digital input to receiver or analogue input plus A/D/A = same?

[PaulDA]

I started a thread about different DACs a while ago and though the posts were interesting and informative, I've re-read it and not found an answer to the question posted in the subject heading.

I'll restate it in proper English here: Is using the digital connection from a player (CD or DVD) to the receiver the same as using the analogue input from that player to the receiver and then applying A/D/A to that input? I'm not interested in which is better, as I'll decide for myself. But if it is indeed the same, as I intend to use my receiver to allow the sub to be active in two-channel playback, then I would consider a CD player solely on its merits as a transport. If they are not the same, then I would consider a player based on its sonic characteristics after some serious auditioning.

 

[Andy_Steb]

Sorry but your post is confusing.



But if it is indeed the same, why wouldn't you consider a player based on its sonic characteristics

 

[Rob Kramer]

The answer to your question(s) is:
It is not the same.

 

[StephenL]

If you need bass management and speaker distance adjustment you should also consider whether the player or receiver is most capable.

 

[PaulDA]

The receiver is more flexible, but adds a layer of A/D/A to accomplish BM/TA. The players I'm considering apply a fixed crossover (80hz) for hi-res and TA for DVD-A. There appears to be no affordable machine (sub 1000$CDN) that applies TA on SACD. I don't know why that is and my search for answers on this have been fruitless. As I consider my options, I will use the players for what I can, and in the case of M/C SACD, if the TA issue becomes problematic, I'll rely on my receiver.