me again! my candidate *mini* theater system

[ASmurf]

Here's my current candidate:

Receiver: Denon AVR-1602 (this year's model of the 1601?) ~$400
Speakers: Energy Take5.2 + S8.2 subwoofer ~$900
DVD player: Sony DVPNS400D ~$230


*Funny* number on the cc bill: $1,500

Before, I was thinking of getting the Yamaha RV496, but it doesn't have DTS/5.1....seems like the Yamaha isn't as multi-purpose.

er, question. The DTS thing...do I need it on both my DVD player and receiver?

 

[Viperoni]

Yup the DVD player needs to output a DTS signal, however either one can decode it (preferably the receiver).

 

[ASmurf]

does dolby digital == DTS??

The sony 400D has dolby digital...if use the optical out to a DTS receiver, is that ok? If not, what DVD player should I get that has DTS??

 

[Viperoni]

Nope DD (Dolby Digital)/ = 5.1, DTS is a different (bit better) standard. It uses less compression (like a higher bitrate MP3) and some other subtle differences.

I dunno about the sony, but my 2 year old Pioneer dv-525 has DD and DTS capabilities, and my receiver decodes the signal from DTS....watching Gladiator proves that

If it'll do DTS, most likely it would be on the DVD player's front...

 

[kami]

<< Before, I was thinking of getting the Yamaha RV496, but it doesn't have DTS/5.1....seems like the Yamaha isn't as multi-purpose >>



I own a RX-V496 and it decodes Dolby Digital and DTS. pic

 

[LiQiCE]

I think most if not all DVD players today except for maybe the cheap ass ones will pass DTS through the optical/coaxial digital output. Its something 2nd generation DVD players could do, and should be standard on all dvd players today. If it doesnt mention it on the page you're looking at, just goto Sony's site and double check, but I highly doubt it can't do DTS passthrough. Receivers on the other hand should specifically mention DTS decoding. DTS is definitely a good thing to have since there is a noticeable gain in quality when you play a movie in DTS versus Dolby Digital (depending on the movie and how well it was encoded of course, but in a lot of movies you can tell the difference).

 

[kami]

<< DTS is definitely a good thing to have since there is a noticeable gain in quality when you play a movie in DTS versus Dolby Digital (depending on the movie and how well it was encoded of course, but in a lot of movies you can tell the difference). >>


DTS is way overrated.

Look at Saving Private Ryan...the DTS version blows the Dolby version out of the water. The difference is VERY noticable...why? The DTS version used a different master! Then take a DVD like the re-release of Twister...this disc has both full rate DTS and Dolby Digital, but the soundtracks sound identical...why? The same master was used. I actually prefer the LFE track on the DD soundtrack over the DTS.

 

[Viperoni]

nice receiver kami, ugly reflection

There was a noticeable diff between DTS and DD in both Die Hard 1 (THX Special Edition) and moreso in Gladiator

 

[kami]

<< nice receiver kami, ugly reflection

There was a noticeable diff between DTS and DD in both Die Hard 1 (THX Special Edition) and moreso in Gladiator >>



oops didn't even notice my reflection in there

Yes I agree Gladiator DTS sounds better but I think it's either because a different master/mix was used or sometimes the DTS tracks are beefed up (sometimes extra gain in the LFE channel). Gladiator DTS sounds more detailed though, so I'm assuming it's differerent from the DD version.

I'd like to hear what a high bitrate dolby digital would sound like...probably annihilate DTS.

 

[kami]

btw viperoni i might be buggin you this summer when i'm off school because I tihnk I want to make a DIY sub.

 

[Viperoni]

And you wonder why the LCD panel isn't working on the receiver
I think that's all it was, just a bit cleaner. I dont remember any extra LFE...but that was a long time ago I compared the 2.

Sounds good; how many floors away do you want to hear it?
A guy on the PE forum just built a sub using a 15inch Dayton Thruster ($60) and a 250watt plate amp ($138) and he says @ full tilt from his dorm room he can hear it outside, or up to the 3rd floor :Q
Pic of sub, 6cf vented box (big)
The Bose's are his roomates, and the speakers behind the bose are his DIY's, ~40 a piece to build.

 

[kami]

I want to be able to thump, but I want clean and fast bass first.

How much does it cost to build a good DIY sub (w/ a high quality driver and amp)? I might have trouble doing the carpentry side of things, I suck at that stuff..

you leave near me anyway, i'll come bang on your door for help

 

[TripleJ]

Hehe, my mate built his own sub for his car. It sits on the back seat, taking up half the room and the head lights dim severly each time it thumps.

 

[Viperoni]

Adire Audio HS500 plate amp and Quad 15inch DVC's would be awesome.......more affordably......

PE 272watt @ 4ohm plate amp and a 12inch DVC or a 15inch DVC would make a nice combo.

 

[ASmurf]

Hmm...the Yamaha RX-496 doesn't have DTS, but the RX-V496 does. Doh.

How much is the V496 btw?
Also, what's the diff bewteen the V496 and HTR5440?? They seem like they're the same.