Does PCM Sound Better Than Dolby THD On Your Setup? - Page 2 - Blu-ray Forum

Whytewash · 09-12-2007, 08:21 PM

I currently think that uncompressed doesnt sound as good as other audio tracks. I cant seem to figure out how to play the uncompressed to make it sound as good. It sounds dull to me. almost monotoned.

I am running fiber optics from my PS3 to my receiver. Am I doing something wrong?

UlicBelouve · 09-12-2007, 08:25 PM

Poll is only relevant to those without hearing loss. I have the subtitles on for my Blu-ray all the time.

Marcusarilius · 09-12-2007, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whytewash

I currently think that uncompressed doesnt sound as good as other audio tracks. I cant seem to figure out how to play the uncompressed to make it sound as good. It sounds dull to me. almost monotoned.

I am running fiber optics from my PS3 to my receiver. Am I doing something wrong?

Good question about optical. Blue campers, can you get PCM without HDMI connection? Will optical allow PCM?

MatrixS2000 · 09-12-2007, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sir Terrence

This is pretty interesting topic. It is my understanding that DTHD is just a compression zipper for PCM audio, so the two should sound the same. But they don't. After listening to The Fifth Element over and over again comparing the PCM to DTHD at equal levels for each, I finally discovered what the difference is. While DTHD can create an identical overall soundfield to PCM, when objects move from channel to channel, especially front to back, DTHD doesn't "get out in the room" like PCM does. When a pan moves from left front to right rear, you can almost take a pencil and track the movement through the air with PCM. With DTHD it is sort of here, then there with no ability to track the pan. I really heard no audible benefit of encoding the DTHD at 24bit over PCM 16bit. However to these ears, there is an audible difference between 24bit PCM and 16bit.

Interesting post. One of the main reasons I went with my Lexicon pre/pro was because of the steering. I am going to pay particular attention to this next time I compare. Thanks for the tip.

MatrixS2000 · 09-12-2007, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcusarilius

Good question about optical. Blue campers, can you get PCM without HDMI connection? Will optical allow PCM?

2 channel PCM only.

oscar_in_fw · 09-12-2007, 08:40 PM

TrueHD comes with "Dialog normalization" (turned ON by default?) which changes which may change the frequency response of the original soundtrack depending on the average movie sound level. I hear this might be good for TV commercials but essentially putting a digital volume control on the DAC output ??? I'm not sure how it applies for HD media movie playback. Maybe some compression might be Dolby's way to keep too many "inexpensive" sound systems from blowing up on too-loudly played uncompressed audio.

I haven't done the comparison, I don't have enough source material to warrant the attempt. So far, from what I've heard, anyone who hears the difference, prefers PCM. Given the choice between 24 bit True HD and 16 bit PCM from 24 bit master, I'll force the third option and take 24 bit PCM everytime.

Whytewash · 09-12-2007, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MatrixS2000

2 channel PCM only.

I am using optical cables... did I waste my money on them? how do you get sound through HDMI connection? I have a PS3.. can someone walk me through the steps?

Marcusarilius · 09-12-2007, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whytewash

I am using optical cables... did I waste my money on them? how do you get sound through HDMI connection? I have a PS3.. can someone walk me through the steps?

On your PS3 - HDMI out to receiver. Done.
Recommend HDMI from reciever to TV for best optical.

Monkey · 09-12-2007, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ClaytonMG

With me it actually depends on the studio. With Ghost Rider and Fifth Element, it was harder to tell if PCM sounded better (or if TrueHD sounded better). But on WB titles, I have noticed quite the difference between TrueHD and PCM. I think PCM sounds more solid and powerful. Also I've noticed better bass response.

+1 . Setup Onkyo 805 with Energy RC-30's. So same but sometimes better.

Whytewash · 09-12-2007, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcusarilius

On your PS3 - HDMI out to receiver. Done.
Recommend HDMI from reciever to TV for best optical.

I have HDMI from my PS3 to the TV. Thats for the picture. do I need more HDMI cables? One from my PS3 to the receiver and one more from the receiver to the TV? damn this is expensive!

Marcusarilius · 09-12-2007, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whytewash

I have HDMI from my PS3 to the TV. Thats for the picture. do I need more HDMI cables? One from my PS3 to the receiver and one more from the receiver to the TV? damn this is expensive!

Just connect it as mentioned before. PS3 - HDMI out to receiver. You are now rockin with PCM. That simple. The HDMI from receiver to TV is just a bonus. Will you see the diff? Who knows but take youe HDMI cable and reconnect it as mentioned.

ClaytonMG · 09-12-2007, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcusarilius

I have the Onkyo 805 with THX and HDMI connected. Sound is a subjective experience. Kind of like art. One will prefere the other over another, but what I have noticed is that PCM has greater clarity and volume especially in the surrounds. THX is still excellent, but I do find I personally favour PCM

Maybe I missed this... You know THX isn't a sound format right? It's just like a DSP mode on your reciever? I still use THX with like 99% of my movies (with only a couple not needing it).

