Dolby Digital vs DTS - Blu-ray Forum

Blu-junkie · 06-15-2008, 04:02 PM

I've tried to research an answer to this question. I'll ask it here....
After watching The Untouchables in both Dolby and DTS sound versions, I found that the DTS version was maybe more "speaker discreet" but lacked any low end other than explosions, making the soundtrack weak, IMO. The Dolby version was louder, music was glorious, with all the low end you would need making the movie more enjoyable for me.
I pose the question, Dolby Digital or DTS.... Any quality difference or just a matter of taste?
Panasonic BD-30
Bose Speakers
JBL sub
Onkyo 705

RandDawg · 06-15-2008, 04:04 PM

DTS is much better.

Blu-junkie · 06-15-2008, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RandDawg

DTS is much better.

Why?

powerSURG · 06-15-2008, 04:10 PM

This is an argument for the centuries. It's happening all over again with respect to Dolby TrueHD vs DTS-HDMA.

I personally prefer DTS-HDMA, it tends to have a higher bit-rate but it's probably just personal preference.

JJ · 06-15-2008, 04:11 PM

This is an interesting question, but I can only offer an opinion from a DVD-point of view, as I have not upgraded my sound on Blu-ray yet, It's still pending my speaker purchases.

But I will attempt a DVD-comparison, if you all will let me. Bitrates aside, (480 for DD, 755 kbps for DTS) - I have found that DTS soundtracks on DVDs (I used LOTR: extended editions, Master and Commander, and the Signature edition of Gladiator) - have more definition than their Dolby counterparts. The LFEs are more pronounced, surround effects a bit more clear, and the center channel dialogue more easily heard. Perhaps on Blu-rays there is a difference, but from what I've heard on these forums, DTS-HD MA beats out Dolby TrueHD, even though I could've also sworn that I've read that they're practically the same. Where's crackinhedz when you need him?!

WickyWoo · 06-15-2008, 04:26 PM

Completely different mixes are used on LOTR:EEs. Compare the arrows in Moria. hugely different

Gladiator is another case, and I'm guessing M&C is as well

Theatrical mixes used for DTS, Downmix friendly mixes used for DD

THD/DTSMA arguement is pointless

JJ · 06-15-2008, 04:38 PM

Ah, well, you see? I was right. Kind of. No, I was. Different on DVD, opinions differ on Blu-ray, but I think it's more a choice of personal preference when it comes to the two on our new format - since they are the same, aren't they?

06-15-2008, 04:02 PM	#1
Blu-junkie Member Member since:Jan 2008 Blu-ray reviews: 8	Dolby Digital vs DTS I've tried to research an answer to this question. I'll ask it here.... After watching The Untouchables in both Dolby and DTS sound versions, I found that the DTS version was maybe more "speaker discreet" but lacked any low end other than explosions, making the soundtrack weak, IMO. The Dolby version was louder, music was glorious, with all the low end you would need making the movie more enjoyable for me. I pose the question, Dolby Digital or DTS.... Any quality difference or just a matter of taste? Panasonic BD-30 Bose Speakers JBL sub Onkyo 705

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06-15-2008, 04:04 PM	#2
RandDawg Active Member Member since:Mar 2008 Location:Seattle, WA Blu-ray collection:3	DTS is much better.

06-15-2008, 04:10 PM	#4
powerSURG Active Member Member since:Jan 2007 Location:Shaw AFB, SC Blu-ray collection:42	This is an argument for the centuries. It's happening all over again with respect to Dolby TrueHD vs DTS-HDMA. I personally prefer DTS-HDMA, it tends to have a higher bit-rate but it's probably just personal preference.

06-15-2008, 04:11 PM	#5
JJ Blu-ray Count Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Jul 2007 Location:Miami, FL Home Theater Gallery:99 4K collection:619 Blu-ray collection:1293 DVD collection:31 Digital collection:5 Blu-ray reviews: 18 Trading Score:203	This is an interesting question, but I can only offer an opinion from a DVD-point of view, as I have not upgraded my sound on Blu-ray yet, It's still pending my speaker purchases. But I will attempt a DVD-comparison, if you all will let me. Bitrates aside, (480 for DD, 755 kbps for DTS) - I have found that DTS soundtracks on DVDs (I used LOTR: extended editions, Master and Commander, and the Signature edition of Gladiator) - have more definition than their Dolby counterparts. The LFEs are more pronounced, surround effects a bit more clear, and the center channel dialogue more easily heard. Perhaps on Blu-rays there is a difference, but from what I've heard on these forums, DTS-HD MA beats out Dolby TrueHD, even though I could've also sworn that I've read that they're practically the same. Where's crackinhedz when you need him?!

06-15-2008, 04:26 PM	#6
WickyWoo Blu-ray Champion Member since:May 2007 Trading Score:2	Completely different mixes are used on LOTR:EEs. Compare the arrows in Moria. hugely different Gladiator is another case, and I'm guessing M&C is as well Theatrical mixes used for DTS, Downmix friendly mixes used for DD THD/DTSMA arguement is pointless

06-15-2008, 04:38 PM	#7
JJ Blu-ray Count Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Jul 2007 Location:Miami, FL Home Theater Gallery:99 4K collection:619 Blu-ray collection:1293 DVD collection:31 Digital collection:5 Blu-ray reviews: 18 Trading Score:203	Ah, well, you see? I was right. Kind of. No, I was. Different on DVD, opinions differ on Blu-ray, but I think it's more a choice of personal preference when it comes to the two on our new format - since they are the same, aren't they?

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