Analog outs Vs. Bitstream

[dbaydoun]

I have been searching various forums for a while but can't seem to come up with a solid answer for the following question. I have a Sony BDP S1 hooked up to a Lexicom MC12. My MC12 does not have HDMI inputs. So I have connected both the digital audio and the analog audio connections from the Sony to the MC12. I have been using the ananlog connection when I choose PCM and I use the digitial connection when there is only a Dolby Digital soundtrack. My question is should I always be using the ananlog connection? Would this give me the best sound? I'm guessing that if I choose Dolby Digital or Ture HD in my blu ray settings that the Sony would internally decode this and send it through the analog outputs. Is this correct? Is this the best way to do it? Since my MC12 does not decode TrueHD or any of the newer formats would I always be better off using the analog inputs? Thanks in advance for your help.

[SgtBigNuts]

The best way to be sure of gettingall sound fields is to go the HDMI route , which most new av's come with.

[crackinhedz]

if your Player can decode Dolby TrueHD, then you should set it to PCM and use Analog out.

Im pretty sure it will never Bitstream lossless audio, so Linear PCM is your only way.

(using optical cable will limit you to 2.0PCM and standard dd and dts.)

[MouseRider]

What you have to do is use the S1 to decode all the formats and send it out via the multi-channel analog outputs, not the optical out.

Then on the MC12, you can use the by-pass mode if you want straight through, or opt to use the bass management features on the MC12 which is, unparalleled by almost any system you'll see being discussed.

I have an MC12 as well but I recently upgraded to the MC-12B HD.

I'll PM you with a suggestion.

[dbaydoun]

Great suggestions. One last question: in the Sony BDP S1 audio setup menu, do I set the DD and DTS settings to Downmix PCM or leave them on DD and DTS? I beleive the downmix makes them 2 channel. Sorry for all the questions. I'm pretty sure what i need to do but it really helps to bounce it off of you guys. Thanks again.

[musicman1999]

I am in kind of the same boat as you, i have an Anthem pre-pro and connect by coax digital for DTS and DD and 5.1 analog for 5.1 pcm. Works great.

bill

[MouseRider]

Originally Posted by dbaydoun

Great suggestions. One last question: in the Sony BDP S1 audio setup menu, do I set the DD and DTS settings to Downmix PCM or leave them on DD and DTS? I beleive the downmix makes them 2 channel. Sorry for all the questions. I'm pretty sure what i need to do but it really helps to bounce it off of you guys. Thanks again.

No, do not set to downmix.

After you set it all up, you can fire up a copy of DVE or similar test disc on DVD if you have it via the S1 and test to make sure that you're getting all the channels properly decoded and sent to the Lex.

Go check out the Lex site, treasure trove of information for Lexicon owners and there are a few S1 owners there that I'm sure will be happy to help.

[Footloose301]

Originally Posted by crackinhedz

if your Player can decode Dolby TrueHD, then you should set it to PCM and use Analog out.

Im pretty sure it will never Bitstream lossless audio, so Linear PCM is your only way.

(using optical cable will limit you to 2.0PCM and standard dd and dts.)

Couldn't have said it better myself.