PCM Stereo vs PCM 5.1???? - Blu-ray Forum

JimShaw · 08-04-2009, 10:22 PM

An audio question:

I have a Blu that has both PCM Stereo and PCM 5.1. I have tired to hear if there is a difference in sound but so far, I don't think there is?????????? But that doesn't mean there is or isn't.

Can anyone really explain what the difference is between the two?

Beta Man · 08-04-2009, 10:25 PM

stereo is 2 channel, 5.1 is ....well.... 5.1

You honestly can't hear the difference between the two?????

Drew664 · 08-04-2009, 10:26 PM

Stereo will use 2 channels while the 5.1 will use 5 channels plus LFE.

However, I'm aware that you know this. I'm not sure what you are asking.

solarrdadd · 08-04-2009, 10:27 PM

one presents the total soundstage in front of you and one presents the soundstage around you. at different times they are both good. since i am a surround lover then i usually prefer 5.1; nothing wrong with stereo.

JimShaw · 08-04-2009, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beta Man

stereo is 2 channel, 5.1 is ....well.... 5.1

You honestly can't hear the difference between the two?????

I am going back in and give it a longer try. It takes a few seconds for my system to change back and forth between the two and because of the time difference, my mind had probably forgotten. This time I will play the Blu for a while and then back track and re-play. This time I should be hear the difference.

I was wondering what the difference really was. 2 channel vs 5.1 channel. I have learned something today making this a good day.

Thanks

JimShaw · 08-04-2009, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drew664

Stereo will use 2 channels while the 5.1 will use 5 channels plus LFE.

However, I'm aware that you know this. I'm not sure what you are asking.

I knew stereo was 2 channel but my confusion was the Blu stated that it was a PCM stereo and I thought there might be a difference

Zoraster · 08-04-2009, 10:45 PM

I find a profound difference between stereo and surround audio, and invariably prefer surround. Go listen to some SACDs or DVD-As.

Johnny Vinyl · 08-04-2009, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoraster

I find a profound difference between stereo and surround audio, and invariably prefer surround. Go listen to some SACDs or DVD-As.

SCAD in 2-channel sounds PHENOMENAL! I prefer it over 5.1 or 5.0 in my case, as I don't have a sub.

JOhn

Opips2 · 08-04-2009, 10:56 PM

- PCM Stereo or PCM 2.0 can using on Analog cable is better than hdmi
PCM 5.1 using for only hdmi cable is better sound. I wish, multi-analogs is best.

i don't understand WHY use hdmi is video and an audio but too pure crap audio but but....but video best.

JimShaw · 08-04-2009, 11:41 PM

OK, here is what I did. My wife was gone. So, I was able to concentrate. I played the PCM Stereo for 1/2 hour. I back tracked and then played the PCM 5.1. I am running a multi-channel system and yes, this time, I noticed a difference.

But I do thank you for the info.

Johnny Vinyl · 08-04-2009, 11:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimShaw

OK, here is what I did. My wife was gone. So, I was able to concentrate. I played the PCM Stereo for 1/2 hour. I back tracked and them played the PCM 5.1. I am running a multi-channel system and yes, this time, I noticed a difference.

But I do thank you for the info.

That's just too funny, Jim. Don't let her see that post, btw!

John

PS~ And what difference did you discover?

BIslander · 08-05-2009, 03:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimShaw

OK, here is what I did. My wife was gone. So, I was able to concentrate. I played the PCM Stereo for 1/2 hour. I back tracked and then played the PCM 5.1. I am running a multi-channel system and yes, this time, I noticed a difference.

What disc is that? It's hard to imagine a movie where the you wouldn't notice the lack of discrete multichannel effects in the stereo version. No matter the quality of the two channel encode and mix, you'll never hear effects like a door opening over your right shoulder. Music mixes are a whole different matter.

jonesyg27 · 08-05-2009, 04:28 AM

The only disc I've tried to tell the difference with is the Led Zeppelin dvd, the concert one, not The Song Remains the Same. In 5.1 it seems a little louder but it has audience noise, like applause and cheering, in the surround speakers. I found this distracting and a little creepy. So now I stick with stereo.

Zoraster · 08-05-2009, 06:01 AM

That cheering is there to simulate being amongst the crowd. All surround live concert recordings are generally like that. I happen to appreciate it, but I'd suggest you begin elsewhere with your foray into 5.1. Like I said: sacd and DVD-a. Listen to the Beatles Love 5.1 mix, or Pink Floyd's 5.1 Dark Side of the Moon. You'll never hear music the same way.

jonesyg27 · 08-05-2009, 06:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoraster

That cheering is there to simulate being amongst the crowd. All surround live concert recordings are generally like that. I happen to appreciate it, but I'd suggest you begin elsewhere with your foray into 5.1. Like I said: sacd and DVD-a. Listen to the Beatles Love 5.1 mix, or Pink Floyd's 5.1 Dark Side of the Moon. You'll never hear music the same way.

