Great site. I am hoping that the experts can give me some assistance.
I know that DVD-Audio is kind of a done deal, but there are still companies like AIX Records producing DVD Discs that allow for 24/96 DVD-Audio output.

My first priority is in standard 2 channel Stereo mode.
a: I want to use the Coaxial Digital Out of a DVD player into an outboard DAC. I have told that not all DVD players allow the 24/96 signal to flow through without being truncated. Is this correct? If so, which current or older DVD players would not truncate the DVD-Audio 24/96 signal.
b: I also assume that the actual DVD-Audio discs must be unlocked. Besides AIX Records, what other DVD-Audio are unlocked.
c: In looking for a new DAC that will support this Hirez quest. Does a DAC have to be 24/96 compatible or will any outboard DAC work? Prodcut suggestions would be helpful.

Multichannel:
OK, here I really don't know what I am talking about.
Same question:
In order to hear the DVD-Audio at its best - what do I need to do?
Sorry for the newbieish questions, but I need to learn somewhere!
thanks

You can get 24/96 PCM from DVDs that are not DVD-Audio discs. The format is DVD+Audio (yes, confusing) and can be played in "normal" DVD players. You are correct some players will output 24/96 via S/PDIF and some will downsample. On the other side the audio processor has to accept 24/96. Either end is a case by case basis. I had a Pio receiver that accepted 24/96 and a Ayre DVD player that output 24/96 via S/PDIF. I'm pretty sure my Anthem D2 will accpet 24/96.

For DVD-Audio discs, you'll need a player capable of playing DVD-Audio discs and I don't think they will output 2ch audio via S/PDIF, not sure. Multi-channel audio from DVD-A will have to come from analog output, HDMI, or iLink.

larry

In this day and age, the most logical route (assuming you do not have any equipment now that you want to continue to use) is to get a universal player/transport with HDMI output and a processor/AVR that will handle all current formats. AFAIK, there are no stand-alone DACs that will do this. The least expensive (and quite competent) combination would be an Oppo 980H player and an Integra DTC-9.8 preamp/processor (or one of the less expensive Onkyo/Denon/Yamaha/etc AVRs). That will handle DVD-A and SACD and all current DVD audio codecs.