 one.
kr4's avatar
kr4
3,707 posts
 
I sincerely doubt it but, if you can offer some documentation, I would like to see it. BTW, the BB 24/96 may be "capable" of a wider dynamic range but there are only the same number of bits from CD for all the DACs.
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