Newb 2 Higher Qual Audio - Police DTS-CD - Blu-ray Forum

danfaz · 03-05-2010, 03:53 PM

Hey all,

So I made my 1st "audiophile" purchase. My system can't play SA-CDs as of yet, so I bought The Police's "Every Breath You Take" 5.1 DTS-CD.

I've never heard an SA-CD, DVD-A or DTS-CD, so I really didn't know what to expect.

Let me just say I was very pleased with the sound! It was so much warmer, clearer & deeper than a normal CD!

I've read somewhere you lose some quality with DTS-CD coding. Without starting a coding war, what can I expect if I get a player that can play SA-CDs?

Clark Kent · 03-05-2010, 03:58 PM

The DTS CDs are lossy in nature and were a format before the true high-resolution formats were introduced. It does give you surround sound on a cd, but they are slightly lower in fidelity than a SACD or DVD-Audio, which are true lossless formats.

DTS CDs can still sound very good though. There are not too many of them that were made. There are SACDs of the Police, which are pretty good. I have the greatest hits SACD by them.

ManUtd · 03-05-2010, 04:34 PM

I have heard both DTS-CD and SACD versions. The former is a good upgrade from redbook CD but the SACD is simply the best version. If you're planning to buy an SACD player and like The Police, definitely get the SACD. Unfortunately ebay is the only place I know where you can buy them now.

kingofgrills · 03-05-2010, 06:28 PM

I must admit that I've never owned a DTS-CD, so this is good information to know.

As a side note, the OP might want to pick up the Police's live Blu-ray concert, "Certifiable," which is fantastic and sounds great in lossless surround sound. A couple of Sting's solo albums, "Brand New Day" and "Sacred Love" are also available on SACD, and they sound great too.

danfaz · 03-05-2010, 07:52 PM

thanks, guys! Will have to check out those other options.

ManUtd · 03-05-2010, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kingofgrills

I must admit that I've never owned a DTS-CD, so this is good information to know.

As a side note, the OP might want to pick up the Police's live Blu-ray concert, "Certifiable," which is fantastic and sounds great in lossless surround sound. A couple of Sting's solo albums, "Brand New Day" and "Sacred Love" are also available on SACD, and they sound great too.

Great suggestion for the Certifiable blu. It's one of my reference BDs. Too bad Sting's SACDs are now OOP.

dobyblue · 03-05-2010, 08:52 PM

Although they've been out of print for a while, I just saw 6 copies of "Sacred Love" on SACD at Best Buy, CDN$21.99

Check your local music store, they might have old copies.

You can also get "Nothing Like The Sun" and "Ten Summoner's Tales" on the dts cd format. It's unfortunate, but those are ONLY available on dts-cd. The multi-channel mix of Ten Summoner's Tales is very, very good, particularly on songs like Something A Boy Said, Shape of My Heart and Seven Days. Wish they'd do an SACD of that one. Amazon lists Nothing Like The Sun as being a DVD-Audio disc, but I'm pretty sure that's incorrect.

Brand New Day is available as a dts-cd, DVD-Audio and SACD. I think the SACD is the best.

The SACD of Police's Greatest Hits is definitely superior to the dts-cd, but it's a great starting point.

ManUtd · 03-05-2010, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dobyblue

Although they've been out of print for a while, I just saw 6 copies of "Sacred Love" on SACD at Best Buy, CDN$21.99

Check your local music store, they might have old copies.

You can also get "Nothing Like The Sun" and "Ten Summoner's Tales" on the dts cd format. It's unfortunate, but those are ONLY available on dts-cd. The multi-channel mix of Ten Summoner's Tales is very, very good, particularly on songs like Something A Boy Said, Shape of My Heart and Seven Days. Wish they'd do an SACD of that one. Amazon lists Nothing Like The Sun as being a DVD-Audio disc, but I'm pretty sure that's incorrect.

Brand New Day is available as a dts-cd, DVD-Audio and SACD. I think the SACD is the best.

