2. home-theater
  3. 1230576428

Are lossless Codec's worth upgrading my processor

I have a lexicon DC-2 processor which has a number of the older codecs and lexicon's 7:1 surround capability....works great with HDTV. However, now I'm going to get a bluray player and of course today's technology has lossless codec's and HDMI 1.3.

I can connect a bluray player thru digital to my Lexicon DC-2 and still decode the non lossless codecs...well at least some of them.

The question is....how big is the difference in sound between the new lossless codecs and DTS, Dolby, etc. Is it night and day....or just a little better...or just marketing hype?

(Lexicon DC-2, NHT Power 5, NHT/James 5:1 speakers)
ghstudio

Showing 2 responses by rlwainwright

rlwainwright
1,904 posts
 
Yes, the new codecs are better. Are they "night and day" better, no. If your new BluRay player can decode the newer codecs, stick with your current processor and let the player do the decoding.

Your best bet might be to wait for the new Oppo BluRay Universal that is due out in a month or so. It will play every current shiny disc format and it will decode all the latest codecs for you. The price is supposed to be $499 - $599, a very good price for such a capable machine...

-RW-
rlwainwright
1,904 posts
 
Well, I've heard the new codecs and I stand by my assessment. They are better. But it is not a jaw-dropping difference, that's just the usual audiophile overstatement engine at work...

-RW-
More to discover