A few questions about DAC basics

Ok. I think the first step is to talk to Denon about the following two basic questions and hope I get a tech that knows what he/she is doing:

1) What exactly happens to a signal via regular analog inputs into the Denon CD or DVD analog inputs for example, when playing two channel Stereo mode.
The manual is unclear but seems to imply that minimal processing is occurring to any signal that is not Dolby Digital or DTS. Although "Stereo" is technically a surround mode, none of the DSP effects are available, nor is the LFE adjustment to the sub available when the signal is non DD, or DTS. In fact the manual later then excludes the Stereo mode as a surround mode when listing them.

The manual is not as explanatory as it could be. It DOES then go on to state that ONLY the Stereo Mode can be used when playing PCM signals with a sampling frequency of 96kHz.
I guess my related question is what would happen to a DAC signal at 24/96 inputted (manual is unclear as to whether this is an analog or digital signal input) when using Stereo mode; and what does the Denon do to the bass or sub pre out settings in that case.

Here are a summary of the Denon specs from their website:

AVR-1801
Dolby Digital & DTS A/V Receiver • 24 bit DSP processor • 5 equal power amplifier channels • 70 watts per channel into 8 ohms, <.08%THD, 20Hz - 20 kHz • Discrete power amplifier stage • 5 Channel Stereo • Personal Memory Plus • Virtual Surround (for use with 2 speakers) • 24 bit, 96 kHz DACs • 24 bit, 96 kHz digital interface receiver • 24 bit, 96 kHz stereo PCM digital playback • Speaker A/B (front) selector • 6 Channel External Input (for DVD-Audio) with wideband (100 kHz) frequency response • Addressable digital inputs, 2 optical, 1 coaxial • "S" & composite video switching • Banana plug compatible speaker terminals (L, R, C) • Pre-amp outputs (L, R, C, Sub) • Preprogrammed remote control features TV, VCR, DVD codes from other manufacturers

I can set the speakers to "Small" (80Hz cutoff) or "Large" (full range) in Stereo mode, and do some adjustment of the Sub pre out signal, but that is also a bit unclear. I think that possibly if the fronts are set to "Small", then the sub pre out handles anything below 80hz, but I could be wrong about the bass management in this case. I can also set the fronts and the sub to both accept a full range signal and use the crossover on the sub to cut out frequencies above a sub crossover selected frequency. My sub crossover goes from 50-180 hz. It is a pretty fast sub designed for music.
The Denon manual actually suggests doing it this way-running a full range signal to both the fronts and the sub and using the sub crossover to blend with the fronts based upon the range of the fronts. My fronts are rated down to 45 hz.

2) Find out exactly how this EXT IN grouping of RCA ins works. The manual upon further reading clearly states that all surround processing is bypassed and implies that the sub/bass management is handled by supposedly routing the signal to the standard pre-out as I have stated, if it is used, but the valid questions raised here is how to get a sub in signal into that EXT In sub in line level jack without degrading the signal or compromising the FR and FL signals. The speaker level inputs to the sub has some promise here. This could be a way to go.

I could use splitters to combine the FR and FL signals to mono to the EXT IN Sub in, while also running the separate FR and FL signals to their respective inputs. 3 splitters total. (Yuck).
Curiously, I have a Pro Audio Mackie Mixer in my Recording Studio setup and this is actually the way they tell you is preferred to run a line level signal to the sub (use a splitter to combine the full range R and L channels and then to the RCA line input to the sub, and then use the sub crossover.
This is not quite the same thing as a DAC signal split out as stated by you guys, and is probably not a good idea.

I will keep you posted as to what Denon has to say and go from there. Yes, my head is spinning.
Maybe another option is that this urge to get better sound will pass. :>

Talked to Denon and a Tech named Tony who was very helpful.
This unit does have analog bypass through the EXT IN inputs.
He confirmed that anything through the regular inputs would go through the Denon circuitry.

His solutions to the subwoofer were:

1) Get a DAC with two sets of analog outputs and run one set to the FL/FR of the EXT IN, and take the other set and use a Y cable and run it into the EXT sub in input. He stated that the DAC must have two discrete buffered analog out pairs.

2) Use the analog outs of the DAC for the FR/FL and if the Pioneer had two sets of discrete buffered analog outputs (which it does) then run a separate signal to the EXT IN sub input from the Pioneer rather than the DAC. He stated that their may be some timing issues with this, but they would probably not be noticeable at the low frequencies. Only trying it out would tell if that would work.

3) You could just not use the sub for two channel since the monitors went down to 45 hz depending on what kind of music I generally listenend to.

Of course the speaker level connections for the sub should also work which has been suggested by this forum.

Thanks for all of the help.

Small update. Ran the Pioneer through the EXT INs to bypass the Denon. Sub was not hooked up.
Did A/B for several minutes on a CD that I know well (Foreplay-Heartfelt).

Mrowlands - You were right, it sounded better. The bass was definitely extended and tighter, and the mids/highs had a bit more presence. The overall soundstage also had more depth.
This was using some cheap RCA cables I had laying around.

Well, no matter what I do, the EXT INs are going to get used somehow for two channel listening. I have been convinced about bypassing the Denon circuitry for two channel. I had no idea.

Thanks again.

Thanks for the update, Lkdog. I am happy to hear that you do, in fact, have an analog bypass circuit. So, if in the future, you wish to add a DAC, you should be able to reap all the benefits. Your little experiment also proves that the DAC in your Pioneer Elite is superior to those in the Denon (not a surprise). Be sure to let us know what you decide to do to integrate the sub and the results.
Happy Listening,
Mark Raybeck

Thanks for the update. Better cables will improve it even further. Have fun!