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AVR with digital [DAC] by-pass

MikE

MikE

Color Me Gone
I'm looking to replace my Denon AVR-590 * with a AVR that will allow me to connect an out-board DAC and ATST by-pass the internal AVR DAC. Just to clarify, I'm using the RCA output on the DAC to the analog input on the AVR. Any recommendations in the $500 range would be appreciated. Perhaps a dedicated pre-amp would be another option. TIA.


* The 590 has this feature but only in stereo mode.
 
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Okay, so you're looking for an AVR that doesn't digitally process it's RCA inputs. You'll probably want to be looking at higher end models, as the majority of mainstream AVRs are going to be doing digital processing all the time. The only company I can think of right from memory is Emotiva (they're only doing separates currently, but they used to make one receiver), but I know there are plenty others. A dedicated preamp would be more likely to not do the processing.
 
Yeah. I am kind of in the same situation. I am putting together a 5.1 system but want to use my dac for two channel audio.
 
whoaru99 said:
FWIW, usually there is no processing/digitizing of the multichannel analog inputs. Just use the front L/R mch inputs.
Click to expand...

I'm using the front RCA inputs on the Denon.

Nightwisher said:
Okay, so you're looking for an AVR that doesn't digitally process it's RCA inputs. You'll probably want to be looking at higher end models, as the majority of mainstream AVRs are going to be doing digital processing all the time. The only company I can think of right from memory is Emotiva (they're only doing separates currently, but they used to make one receiver), but I know there are plenty others. A dedicated preamp would be more likely to not do the processing.
Click to expand...

I believe I may have found what I'm looking for - Marantz SR1050. Unfortunately the Denon doesn't have a pre-amp out.
 
You can also look for any AVR that has a "Pure Direct" feature along with analog inputs for CD/TT/Aux, etc

Pure Direct will preserve the analog chain thru the AVR with no A/D, D/A conversions.
 
There are A/V receivers that have digital outputs, usually added as a digital loop through, for recording purposes. My Yamaha RX-A3030 has this type of digital output. But, I'm not 100% sure which digital signals pass out through this connection. It could any digital content, including a Dolby Digital/DTS surround derived digital signal. Which, to the best of my knowledge, most stand alone 2-channel DACs can't process. So, why not just use the DAC for CD audio decoding, and patch it in at the multi-channel inputs, as suggested. Run it in the bypass/pure direct mode, and everything stays analog.
 
Erik Tracy said:
You can also look for any AVR that has a "Pure Direct" feature along with analog inputs for CD/TT/Aux, etc

Pure Direct will preserve the analog chain thru the AVR with no A/D, D/A conversions.
Click to expand...

Yes, but what he really needs is DIRECT, not PURE DIRECT, sounds like the same, but different. What he is looking for is Marantz SR's, specifically SR-5011 or SR-7010. SR-5011 is probably Marantz best selling AVR with all the features you need, and then some. SR-7010 is one of the best AVR's around, the SR-70XX has always been one of the very best AVR's out there. You will find what you are looking for in previous SR-50XX and SR-70XX models. My very first AVR is an SR-5001, which I still have on my secondary HT system (family room), and it has PD and DIRECT modes. Here are specs and explanations for SR-5011.

Plus, be assured you will be getting great sound for HT and music.
 
PR Audio said:
Yes, but what he really needs is DIRECT, not PURE DIRECT, sounds like the same, but different. What he is looking for is Marantz SR's, specifically SR-5011 or SR-7010. SR-5011 is probably Marantz best selling AVR with all the features you need, and then some. SR-7010 is one of the best AVR's around, the SR-70XX has always been one of the very best AVR's out there. You will find what you are looking for in previous SR-50XX and SR-70XX models. My very first AVR is an SR-5001, which I still have on my secondary HT system (family room), and it has PD and DIRECT modes. Here are specs and explanations for SR-5011.

Plus, be assured you will be getting great sound for HT and music.
Click to expand...
I guess this depends on the specific AVR in question.

The OP said that he is using a stand alone DAC connected to the "analog" inputs of his AVR and wishes to preserve the analog chain thru his AVR with no additional A/D and D/A conversions within the AVR.

Some AVRs, like my Yamaha AVR use the Pure Direct in the manner depicted to do exactly this.
v1800-pure_direct_block.gif


On some AVRs, "Direct" does not preserve a true analog chain, but simply bypass some of the video related circuitry yet also do an A/D conversion within the AVR for bass management and other audio related DSP with a final D/A at the amp outputs.

Depending on the AVR, "Pure Direct" is the feature desired.
 
Would there be any benefit in using an out-board DAC even if it were re-sampled by the Denon?
 
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