Can you hear the difference among the surround encodings?
 

Just interested in feedback from people who have upgraded from plain vanilla Dolby Digital to Dolby TruHD or from DTS to DTS-HDMA. Can you a difference between the lower and higher bitrate codecs, or are they negligible to your ears?

Had a friend who raved on and on about how much better his Blu-rays sounded in Dolby TruHD compared to regular Dolby Digital. We played back bits of SUPERMAN RETURNS, AMADEUS, and TOY STORY 2 and I was impressed with the quality of the surround tracks. We found out hours later that we've been playing back the regular 5.1 tracks all that time, and were too tired to go back for comparison listening.

Re: Can you hear the difference among the surround encodings?
 

A lot of this is dependent on the creation of the sound. I find the HD tracks use the available dynamic range far more than they ever did on legacy codecs. That frequently makes them sound quite different, so sometimes a comparison is difficult.

It is similar to CD vs HD sound. The 24 bit sound (or vinyl) has a fuller sound that is less fatiguing. But when you try to describe it, you are left with confusing metaphors to other senses, like describing sound as if it is sight or taste.

Imaging is usually better, too. Say a person walks across the screen while talking, the voice should just pan with the video. It tends to be mostly in the center in legacy DD/DTS, I see more separation in HD versions. Dammit! There I go....I hear more separation in HD versions.

Re: Can you hear the difference among the surround encodings?
 

IMO, upgrading to lossless is one of the smallest "upgrades" you can make. You are much better off in almost every case, sticking to lossy sound and upgrading your speakers. Or even just your sub. Or keeping your nice but older Denon/Harmon than upgrading to a POS receiver but that decodes lossless. (Don't forget there may be ways to get lossless on that older receiver).

IMO, it is like anything else. I've heard great lossless systems and hear crappy ones. Lossless alone does not make better sound. It is the total package.

You friend just sound like a "name dropper". He probably also brags about have 1080p (True HD) on his 42" screen while sitting 20 feet away.

Re: Can you hear the difference among the surround encodings?
 

I agree that quality of equipment (especially speakers) is far more important than the mere surround format. Years ago, I found it hilarious that SACDs were being demonstrated in stores like Tower Records (RIP) through a system which was only slightly better than a boombox.

Of course, it is also my understanding that today's Dolby Digital encodings on Blu-ray are of a higher bitrate than standard DVDs, making the distinction between TruHD and plain DD all the narrower.

My friend is, indeed, a name-dropper. He'll point out things like having a totally rad surround system in his rec room with speakers from Bose played through a receiver by Sansui.

Re: Can you hear the difference among the surround encodings?
 

Although I think most people will say yes (prob because they spent the money to upgrade and are in denial) I will say no (and I have a pretty descent setup Def Tech speakers and Pioneer 1019ah receiver).

Re: Can you hear the difference among the surround encodings?
 

LOL Bose.

Re: Can you hear the difference among the surround encodings?
 

How do you like the Pioneer 1019? I am replacing my Denon 6.1 Dolby Digital for it.

Re: Can you hear the difference among the surround encodings?
 

Can't go wrong with Pioneer receivers.