The SACD of Police's Greatest Hits is definitely superior to the dts-cd, but it's a great starting point.

I recently saw Sacred Love at a local Fry's store but decided not to get it based on the terrible reviews I've read about it. I'm going track down some of those DTS-CDs you mentioned at Ebay. These days Ebay is practically my main high-res music store.

Damage Inc. · 03-07-2010, 01:36 AM

Hey, I'm not completely familiar with all the audio-formats either.
I mean as in the ones that come in discs, but I do know the formats as in the coding and such.

Anyway, I borrowed this audio-DVD, Robert Cray's 'Time Will Tell',
and while it's not completely my kinda music, I just loved the audio.
It was as if the band was right there around me with the 5.1-mix especially.
And I don't even have a super high-end audio-setup.

But the thing I'm wondering:

Dolby Digital is compressed audio right?... At least on video-DVDs.
Wouldn't that be the same for audio-DVDs,
or is it like that they have so much extra space, they have a much higher bitrate, even as much as lossless?

But many CDs are indeed laughable compared to this DVD I have alone.
And I love my CDs, but of course mainly for the content.
Just kinda makes me sad they're all not that great.
Especially the ones with a lot of compression as in the volume... so much distortion...
And really a problem in Metal and such...
Apparently there are some more recent releases in audio-DVD-format, but they will probably never be common...

Ignorant people, with their MP3s...

Big Daddy · 03-07-2010, 03:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Damage Inc.

Hey, I'm not completely familiar with all the audio-formats either.
I mean as in the ones that come in discs, but I do know the formats as in the coding and such.

Anyway, I borrowed this audio-DVD, Robert Cray's 'Time Will Tell',
and while it's not completely my kinda music, I just loved the audio.
It was as if the band was right there around me with the 5.1-mix especially.
And I don't even have a super high-end audio-setup.

But the thing I'm wondering:

Dolby Digital is compressed audio right?... At least on video-DVDs.
Wouldn't that be the same for audio-DVDs,
or is it like that they have so much extra space, they have a much higher bitrate, even as much as lossless?

But many CDs are indeed laughable compared to this DVD I have alone.
And I love my CDs, but of course mainly for the content.
Just kinda makes me sad they're all not that great.
Especially the ones with a lot of compression as in the volume... so much distortion...
And really a problem in Metal and such...
Apparently there are some more recent releases in audio-DVD-format, but they will probably never be common...

Ignorant people, with their MP3s...

Please read the following three threads. They will help you understands all the audio codecs.

A Guide to Home Theater Audio Codecs

A Guide to SACD

A Guide to DVD-A

danfaz · 03-07-2010, 03:03 PM

This is addicting! I just picked up DM's Music for the Masses & Ultra SA-CDs from amazon UK. Working on getting Nothing Like the Sun DTS-CD.

I figure soon I'll be getting a new BD player that can play SA-CDs, so might as well stock up for when it comes

Johnny Vinyl · 03-07-2010, 07:07 PM

I have never owned a DTS-CD or one of those XRCD CD's. Have I been missing out?

John

ManUtd · 03-07-2010, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by danfaz

This is addicting! I just picked up DM's Music for the Masses & Ultra SA-CDs from amazon UK. Working on getting Nothing Like the Sun DTS-CD.

I figure soon I'll be getting a new BD player that can play SA-CDs, so might as well stock up for when it comes

I thought Music for the Masses was OOP?

danfaz · 03-07-2010, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John72953

I have never owned a DTS-CD or one of those XRCD CD's. Have I been missing out?

John

I would say "yes!" After listening to this one DTS-CD, I'm hooked! I can't wait to hear an SA-CD. I dabbled with my NEO6 & Dolby ProLogic II Music settings, but they still don't come close to this DTS track!

Quote:

Originally Posted by ManUtd

I thought Music for the Masses was OOP?

Well, amazon.uk says it's just temporarily out of stock, not discontinued. I guess I'll see what happens.

