Connecting a CD player to Hi-fi system

[Raigmore]

I recently upgraded my Home Cinema system, getting a new Onkyo Amp, blu-ray player etc. One of the things that I decided to keep from my old kit was a NAD C540 CD player that is still working perfectly after 10 years and so I saw no reason to change it.

When a pro set my system up 10 years ago, for some reason that I could not understand he insisted that connecting this NAD CD player to the (then) Denon Receiver by analog Red & White cables was better than using a digital co-axial cable despite the latter facility being available. I could not understand why but followed his advice and the sound quality was excellent.

But when I upgraded the system, I disconnected the L-R cables and used a co-axial cable to nominate & connect the NAD CD player to the Onkyo. The sound quality is slightly different - I cannot exactly put into words how - but still very good. Am I doing the right thing?

[sideshowbob]

Its up to you really - by connecting up digitally, the onkyo is doing the digital to analogue conversion, rather than the NAD - it will have different chips for doing so than the NAD. I would go with whatever you liked the sound of better - there is no right or wrong answer.

[Raigmore]

Thanks for that. I am not yet certain which one I like better but have a sneaky feeling that the old way might have been. With the co-axial connection the sound does not seem so 'clean' as before.

[Ste7en]

The NAD DACs may sound a bit 'warmer' :shrug:

As said, it will be down to personal preference. Try each way for a few weeks with music you know well.

Me, I'd go analogue :)

[Raigmore]

I do not know if it matters, but the NAD CD player is almost 11 years old whereas I bought the Onkyo Receiver only 18 months ago. Has DAC technology changed a lot in the last decade?

[Ste7en]

Generally DACs are better now. But a lot depends on implementation.

Honestly matey, there is no right or wrong. Try both and go with which one you like the most.

I don't know. But I'd expect the Onkyo to be a bit harsh.

[LouBarlow]

Me, I'd go analogue :)

Ditto!

[sideshowbob]

You might find that you need to engade the pure direct mode on the amp as well - this turns off any additional processing that might be taking place.

[statto]

The NAD DACs may sound a bit 'warmer' :shrug:

As said, it will be down to personal preference. Try each way for a few weeks with music you know well.

Me, I'd go analogue :)

Generally DACs are better now. But a lot depends on implementation.

Honestly matey, there is no right or wrong. Try both and go with which one you like the most.

I don't know. But I'd expect the Onkyo to be a bit harsh.

Agree 100% with the bolded comments. NAD gear is well known for it's "warm side of neutral" presentation.

[Raigmore]

I tried out with the new coax link several pieces of music that I have often listened to with the old analogue connection. The results were variable.

- Stayin' Alive : Bee Gees- definitely sounded better with the coax, especially with an 'Orchestra' setting (one that is supposed to be for classical music ;))

- Theme music from The Terminator: Brad Fiedel - again, better with the coax link. I could up the bass to my liking on the subwoofer without the noise that I used to get with the old connection.

- Believe and Just Like Jesse James: Cher - These sounded cleaner with the old analogue cables. As you guys say, they came out slightly harsher with the Onkyo converter.

Holding out for a Hero: Bonnie Tyler - Seemed to be very little difference between the two connections.

As you guys suggest, I'll wait for a while and see how I like the new set-up and then decide.