SCcobra4me

DVD sound: SACD or digital coax?

New guy here, couple questions.

How much better is this 6 cable SACD setup compared to digital coax for sound? And what's the best way to hook up my DVD player for video, directly to the TV or through the receiver?

I currently have a Harman Kardon DVD-31 with a Harman Kardon AVR247 receiver. Neither the DVD or TV have HDMI so that is out of the question for the time being but will eventually step it up. I am running component cables from the DVD to the Video 1 input on the TV for video and digital coax from DVD to the receiver for sound, but not sure if this is the best way.

I am only running 5.1 for now but in my next house will have 7.1 FWIW.

Ed Moxley

Re: DVD sound: SACD or digital coax?

The way you have it is fine. The main reason for running video through the receiver first, is it's easier switching sources. To go from dvd to watching tv, all you have to do is push the "TV" button. Takes out the step of having to change inputs on the tv.

The 5.1 analog outputs/inputs is the only way you'll be able to listen to sacd's, with your equipment. It's also the only way to hear the new HD audio formats on HD DVD and Blu ray, since your receiver doesn't have and process audio through HDMI. Of course, the player would need the 5.1 analog outputs, and not all do.

gene c

Re: DVD sound: SACD or digital coax?

If you really enjoy listenning to music then I feel DVD-Audio (the H/K 31 doesn't support SACD) does make a noticable difference. Especially since the 31 offers bass management thru the analog outs. On the down side, things like EZSet/EQ and bass/treble adjustments are bypassed by the 247 so no tweaking of the sound is allowed. This doesn't seem to bother too many people but I like to make the occasional adjustments now and then. And then there's the dwindling supply of DVD-A discs . So all things considered, I say to stick with the coax for now.

plinkoking

Re: DVD sound: SACD or digital coax?

I like SACD I think it gives the best sound