As the topic says, what do u think? For example, does DVD JVC HU connected to Alpine PXA-H701 with RUX-C701 using digital optical connection have the same SQ as high end unit (eg 7998R/IVA-D310/9381E/etc) which also connected using optical digital to PXA-H701 and both of them are playing same source (music CDs)?

yes, they should definitely have the same SQ, as the processor will be the key to that.

not that you won't be able to use any of the preamp functions - volume, balance, fading, sublevel - on the jvc at all. they will be defunct. you will need to mount the RUX somewhere ergonomical and use that instead (it is designed to cater for that). this is the main problem when you don't use an alpine HU with their processors.

if you don't already own the jvc, then an alpine-alpine combo is far more elegant.

thanks for the reply shiny,

But one of my friend said that it isn't the same, it's got something to do with jittering, resampling or clocking issues. I'm not sure though, since I'm blind with those stuffs

I'm not using JVC or alpine yet, currently I'm still use el-cheapo all in one dvd with screen unit, and when connected using digital coaxial connection to my digital amplifier, the sound quality difference is massively improved than using ordinary RCA out.

Currently the sound is ok enough for me, but the sound setting is very limited (no TA/EQ), and the annoying thing is I need to use the amplifier's remote to control the volume. The RUX controller seems pretty nice, since I can control the volume directly without using the remote. Current HU only have digital coaxial output, so I think I need to change the HU which have optical digital output if I want to use PXA+RUX. I know it's possible to convert coaxial to optical, but I don't have any soldering/electronic skills. So probably JVC will be ok enough for me.

Or, I can use another option, by saving more money and buy IVA-D310E (for easy setting because of touchscreen) or 9861E and PXA without the RUX. But my friend said that, even the SQ still inferior when using D-310E/9861E + PXA than using 7998R + PXA + RUX combo becaue 7998R has better performance in reading CDs and reduce jitter? Help, I'm still confused.

The Alpine unit will only accept up to 48kHz on the Toslink input. Jitter and clock is automatically recovered from the optical signal, so no advantage or disadvantage with either brand. The only thing better is to have the clock from the head unit run separately to the PXA - this does not occur.

The National Pro Street champion from last year was running the factory head unit into a PXA-H700, and it works just fine.

note though - unless you use the line-in as well, then you lose the radio/iPod/cd changer etc. as these all use the analog from the H/U, not digital.


further - the better head unit will have a better digital signal, but the difference won't be very (if at all) noticable using the PXA - it's not that good itself.

If you want the best results possible, I suggest a Nakamichi head unit - they are well known as having a fantastic transport.

From Alpine, the D310 will be most adequate.