What audio system is required for DVD-Audio?
Ideally, a receiver or preamplifier with 6 RCA analog inputs, that does not convert the analog signal back to digital for internal processing and that supports a dynamic range and frequency response comparable with the ultra-high audio fidelity possible with DVD-Audio. However, a DVD-Audio player can also be used with a two channel stereo system. Many DVD-Audio disks will contain 2 channel PCM stereo tracks and for those disks recorded only in multi-channel PCM, the DVD-Audio players will downmix the multi-channel recording into stereo. It is expected that for the foreseeable future, all DVD-Audio players will include internal DACs (Digital to Analog Converters) and processors with output being provided to six RCA analog connections. The commonly used digital connectors (optical and coaxial) are not capable of handling the data rates that can be generated by a DVD-Audio player. Future DVD-Audio players may include a digital FireWire (IEEE 1394) connection with can handle the high data
A receiver or an outboard decoder with DVD-Audio standard digital connections and 6-channel capability will be needed to use the full digital resolution of DVD-Audio. Alternately a high end receiver or preamplifier with 6 RCA analog inputs, which does not convert the signal back to digital and which provides a wide dynamic range and frequency response is necessary to take full advantage of the DVD-Audio formats capability. A DVD-Audio player could also be used with a two channel stereo system since most DVD-Audio disks will contain 2 channel stereo tracks. Multi-channel disks will be down-mixed into stereo by the player.Consult your preferred audio hardware retailer to determine exactly what components you will need.
Ideally, a device that does not convert the analog signal back to digital for internal processing and that supports a dynamic range and frequency response comparable with the ultra-high audio fidelity possible with DVD-Audio. Creative’s Sound Blaster Audigy 2 comes with a 24-bit, 195-kHz and 96-kHz digital-to-analog converter with an SNR of 106 decibels (dB), making it an ideal PC solution for DVD-Audio playback.