Farout777 · 09-12-2007, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sir Terrence

This is pretty interesting topic. It is my understanding that DTHD is just a compression zipper for PCM audio, so the two should sound the same. But they don't. After listening to The Fifth Element over and over again comparing the PCM to DTHD at equal levels for each, I finally discovered what the difference is. While DTHD can create an identical overall soundfield to PCM, when objects move from channel to channel, especially front to back, DTHD doesn't "get out in the room" like PCM does. When a pan moves from left front to right rear, you can almost take a pencil and track the movement through the air with PCM. With DTHD it is sort of here, then there with no ability to track the pan. I really heard no audible benefit of encoding the DTHD at 24bit over PCM 16bit. However to these ears, there is an audible difference between 24bit PCM and 16bit.

That's one of the best explainations I've heard on this subject.

Whytewash · 09-12-2007, 09:06 PM

will i still get a picture if I disconnect it from the TV and put it to my receiver

BStecke · 09-12-2007, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whytewash

will i still get a picture if I disconnect it from the TV and put it to my receiver

If there's nothing connecting the receiver to the TV, my sources tell me no

In response to your previous post, you don't need to pay an arm and a leg for HDMI cables. Get one from Blujeanscable.com or monoprice.com. Same or better quality than Monster for a quarter of the price.

Marcusarilius · 09-12-2007, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whytewash

will i still get a picture if I disconnect it from the TV and put it to my receiver

No. No picture, but you can use component or composite for now. Then get another HDMI cable to replace them at your leisure.

Whytewash · 09-12-2007, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BStecke

If there's nothing connecting the receiver to the TV, my sources tell me no

that seriously made me laugh. Im at work and people were looking at me funny. "your sources!" haha I love it. good point though. I have 2 HDMI cables right now so Ill see what I can do. Thanks for the Word up!

WW

cpgator · 09-12-2007, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whytewash

I have HDMI from my PS3 to the TV. Thats for the picture. do I need more HDMI cables? One from my PS3 to the receiver and one more from the receiver to the TV? damn this is expensive!

Your receiver also has to support HDMI audio. And you can pick up an HDMI cable for under $10.

krinkle · 09-12-2007, 09:35 PM

I appreciate all the feedback everyone. Guess its not just me that notices a difference.

There are some great Dolby THD tracks out there though. The Dave Matthews disk is amazing, probably a good example of what DTHD can do when done right.

GasCat · 09-12-2007, 09:44 PM

Amazing the added support for PCM compared to when I ran my thread of "Is Dolby TruHD overated?" I think that one got locked and some bannings took place. Now I can't find it...

This was addressed in that thread. It was a normal thing and you were instructed to just turn up the volume. someone said he tested it with his sound equipment and he was called a liar/didn't know what he was doing/etc... He thought PCM was better.

View Poll Results: Does PCM sound better than Dolby THD on your setup?
Uncompressed PCM sounds better	56	76.71%
Dolby TrueHD sounds better	7	9.59%
They both sound exactly the same, krinkle you're just imagining it!	10	13.70%
Voters: 73. You may not vote on this poll

09-12-2007, 08:40 PM	#26
oscar_in_fw Member Member since:Sep 2007	TrueHD comes with "Dialog normalization" (turned ON by default?) which changes which may change the frequency response of the original soundtrack depending on the average movie sound level. I hear this might be good for TV commercials but essentially putting a digital volume control on the DAC output ??? I'm not sure how it applies for HD media movie playback. Maybe some compression might be Dolby's way to keep too many "inexpensive" sound systems from blowing up on too-loudly played uncompressed audio. I haven't done the comparison, I don't have enough source material to warrant the attempt. So far, from what I've heard, anyone who hears the difference, prefers PCM. Given the choice between 24 bit True HD and 16 bit PCM from 24 bit master, I'll force the third option and take 24 bit PCM everytime. Last edited by oscar_in_fw; 09-12-2007 at 08:42 PM. Reason: forgot a point.

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09-12-2007, 08:21 PM	#21
Whytewash Special Member Member since:Mar 2007 Location:'Couve, WA Blu-ray collection:60 Blu-ray reviews:1	I currently think that uncompressed doesnt sound as good as other audio tracks. I cant seem to figure out how to play the uncompressed to make it sound as good. It sounds dull to me. almost monotoned. I am running fiber optics from my PS3 to my receiver. Am I doing something wrong?

09-12-2007, 08:25 PM	#22
UlicBelouve Senior Member Member since:May 2007 Location:Menomonee Falls, WI Blu-ray collection:95 Blu-ray reviews:1	Poll is only relevant to those without hearing loss. I have the subtitles on for my Blu-ray all the time.

09-12-2007, 09:06 PM	#34
Whytewash Special Member Member since:Mar 2007 Location:'Couve, WA Blu-ray collection:60 Blu-ray reviews:1	will i still get a picture if I disconnect it from the TV and put it to my receiver

09-12-2007, 09:35 PM	#39
krinkle Senior Member Member since:Apr 2007 Blu-ray collection:41 Trading Score:10	I appreciate all the feedback everyone. Guess its not just me that notices a difference. There are some great Dolby THD tracks out there though. The Dave Matthews disk is amazing, probably a good example of what DTHD can do when done right.

09-12-2007, 09:44 PM	#40
GasCat Special Member Member since:Jan 2007 Blu-ray reviews:1	Amazing the added support for PCM compared to when I ran my thread of "Is Dolby TruHD overated?" I think that one got locked and some bannings took place. Now I can't find it... This was addressed in that thread. It was a normal thing and you were instructed to just turn up the volume. someone said he tested it with his sound equipment and he was called a liar/didn't know what he was doing/etc... He thought PCM was better.

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