ManUtd · 03-07-2010, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by danfaz

Well, amazon.uk says it's just temporarily out of stock, not discontinued. I guess I'll see what happens.

Well good luck with that, they might have some stock lying around somewhere.

If it happens I might order it too. I'm sure you will be amazed with Ultra, excellent album with amazing multichannel mix. I have a few DM sacds but I'm missing the most coveted Violator album. I'm waiting for somebody to sell his copy.

danfaz · 03-08-2010, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ManUtd

Well good luck with that, they might have some stock lying around somewhere...I have a few DM sacds but I'm missing the most coveted Violator album. I'm waiting for somebody to sell his copy.

Thanks, man! I managed to get Violator, but had to pay a CrAzY price for it!

Clark Kent · 03-08-2010, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John72953

I have never owned a DTS-CD or one of those XRCD CD's. Have I been missing out?

John

The DTS CD's are interesting in that certain albums only had a multi-channel mix on that format.

ManUtd · 03-08-2010, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by danfaz

Thanks, man! I managed to get Violator, but had to pay a CrAzY price for it!

Where did you find the Violator SACD?

dobyblue · 03-08-2010, 07:21 PM

Wow I can't believe Violator is so expensive used! That's nuts.
Wish they'd print some more.

I think Violator is excellent...and the SACD mix blows the dts 24/96 out of the water to my ears.

danfaz · 03-08-2010, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ManUtd

Where did you find the Violator SACD?

Got it on ebay...supposed to be new/sealed, seller is from Spain.

03-05-2010, 03:53 PM	#1
danfaz Senior Member Member since:Jan 2010 Location:Carson City, NV Home Theater Gallery:5 4K collection:15 Blu-ray collection:44 Blu-ray reviews: 2 Trading Score:1	Newb 2 Higher Qual Audio - Police DTS-CD Hey all, So I made my 1st "audiophile" purchase. My system can't play SA-CDs as of yet, so I bought The Police's "Every Breath You Take" 5.1 DTS-CD. I've never heard an SA-CD, DVD-A or DTS-CD, so I really didn't know what to expect. Let me just say I was very pleased with the sound! It was so much warmer, clearer & deeper than a normal CD! I've read somewhere you lose some quality with DTS-CD coding. Without starting a coding war, what can I expect if I get a player that can play SA-CDs?

03-07-2010, 03:03 PM	#11
danfaz Senior Member Member since:Jan 2010 Location:Carson City, NV Home Theater Gallery:5 4K collection:15 Blu-ray collection:44 Blu-ray reviews: 2 Trading Score:1	This is addicting! I just picked up DM's Music for the Masses & Ultra SA-CDs from amazon UK. Working on getting Nothing Like the Sun DTS-CD. I figure soon I'll be getting a new BD player that can play SA-CDs, so might as well stock up for when it comes Last edited by danfaz; 03-07-2010 at 03:07 PM.

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03-05-2010, 03:58 PM	#2
Clark Kent Blu-ray Prince Top contributor Member since:Oct 2007 Location:Metropolis Blu-ray reviews:2 Trading Score:184	The DTS CDs are lossy in nature and were a format before the true high-resolution formats were introduced. It does give you surround sound on a cd, but they are slightly lower in fidelity than a SACD or DVD-Audio, which are true lossless formats. DTS CDs can still sound very good though. There are not too many of them that were made. There are SACDs of the Police, which are pretty good. I have the greatest hits SACD by them.

03-05-2010, 04:34 PM	#3
ManUtd Blu-ray Count Top contributor Member since:Feb 2008 Location:In my HT Home Theater Gallery:1 4K collection:15 Blu-ray collection:829 Blu-ray reviews: 5 Trading Score:5	I have heard both DTS-CD and SACD versions. The former is a good upgrade from redbook CD but the SACD is simply the best version. If you're planning to buy an SACD player and like The Police, definitely get the SACD. Unfortunately ebay is the only place I know where you can buy them now.

