Downmix PCM v Dolby Digital

[RobinKidderminster]

From Sony BDP S570 I have options Downmix PCM and Dolby Digital. For my CD music, through a digital coax connection (better than HDMI for music) , which should I select ?

Thanks

 

[Anonymous]

PCM.

 

[RobinKidderminster]

Brief. To the point. But thanks Nick - I will try it.

 

[daveh75]

Er, the downmix to PCM setting is used to downmix DD 5.1 audio on DVD/BDs to stereo, which you would use if connecting to a stereo amp via stereo analogue outs or via digital coaxial/optical to a 2 channel/stereo DAC. CDs will be output as 2ch PCM so no need to play about with the downmix setting...

 

[The_Lhc]

I also thought that selecting Downmix to PCM on the HDMI output will prevent HD audio from being passed to a suitable AV amplifier?

 

[RobinKidderminster]

Thanks lhc. The options for digital out (coax/optical) are separate to the HDMI outputsettings.

Cheers

 

[Dan Turner]

Yes, if the coax/optical output on the '570 is only used connected to a DAC for stereo replay then the best thing is to set DD and DTS to downmix to PCM, that way everything going to the DAC can be converted. What gets sent over the HDMI will be unaffected. This is how I have mine set.

 

[RobinKidderminster]

Thanks Dan. Will do

 

[Anonymous]

Looking forward to trying this out when i get my coax lead it will be interesting to see if I can hear a difference between the sony and yamaha dacs when comparing using the analogue and coax leads.

Cheers

 

[chrisup]

Hi Robin,

I have Onkyo 905 played some Santana and Steely Dan from my Sony 760 via hdmi with the Onkyo in pure mode sounded pretty good through my B&W 685 Theatre. Fortunately have separate HiFis to play cds or LPs.

Best Wishes

Chris

also from Kidder