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 January 3, 2005 I am totally enthused (and confused) by surround audio. I have a Denon universal player connected to a McIntosh MX134 processor. It is connected both digitally and through the six analog connections through the Mac's "external" inputs. SACDs seem happiest using the analog external inputs; DVD-As work either way including a digital DTS signal. Q: Am I still better off using the analog inputs with DVD-A? Does this force me to rely on the inferior DAC in the Denon as opposed to the Mac? What is the best way to go? Jeff Rubin A: When listening to the DVD-Audio portion of the surround disc you must use the multichannel inputs on the McIntosh along with the multichannel outputs on the Denon. So the short answer is "yes," with DVD-A use the external inputs on your processor. The longer answer Dolby Digital and DTS signals can be sent through your digital connection (which you've figured out), thereby using the MX134's DACs; they can also be sent through the analog connection just like SACD/DVD-A. It's really a catch 22 To use the Mac's DACs, you must listen to the lower-resolution format; listening to the higher-resolution SACD or DVD-A formats requires using the Denon's internal DACs. The only exceptions to his rule are with components that allow high-resolution digital output, but this is not available when mixing and matching brands, and then only certain brands have the feature to begin with. Denon does, and so does Pioneer. A scan of the McIntosh website does reveal two new multichannel components, the MX119 A/V control center and the MVP861 universal audio/video player, but these do not support any type of hi-rez digital connection -- you'll still be forced to use the analog connection you're using now. So really you're set up correctly now, with the gear that you currently have. So sit back, forget about those connections, and enjoy. ...Jeff Fritz
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