I just bought a Panasonic DVDRP62K which has optical audio output. Should I get an optical cable (where) and run it from the DVD to the 950? Will I be able to hear a difference?

Unless you do, you won't be able to use your 950 to decode Dolby Digital or DTS. You can purchase one at Best Buy, Radio Shack, or any convenient consumer electronics store. (And personally, I wouldn't buy a particularly expensive one. Just something that seems built well.)

Enjoy!!

[This message has been edited by bobliinds (edited June 13, 2002).]

This Panasonic has the digital optical output, but does not have the digital coaxial output. Am I going to miss anything?

You will be fine as long as you are using a digital connection. Some people have varying opinions about optical vs. coax. I have never had a problem with either. If you don't have a digital connection you will only be able to get DPLII not DTS or DD5.1 or DDEX. You will definately miss out.

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Stott

Outlaw sells a pretty good optical cable for not much money. If you buy just a cable, though, the cost of shipping may make it a bit too pricey. You can also get them at Best Buy, Circuit City, etc. It really will make a significant difference.

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Matthew J. Hill
matt@idsi.net

I have been looking at cables and prices. I found some good buys here: http://www.abuys.com/visitabuys.htm
But what do I need to go from the Panasonic DVD-RP62 and the Outlaw 950? Toslink to Toslink, Fiber Optic Cable, Digital Optical Fiber???

Somebody jump in if I'm way off, but....

If your Panasonic has an optical digital out, I believe you'll need a "Toslink" cable...it's design comes from the people at Toshiba (hence "TOSlink"). That's your fiber optic cable. What makes it unique are the ends, not really the cable itself. It's the hookup method I currently use from my Sony DVD player to my....oh, wait...it's not here yet...950 pre/pro. Well, I used it to connect the Sony and my H/K AVR before I sold it for my...oh,wait...it's not here yet...950 pre/pro.

I bought one here under TOSlink cables

http://www.markertek.com/MTStore/product.CFM?BaseItem=OPT%2D102

It was $16 + shipping, in my hands the next day and works fine.

The outlaw, or other brands are built more robustly, so if you think it's going to be subject to a lot of handling or strain, get a different one.

BB