[RonB]

Hello to all-I am putting together on paper a desired upgrade path for my Home Theater/audio system & have some questions I don't know if I'm thinking through OR understanding properly
I will be purchasing:
1) A new flat panel LCD display (w/ both HDMI & Component inputs).
2) A Universal DVD/CD player (w/HDMI,Component,Digital Coax & 5+ channel analog audio outputs)
3) A HT Preamp-Processor w/ (HOPEFULLY) HDMI,component & the digital coax & multi-channel analog inputs.
The area of question in my mind I'm focusing on is being able to use ONLY the Processor balanced outputs as a final signal path to my amp & the different signal paths inside the processor for the different playback formats (DVD,SACD,DVD-A & CD....both digital coax & analog)
By the way...the processors I'm looking at are the Outlaw,Emotiva or Nu Force,The Universal player will be a Marantz.
*NOW....IF  I'm wanting to use the source player to watch a DVD w/HDMI outputs to the processor & then the processor HDMI video output to the display...IF  I have the processor  balanced outputs hooked up from pre-pro to amp,I'll still get the 5+ channel output I desire right? (OR WRONG?)
*For 2 channel CD playback output over the digital coax OR 2 channel analog to the processor will the signal still end up going out over the balanced pre-pro outputs to the amp?
*The same type of question would apply for SACD & DVD-A playback over the player's 5+ channel analog outputs to the pre-pro's 5+ channel analog inputs..would THOSE signals still end up going out over the pre-pro's balanced outputs to the amp?
How much of this is decided by the Audio/Video inputs selected on the Pre-Pro & how these inputs are assigned?
I now have one helluva' headache...Thanks in advance for straightening me out on whatever it is I'm not understanding.

 

[DonnieW]

It's entirely based on how you assign the inputs.  If you primary output are the balanced connections, fine - no problem at all.  I don't know all three of those pre/pros you're considering but most work the same way.  Your outputs are completely static - the outputs don't care what source you're using per se.  You can use your DVD palyer, CD player, tape desk, turntable, etc. and they would all play out the respective channels (i.e. CD, tape and phono would all go out the front two channels - the DVD would blast out up to 6 channels, including the sub).

Hope that makes sense.

[RonB]

Donnie-Thank You for your time in responding. 
Yes your answers make sense & both help clarify & give me a bit more confidence in understanding in my minds eye what I'm trying to accomplish.
I just didn't want to lay out more money for the balanced cables if it wasn't going to work.
Thanx again!-now please excuse me while I go dig & plow us out of this Nor'easter.
Ron B.

[Thebiker]

RonB got it right in one .

I use a Sony 9100ES and set up the same way, except I route the CD/SACD to a tubed integrated for my 2 channel through a different set of speakers.  But then, I'm a sick puppy by some standards .

Good luck, it sounds like it should be a great set-up.