Is there difference between a digital speaker sysytem and an analog system with external decoder?

Question

hi..;

if i use an external decoder on an analog speaker system will it be as good digital as an equal sound-quality-specification digital system??

Answer 1

In both cases you have on some point translate the digital signal to analogoue. In case of  z-5500 the digital signal goes till the subwoofer, on megaworks just to your external decoder output. So the there are two things to consider.

Has the external decoder better or worser D/A converter as the z-5500. I would say it can be only better.

Another factor are disturbances on the cable from PS3 to the boxes. On digital you have no influence, on analog it depends on cables.

I would place the decoder near the boxes. Buy not the cheapest analog cables and go for the creative as you would not hear the digital analog differences.

I myself has similar dilemma before and then choosed a better analog boxes and I'm very content with that. If you are in europe maybe consider even better boxes like the teufel.

Answer 2

You may need to be more specific but... The speakers themselves aren't the factor in this case. And depending on the radical audiophile you talk to, the preference will vary. Digital codecs will have much better sound processing. But again Home Theater/ Movie audio and Music audio are completely different things. Go digital for movies. Analog for Music, unless you are using  "super audio or DVD audio" material, then use digital for that as well. Remember, we all hear things a bit differently. Just go with what sounds best to you. Don't let the "experts" tell you different.