03-05-2010, 06:28 PM	#4
kingofgrills Blu-ray Guru Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Dec 2007 Location:PDX Home Theater Gallery:31 4K collection:5 Blu-ray collection:81 Trading Score:31	I must admit that I've never owned a DTS-CD, so this is good information to know. As a side note, the OP might want to pick up the Police's live Blu-ray concert, "Certifiable," which is fantastic and sounds great in lossless surround sound. A couple of Sting's solo albums, "Brand New Day" and "Sacred Love" are also available on SACD, and they sound great too.

03-05-2010, 07:52 PM	#5
danfaz Senior Member Member since:Jan 2010 Location:Carson City, NV Home Theater Gallery:5 4K collection:15 Blu-ray collection:44 Blu-ray reviews: 2 Trading Score:1	thanks, guys! Will have to check out those other options.

03-05-2010, 08:52 PM	#7
dobyblue Super Moderator Top contributor Member since:Jul 2006 Location:Ontario, Canada Home Theater Gallery:71 4K collection:55 Blu-ray collection:655 Blu-ray reviews: 15	Although they've been out of print for a while, I just saw 6 copies of "Sacred Love" on SACD at Best Buy, CDN$21.99 Check your local music store, they might have old copies. You can also get "Nothing Like The Sun" and "Ten Summoner's Tales" on the dts cd format. It's unfortunate, but those are ONLY available on dts-cd. The multi-channel mix of Ten Summoner's Tales is very, very good, particularly on songs like Something A Boy Said, Shape of My Heart and Seven Days. Wish they'd do an SACD of that one. Amazon lists Nothing Like The Sun as being a DVD-Audio disc, but I'm pretty sure that's incorrect. Brand New Day is available as a dts-cd, DVD-Audio and SACD. I think the SACD is the best. The SACD of Police's Greatest Hits is definitely superior to the dts-cd, but it's a great starting point.

03-07-2010, 01:36 AM	#9
Damage Inc. Blu-ray Guru Top contributor Member since:Jan 2009 Location:The Netherlands 4K collection:3 Blu-ray collection:384 DVD collection:5	Hey, I'm not completely familiar with all the audio-formats either. I mean as in the ones that come in discs, but I do know the formats as in the coding and such. Anyway, I borrowed this audio-DVD, Robert Cray's 'Time Will Tell', and while it's not completely my kinda music, I just loved the audio. It was as if the band was right there around me with the 5.1-mix especially. And I don't even have a super high-end audio-setup. But the thing I'm wondering: Dolby Digital is compressed audio right?... At least on video-DVDs. Wouldn't that be the same for audio-DVDs, or is it like that they have so much extra space, they have a much higher bitrate, even as much as lossless? But many CDs are indeed laughable compared to this DVD I have alone. And I love my CDs, but of course mainly for the content. Just kinda makes me sad they're all not that great. Especially the ones with a lot of compression as in the volume... so much distortion... And really a problem in Metal and such... Apparently there are some more recent releases in audio-DVD-format, but they will probably never be common... Ignorant people, with their MP3s...

03-07-2010, 07:07 PM	#12
Johnny Vinyl Moderator Top ranked HT gallery Top contributor Member since:Jul 2007 Location:At the crossroad of Analogue Dr & 2CH Ave Home Theater Gallery:19 Blu-ray collection:205 DVD collection:7 Blu-ray reviews:3 Trading Score:8	I have never owned a DTS-CD or one of those XRCD CD's. Have I been missing out? John

03-08-2010, 07:21 PM	#19
dobyblue Super Moderator Top contributor Member since:Jul 2006 Location:Ontario, Canada Home Theater Gallery:71 4K collection:55 Blu-ray collection:655 Blu-ray reviews: 15	Wow I can't believe Violator is so expensive used! That's nuts. Wish they'd print some more. I think Violator is excellent...and the SACD mix blows the dts 24/96 out of the water to my ears.

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