noob question.

you need to run 6 analog cables out of your dvd player to the 6 analog inputs marked multi-channel in or marked as external multi-channel input on your pioneer. You will need to select this input and on the pioneer, not sure how they mark this.On my denon it is ext input. You may have to select dvd audio on your dvd player as well.

And then you may have to boost the SW trim on the EXT IN as well by about 5dB for SACD and upto 15dB for DVD-A...

I know why the DVD-A is so extreme, but anyone tell me how or why SACD is different here?

Mark

I think the advise from the above 2 replies is wrong.

You need one cable between those 2 components; an i-link cable.

Umm no the advise is correct. The I-link is just another option for him.

Please be specific next time and don't confuse those that don't fully understand their hook up options.

Maybe the better way to have phrased it was;

Yes you can use the above suggestions or you can go with a one cable solution by getting the I-link cable.

The advantages of i.Link is 1 cable (versus 6), and better sound fidelity.

Technically, you (and the first 2 replies) are correct, They WOULD work, but they are not the best solution.

My apologies if I sounded uncivil.

Ciao, and happy new year!

Just wondering, can you play DVD-A through an HDMI connection?? and if so, is there any difference sound wise between DVD-A through HDMI compared to dvd-a through 5.1 analog?

Yes, HDMI 1.1 can do this, but check that your equipment supports it. One thing to be wary of is that many devices can't handle high-res multichannel audio (eg 5.1x96/24) over HDMI with standard-definition pictures - you may need to tell the player to upscale to 720p/1080i.

As to sound difference - it's the same basic argument as having a digital or analogue connection to a stereo CD player. It will depend on your particular equipment. The main advantage of the digital connection is usually that the receiver will be able to perform all its processing on the signal, rather than just passing it through. (time delays, bass management, room equalisation, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, etc).

Thanks, that was a very helpful explanation and much appreciated.

i.Link is not necessarily the better solution, it really depends on the DACs, and if there's a PCM conversion or not. Some might prefer that the DSD stream be maintained, others might prefer the conversion to PCM to allow for BM, etc. There's also the difference between the player vs. processor's DACs.