I know, it was just startling since that was the first time I watched it on the Oppo with a subwoofer. I didn't notice it as much on my old dvd player. Must be my anti-social nature, wondering what all those people were doing in my house.

I think I will check out that Dark Side of the Moon sacd, now that I have a player that can play it.

Johnny Vinyl · 08-05-2009, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonesyg27

I know, it was just startling since that was the first time I watched it on the Oppo with a subwoofer. I didn't notice it as much on my old dvd player. Must be my anti-social nature, wondering what all those people were doing in my house.

I think I will check out that Dark Side of the Moon sacd, now that I have a player that can play it.

You should add Dire Straits: Brothers In Arms to that list as well. Absolutely phenomenal disc!

John

08-04-2009, 10:22 PM	#1
JimShaw Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Jul 2008 Location:Menifee, CA 4K collection:49 Blu-ray collection:1069 Trading Score:141	PCM Stereo vs PCM 5.1???? An audio question: I have a Blu that has both PCM Stereo and PCM 5.1. I have tired to hear if there is a difference in sound but so far, I don't think there is?????????? But that doesn't mean there is or isn't. Can anyone really explain what the difference is between the two?

08-04-2009, 11:41 PM	#10
JimShaw Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Jul 2008 Location:Menifee, CA 4K collection:49 Blu-ray collection:1069 Trading Score:141	OK, here is what I did. My wife was gone. So, I was able to concentrate. I played the PCM Stereo for 1/2 hour. I back tracked and then played the PCM 5.1. I am running a multi-channel system and yes, this time, I noticed a difference. But I do thank you for the info. Last edited by JimShaw; 08-04-2009 at 11:48 PM.

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08-04-2009, 10:25 PM	#2
Beta Man Moderator Top contributor Member since:Jan 2008 Location:Juuuuuuuust A Bit Outside.... Home Theater Gallery:4 Blu-ray collection:268 Blu-ray reviews: 18 Trading Score:25	stereo is 2 channel, 5.1 is ....well.... 5.1 You honestly can't hear the difference between the two?????

08-04-2009, 10:26 PM	#3
Drew664 Blu-ray Guru Top contributor Member since:Oct 2007 Location:South Dakota Home Theater Gallery:28 Blu-ray collection:68	Stereo will use 2 channels while the 5.1 will use 5 channels plus LFE. However, I'm aware that you know this. I'm not sure what you are asking.

08-04-2009, 10:27 PM	#4
solarrdadd Blu-ray Prince Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Jul 2008 Location:Virginia Home Theater Gallery:255 4K collection:209 Blu-ray collection:1344 DVD collection:4 Blu-ray reviews: 42 Trading Score:316	one presents the total soundstage in front of you and one presents the soundstage around you. at different times they are both good. since i am a surround lover then i usually prefer 5.1; nothing wrong with stereo.

08-04-2009, 10:45 PM	#7
Zoraster Member Member since:Jun 2009	I find a profound difference between stereo and surround audio, and invariably prefer surround. Go listen to some SACDs or DVD-As.

08-04-2009, 10:56 PM	#9
Opips2 Special Member Member since:Nov 2008 Location:Edmonton, AB Home Theater Gallery:6 Blu-ray collection:175 Blu-ray reviews:10 Trading Score:1	- PCM Stereo or PCM 2.0 can using on Analog cable is better than hdmi PCM 5.1 using for only hdmi cable is better sound. I wish, multi-analogs is best. i don't understand WHY use hdmi is video and an audio but too pure crap audio but but....but video best.

08-05-2009, 04:28 AM	#13
jonesyg27 Active Member Member since:Jul 2009 Blu-ray collection:19	The only disc I've tried to tell the difference with is the Led Zeppelin dvd, the concert one, not The Song Remains the Same. In 5.1 it seems a little louder but it has audience noise, like applause and cheering, in the surround speakers. I found this distracting and a little creepy. So now I stick with stereo.

08-05-2009, 06:01 AM	#14
Zoraster Member Member since:Jun 2009	That cheering is there to simulate being amongst the crowd. All surround live concert recordings are generally like that. I happen to appreciate it, but I'd suggest you begin elsewhere with your foray into 5.1. Like I said: sacd and DVD-a. Listen to the Beatles Love 5.1 mix, or Pink Floyd's 5.1 Dark Side of the Moon. You'll never hear music the same way.

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