SACD output through optical/coax outputs

[dbartelheim]

I own a Sony S570 Blu Ray player which also will play SACD disks. Will an outboard DAC benefit this setup? I read confusing reports regarding the quality of signal passed through optical/coax vs. the signal quality through HDMI.

Any help on this topic would be appreciated.

[J!m]

Never tied what you are specifically suggesting but I would avoid the optical output personally because it requires two conversions: in the player and again in the DAC, which can easily degrade the sonics.

On the other hand, if you have a ground loop issue, optical can elimnate this issue (no ground connection with optical cable), which generally sounds worse than the slight affects of the conversions.

If you don't have ground issues, stick with a cable connection. Be sure it is rated for digital (fast enough and proper impediance) and you wil be fine.

[dbartelheim]

Thanks, Jim. Let me restate my question, because I don't think I really addressed what my issue is. I have read that SACD output from a player is not able to be improved upon through coax or optical output, but can only be manipulated (i.e. improved with an outboard DAC) through HDMI (for instance, connecting the player via HDMI to an AV processor, which would then use the external processor's DAC). Something about SONY rights to SACD and so forth. My question is, if I attach my player to an outboard DAC via coax or optical, will the outboard DAC be able to improve the sound, or is it not possible to do that at the present time? I have a MF V_DAC, which I believe is superior to the built in Sony DAC on my relatively inexpensive Bluray player.

I hope that is clearer.

Dennis

[J!m]

Maybe- but HDMI connections cary both audio and video signals (normally) so unless Sony changed the protocall on the cable connections, I cannot se any benefit to using it.

If they did change it, that is a question I do not have an answer for. Maybe the folks at AA will have a beter answer for you on that.

It sounds as if you use their cable, and then are stuck with their converters either internal or external. Seems silly to me, but I have seen stranger things...

[AudioAdvisorCorey]

The only external DAC that we have been able to use with an SACD Disc is the NAD M51. The M51 has HDMI inputs which can be used for playing PCM files. In order to play an SACD (DSD) disc you will have to use a Universal Player (with HDMI output) that has the ability to convert the DSD layer to PCM on the fly. The resulting 24 bit/88.2 PCM signal can then be decoded by the NAD M51. The sound is amazing.

[dbartelheim]

Thanks Jim and Corey,

Looks like I need to scrape up a little cash to improve my situation :-)

Dennis

[jimwiz]

I have a Sony Mlue-Ray/SACD player. I route the AV signal to the TV (via HDMI) which then goes from the TV audio out to my pre-amp. For listening to CDs and SACDs, I use the audio LR RCA outs on the Sony direct to the pre-amp and bypass the TV. Works great for me.

Jim

[J!m]

But, bypassing the digital outs excludes the use of an outboard DAC if that is what you wanted to do. Using the audio outs from the player as you do, you are using the internal DAC on the unit. Some like the ability to use an external DAC (like me!)

[jimwiz]

Yeah, I know I am using the internal DAC by using the analog outs. I am not really concerned about an up-tick in sound quality with an external DAC. Major wife factor to consider.