[davidmiya]

Hi everyone,

I just picked up an Optimus CD3400 that I saw posted on eBay a few days ago. Surprisingly, nobody had bid for it, so I promptly took the "Buy it Now" option

Anyways, I've always been curious about the difference between the line-out and the digital out on CD players. I know that the Optimus has both on it. However, I'm not sure which one I should use. All I know so far is that line-outs supposedly don't modify the signal and instead feed it directly to the line-out output jack. I have no clue with digital out jacks do and what kind of cable they take.

Oh, and the setup I plan to use with the Optimus CD3400 is a JMT Meta42 Amp and Senn HD600's.

Any suggests on output choices/cable for the Optimus would be highly appreciated!

 

[strohmie]

Out of sheer curiousity, could you post a link for the auction?

<starts kicking himself>

 

[davidmiya]

Sure

Optimus CD3400 3400 Portable CD Player - Item # 3033508173

To tell you the truth, I hadn't known what the Optimus looked like until I saw this pic.

 

[PeterR]

Quote:

Originally posted by davidmiya Anyways, I've always been curious about the difference between the line-out and the digital out on CD players. I know that the Optimus has both on it. However, I'm not sure which one I should use. All I know so far is that line-outs supposedly don't modify the signal and instead feed it directly to the line-out output jack. I have no clue with digital out jacks do and what kind of cable they take.

Ok, in simple terms this is what's happening inside a player: The digital data is read from the CD, converted by the Digital/Analog converter into an analog signal, then this signal is amplified to a level sufficient to drive your headphones. A line out takes the signal right after it leaves the DAC (there may still be a buffer involved, but let's keep it simple), bypassing the internal amplifier (and volume control).
The digital out gives you the digital signal before it is converted to analog, i.e. bypassing the internal DAC. So to listen through the digital out, you need an external DAC.

 

[davidmiya]

But, do you happen know if there is a noticeable sonic difference between the digital out and line out? (supposing that you had a decent external DAC).

 

[andrzejpw]

Well, it all depends on the internal DAC of the player. As a rule of thumb though, an external DAC will generally be better than a stock dac. In the 3400s case, it was well regarded as a transport(external dac) over its line out performance.

 

[maczrool]

What kind of connector is used for the digital out on this unit?

Stu

 

[Hirsch]

1/8 in mono phone jack is the digital output.