5.1 Analog Connections - What's Involved?

[WriteSimply]

Good analog cables need not be expensive. So long as the cable and interconnects are good, that's all you need. The shorter the cables, the better; and that usually means that you can get cheap, shielded cables instead of expensive ones.

PCM through HDMI is preferred if you have a HDMI receiver/preamp. All the player does is decode the PCM (for TrueHD/DTS HDMA) and then pass it through the HDMI without going through the DA process. If it's already in PCM, it's the same; think digital out for a CD player.

If you like your current analog-only receiver and it's not deteriorating, use the analog out. If you're upgrading anyway, audition a few new HDMI ones.


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