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Blu-ray Audio 2.0 LPCM vs. 5.1 DTS-HD

I have a conventional two speaker setup. Yet, on Naxos BD’s the 5.1DTS-HD option sounds much better, more detailed and open, than the 2.0LPCM.
I find with other record companies the sound of the options vary as to what sounds better.
I thought the 5.1 was designed for a multi-speaker surround setup.
Can anyone explain what’s going on?
rvpiano

Showing 3 responses by rvpiano

rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,752 posts
 
I just have the two options of 5.1 and 2.0.
So I don’t know if it’s mixing or omitting.
It just sounds damn good in the 5.1.

In the future if I have a choice of mixing or omitting, which should I select?
rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,752 posts
 
I found the 5.1 sounded that way with my old player.
With the Oppo 105D it clearly sounds much more open and detailed and with better dynamic range.
It could be the source materials vary with each format.
My system is in the 15K to 20K range.
rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,752 posts
 
Jim,

What you describe is chaos.  I think the problem is, so many are into multi-channel and surround sound that the two channel listener has to fend for himself in the world of Blu-ray and DVD. The companies simply aren’t gearing these products to you.
Whats maddening, is even within the same company there are discrepancies.
The aforementioned Naxos BD’s definitely sounded better with 5.1, but on another disc from Naxos, the 2.0 and 5.1 were indistinguishable sonically, one not much different from the other!
Bottom Line, you are right. You have to choose among the formats as to what sounds best to you.
There is no way of telling in advance what’s going to sound best without experimentation.

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