CD optical output

Posted by JBK [IP: 216.192.50.54] on March 25, 1999 at 19:55:45
Using Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 4.01; Windows 98):

In Reply to: CD optical output posted by CDL on March 24, 1999 at 05:32:48:

: : Hi, I'll be purchasing a jukebox-style cd changer soon to hook up to a Kenwood DD receiver, via an optical digital connection. What I want to know is if having the Toslink connection from the changer will automatically give me the benefit of DTS 5.1 CDs or not (or does the changer have to list itself as 'DTS compatible'?). Also, does everyone out there think a cd player's sound is dramatically improved by using the optical output vs. the composite, or only moderately? I ask because one model I'm considering is a well-priced Kenwood 200 changer that has no digital outs. Thanks!!

I am not an electronics expert, but it is my understanding that all CD players with digital output (optical or coaxial) will send out a raw signal that the receiver (or separate processor) can use -- whether standard CD or DTS. If your receiver can decode DTS, then any CD player with digital ouput will suffice. The sonic benefit is that most moderate to high end receivers/preamps have much higher quality digital to analog processing than most low end CD players. Also, the signal is purer (digital ---> analog) vs. (digital ---> analog ---> digital ---> analog). I can hear a significant difference with my system.

DVD handles the digital track differently -- earlier models would not properly handle the raw DTS signal.
By the way, I think that the sound from DTS CD's is terrific -- but unfortunately there are very few titles available (and few new ones being released). I fear that DTS CD's will remain a small niche product.

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