Which is the better connection? My manual doesn't specify and I want to ensure that I am getting surround sound. I always thought didital was better but the way the manual is worded kind of leans towards the multi channel in. Thx for any help.
Digital coaxial and optical inputs are for movies and multichannel analog input is for DVD-Audio and SACD discs. You can listen to DVD-A's via coaxial/optical, however, when you switch the receiver to direct multichannel input, the sound will be much better and what you hear is true surround mix of the disc. You must use the player's DD/DTS decoders and bass management in direct multichannel mode.
Forgot to say for movies you'll need to listen to both optical or coaxial and direct multichannel to see which one is better. Many people prefer using the player's decoders but many receivers have excellent decoders with more flexible crossover settings. Only your ears will decide for you.
I've got a semi-related, probably overly subjective question.
I'm interested in buying a universal DVD-A SACD player, but the only one I can afford right now would be an inexpensive one--$100-$200.
Is the quality of reproduction in a "cheap" universal player (presumably with a "cheap" DAC) going to be appreciable with a relatively modest system (HK AVR 635 and Athena speakers)? Would I be better off waiting to purchase a more expensive universal player since the quality of reproduction is a function of the DAC in the player more than the receiver and a more expensive universal player is likely to have a higher quality DAC?
The Pioneer DV-588A-S sells for around $130 from Amazon, and probably cheaper elsewhere. There was also a Toshiba whose model number escapes me that was less than $200.
I'm using the Pioneer DV-563A, which is even cheaper. It works great for both SACD and DVD-A, although the bass management leaves a lot to be desired. For DVD-A, the crossover is set to 200 Hz, so I turn bass management off by setting all speakers to large.