8ch LPCM vs Dolby TrueHD/DTS-HD (Sony STR-DA3300)

[RickX]

Okay here goes...

Before I pose my question, there are a couple of things that should be stated.

1) I'm planning to purchase the Sony STR-DA3300 Receiver, which supports 8ch (7.1) LPCM Playback via HDMI, but not Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD (the 4300/5300 models are able to decode that, but cost a fair bit more).

2) The plan is to couple the 3300 with the Sony BDPS500 Blu-Ray player (via HDMI), which CAN decode Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD, and can output it via HDMI. It can also output 8ch LPCM via HDMI.

Question is, if I insert a BD encoded with TrueHD / DTS-HD (which can be decoded by my BD player), and set up my BD Player to output 8ch LPCM; will I be able to experience the TrueHD / DTS-HD "experience" ? Or do I have to invest in one of the higher end Receivers ? Finally, will it make a real difference ? I mean if 8ch LPCM can support the 96kHz sampling rate, what's the big deal right ?

I've never really listened to LPCM / TrueHD or DTS-HD so I really would appreciate any comments.

Thanks !

[hagar852]

Yes you can listen to the True HD track or DTS HD track if the player decodes it and sends it to the 3300 via LPCM..

I am doing the same thing with my PS3.. And it works fine..

If you have never heard those tracks in person you will be blown away to how they sound compared to Dolby Digital.. I never thought there would be much difference and when I finally heard the lossless track.. Holy cow was I suprised.. The first movie I listened too was 5th Element(remastered) which contains both True HD and PCM 5.1.. For thay movie the PCM track sounds better than the true hd track..

[RickX]

Thanks again for your response, much appreciated.

You mentioned "I listened too was 5th Element(remastered) which contains both True HD and PCM 5.1.. For thay movie the PCM track sounds better than the true hd track..".

So you can instruct your BD player to play whichever track you prefer ? That's pretty cool...

Also, have you manually set the PS3 to output LPCM, or does it automatically do that for you ? I know with the BDPS500, you can choose between LPCM and TrueHD / DTS-HD.

[crackinhedz]

I believe sokrman14 is selling his DA5300 for ~$1,000

...thats a pretty good deal. Maybe PM him?

[hagar852]

The PS3 can be set to either bitstream, which sends the signal out to be decoded, but the PS3 can't send True HD or DTS HD via bitstream..

Or you can send it LPCM which has the PS3 decode the signal and send it to the receiver..

The PS3 allows me to change between audio formats while the disc plays yes.. It is very convenient.

[hagar852]

Originally Posted by crackinhedz

I believe sokrman14 is selling his DA5300 for ~$1,000

...thats a pretty good deal. Maybe PM him?

Yeah that is a ridiculous price for that receiver..

[jhawkjd]

Don't be fooled though by the Sony S500. It will do DTS-HD, but not DTS-HD Master Audio (DTS-HDMA). And what you really want is the DTS-HDMA. Do a litle more research before you make up your mind.

[RickX]

What BD players do you recommend then (at that price range) ?

[RickX]

Hagar, I notice you own the Aperion speaker set.

This is going off topic, but how would you rate the 5B's for musical reproduction ? For me it's a toss up between KEF 3005 and the Aperion kit. I'm leaning towards the KEF because of the reviews, asthetics and size (plus the room I have is pretty small). Some people have mentioned that while the KEF's are brilliant for movies, they're not ideal for musical reproduction. Hence I was considering a pair of Aperion 5B's as my second pair of Front speakers for playing music (as you know the 3300 has two Front Speaker outlets (A and B).

Would be interested in your opinion please.

[hagar852]

Originally Posted by RickX

Hagar, I notice you own the Aperion speaker set.

This is going off topic, but how would you rate the 5B's for musical reproduction ? For me it's a toss up between KEF 3005 and the Aperion kit. I'm leaning towards the KEF because of the reviews, asthetics and size (plus the room I have is pretty small). Some people have mentioned that while the KEF's are brilliant for movies, they're not ideal for musical reproduction. Hence I was considering a pair of Aperion 5B's as my second pair of Front speakers for playing music (as you know the 3300 has two Front Speaker outlets (A and B).

Would be interested in your opinion please.

Here is a comparison done by another owner of Aperions I believe he reviewed the 6B's though.. But anyway.. The 5B's handle music very well, their tweeter is very smooth and clear even at high volumes.. The bass reproduction is good but the frequency range is 75-20khz so you won't get super bass like from a sub. Make no mistake they put out plenty of bass just not earth-shaking bass. Anyway here is the link to the review done by another member primarily focusing on music..

Once again this is a review of the 6B but the only difference between the 5B and 6B is lower bass reproduction and the tweeters are the same..

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showp...postcount=1171

[BigBluu]

Originally Posted by hagar852

Yeah that is a ridiculous price for that receiver..

or you can get it here for $1126 brand new:
http://www.cdw.com/shop/products/def...px?EDC=1270905

[RickX]

Originally Posted by hagar852

Here is a comparison done by another owner of Aperions I believe he reviewed the 6B's though.. But anyway.. The 5B's handle music very well, their tweeter is very smooth and clear even at high volumes.. The bass reproduction is good but the frequency range is 75-20khz so you won't get super bass like from a sub. Make no mistake they put out plenty of bass just not earth-shaking bass. Anyway here is the link to the review done by another member primarily focusing on music..

