Analogue or optical out

Having taken a brief look at the RX-V775 manual (page 31), it *seems* you can connect an audio playback device (such as the X12) with EITHER analogue OR digital cables. As to which will provide the better listening experience will depend on personal preference. I'd try both. One thing to bear in mind is that if you use digital, the X12's on-board DAC is being bypassed - the Yamaha DAC will be crunching the 1s and 0s. AV receivers USUALLY have DACs that are somewhat inferior to specialist DACs so don't be surprised if the sound is better (to you) via RCA analogue connectivity.

For analogue, I'm not sure why a 2 to 1 cable would be needed. A pair of standard RCA (phono / interconnect) cables will fit the audio out of the X12 and the "Audio 1" (or 2) input jacks on the Yamaha. If you don't have a spare set of interconnects, let me know - I have a dozen spare sets . A perfectly serviceable optical digital cable can easily be obtained for less than a tenner. Actually, I have a spare one of those too... hmmm. Note to self: no more cable purchases!

Incidentally, different digital cables will, generally, make relatively little difference to the sound being generated as they just carry 1s and 0s. In contrast, RCA cables can sometimes make a huge difference to sound characteristics. Some will favour bottom end; some will favour top end and a few will convey a neutral sound. Trouble is, one person's neutral is another person's bass / treble overkill. It's trial and error until you find the set that your ears like so much, it makes the rest of your face smile.

Happy listening.


Edit.  Yamaha manual download:  download.yamaha.com/api/asset/file/?language=en&site=uk.yamaha.com&asset_id=58929

For what it's worth, I think you had a stroke of luck with the X10 being upgraded to the X12 even if it didn't feel like it at the time .

DACs.... whew! How long is a piece of string? You could spend anything from £20 to £1000+ (£200 to £600 would be typical at "entry-but-serious level") - there is no guarantee you will like the result! In theory, DACs shouldn't affect the sound. However, in the real world, DACs in otherwise identical set ups DO vary in what they produce - substantially in some cases. Most produce great detail but after that it's hugely variable. Characteristics that vary include the soundstage and the presentation of frequency ranges. I've heard dedicated DACs make music almost unlistenable to me with overblown highs / lows / mid-range.

In simple terms, my set up isn't that different to what you're trying. I have the X10 + an amp with a built-in DAC (Marantz PM6005 amp). You have the X12 + an amp with a built-in DAC that just happens to be an AV receiver as well. The difference is that one amp is dedicated to 2-channel stereo whilst the other is set up to provide other stuff as well. The "other stuff" could mean the electronics are tweaked in a way that dilutes the quality of stereo music presentation. However, even if this is true on a technical level, all that matters in the end is what it sounds like - to you. In all honesty, I would suggest considering an external DAC only if you really can't get a sound you like with the X12 / Yamaha combo - make sure you check all the settings of the Yamaha, including the obvious such as "stereo" output for stereo playback. That X12/Yamaha combo effectively gives two DAC options and it would be a shame to spend unnecessarily if you can find the right sound.


As for recommending interconnect cables, it won't really help because what might sound great to me could sound rather rubbish to you. I'd suggest popping into a high street hi-fi shop (usual suspects being Richer Sounds, Sevenoaks, Superfi, Peter Tyson) and see what they suggest. Based on personal experience, anything between £20 to £40 *should* be more than enough to get a sensible pair of interconnects. Do a bit of browsing before going so that you don't get caught out by sales patter. Sorry; I mean happy-worker-enthusiasm... .  Alternatively, have a chat with Audio Visual Online ( www.audiovisualonline.co.uk ) - I have found them to be reasonably helpful in the past (no vested interest on my part).  Remember to ask for SHIELDED interconnects.

Good luck.