Once again this is a review of the 6B but the only difference between the 5B and 6B is lower bass reproduction and the tweeters are the same..

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showp...postcount=1171

Man the Aperions sure do get some glowing reviews. I am also considering Axioms (great reviews too, a little cheaper, 470 a pair vs 690 for Aperion), but the Aperion's black finish just looks spectacular. And judging by this guy's review, they also sound way better than the Axiom M22's. Throw the KEF KHT 3005's into the mix, and now I'm one very confused wannabe audiophile.

Besides sound quality, the size and finish of the KEF's put them on top of my list. And at $1100, they're quite a bit cheaper than the Aperion Intimus 5B Fusion SD ($1559). This setup is for my living room, which is a small/medium 14' x 14' size, sort of open plan (i.e. not enclosed like a dedicated theatre room).

If you don't mind me asking Hagar, how large is your room ? In your opinion do you think the Aperion kit might be overkill for my needs ?

Originally Posted by hagar852

The PS3 can be set to either bitstream, which sends the signal out to be decoded, but the PS3 can't send True HD or DTS HD via bitstream..

Or you can send it LPCM which has the PS3 decode the signal and send it to the receiver..

The PS3 allows me to change between audio formats while the disc plays yes.. It is very convenient.

Okay back on topic. After reading your comments about the PS3 and doing a little bit of research, it seems that choosing the PS3 as my BD player is a no brainer ! Why would anyone choose another BD player, when PS3 supports 'Blu-Ray Profile 2.0', Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA decoding (with the latest PS3 Firmware 2.30 update), and best of all it plays PS3 games !

As you mentioned, paired up with the Sony's 3300 receiver, you just need to set the audio output to HDMI > LPCM 7.1 ch (I found this useful link Link) and you're set; well at least according to what I've read. Sound about right to you Hagar ?

[Sith]

Originally Posted by RickX

Man the Aperions sure do get some glowing reviews. I am also considering Axioms (great reviews too, a little cheaper, 470 a pair vs 690 for Aperion), but the Aperion's black finish just looks spectacular. And judging by this guy's review, they also sound way better than the Axiom M22's. Throw the KEF KHT 3005's into the mix, and now I'm one very confused wannabe audiophile.

Besides sound quality, the size and finish of the KEF's put them on top of my list. And at $1100, they're quite a bit cheaper than the Aperion Intimus 5B Fusion SD ($1559). This setup is for my living room, which is a small/medium 14' x 14' size, sort of open plan (i.e. not enclosed like a dedicated theatre room).

If you don't mind me asking Hagar, how large is your room ? In your opinion do you think the Aperion kit might be overkill for my needs ?



Okay back on topic. After reading your comments about the PS3 and doing a little bit of research, it seems that choosing the PS3 as my BD player is a no brainer ! Why would anyone choose another BD player, when PS3 supports 'Blu-Ray Profile 2.0', Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA decoding (with the latest PS3 Firmware 2.30 update), and best of all it plays PS3 games !

As you mentioned, paired up with the Sony's 3300 receiver, you just need to set the audio output to HDMI > LPCM 7.1 ch (I found this useful link Link) and you're set; well at least according to what I've read. Sound about right to you Hagar ?

the ps3 is the best blu ray period....

[hagar852]

Originally Posted by RickX

Man the Aperions sure do get some glowing reviews. I am also considering Axioms (great reviews too, a little cheaper, 470 a pair vs 690 for Aperion), but the Aperion's black finish just looks spectacular. And judging by this guy's review, they also sound way better than the Axiom M22's. Throw the KEF KHT 3005's into the mix, and now I'm one very confused wannabe audiophile.

Besides sound quality, the size and finish of the KEF's put them on top of my list. And at $1100, they're quite a bit cheaper than the Aperion Intimus 5B Fusion SD ($1559). This setup is for my living room, which is a small/medium 14' x 14' size, sort of open plan (i.e. not enclosed like a dedicated theatre room).

If you don't mind me asking Hagar, how large is your room ? In your opinion do you think the Aperion kit might be overkill for my needs ?



Okay back on topic. After reading your comments about the PS3 and doing a little bit of research, it seems that choosing the PS3 as my BD player is a no brainer ! Why would anyone choose another BD player, when PS3 supports 'Blu-Ray Profile 2.0', Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA decoding (with the latest PS3 Firmware 2.30 update), and best of all it plays PS3 games !

As you mentioned, paired up with the Sony's 3300 receiver, you just need to set the audio output to HDMI > LPCM 7.1 ch (I found this useful link Link) and you're set; well at least according to what I've read. Sound about right to you Hagar ?

My room is smaller than yours.. 10x14 but I still baught the speakers anyway. Whenever I move I won't need to upgrade my system to accommodate the new room. Anyway I am sure people would argue it is vast overkill. I would agree but doesn't mean I can't still enjoy my system .. I don't have to turn the volume up very loud that is for sure..

What ever speakers you buy I am sure you will be happy, since they are both quality systems. Either way I don't think you can go wrong.

As for the PS3 yes.. All you have to do is set the HDMI output to Linear PCM and you are all set.. The PS3 will take care of the rest, and the DA3300ES will take car of what comes out of the speakers. Once you are all set up I know you will be very happy with what you got..