dvd-a vs dts 96/24

[zumbo]

I purchased my first dvd-a disc the other day. I didn't have the 5.1 cables at the time, so I checked-out the dts 96/24 track. I was blown away. So, this lit a fire under my *** to purchase 5.1 cables. I got them connected, selected dvd-a on the disc menu, and multi-channel-input on the receiver. Sounds great, but it has my sub waaaaaaaaay too low. If I switch back to dts 96/24 and turn the mci off on the receiver, heaven. If I switch back to mci while in the dts 96/24, I loose my bass again. The sub is on, just not kicking ***.

Why did I purchase cables if the dts 96/24 sounds that much better than dvd-a. Am I missing something?

 

[j_garcia]

96/24 is the lowest form of DVD-A, as there are a few varieties, was my understanding.

What player do you have? DD/DTS tracks are processed differently that SACD and DVD-A tracks, most notably, the .1 channel. DD and DTS have a +10dB boost applied and hires do not, so the bass will seem weak. Some players have the ability to account for this via settings, but many do not. Some receivers also allow you to compensate for this. SO, based on that, you will need to check your player and receiver and try to adjust for this - if there is no "+10dB" funtion, you will have to adjust the speaker levels in the player or receiver to adjust for this. I have the same problem with my Denon 2900, while my 2200 has a switch that adds +10dB via the analog output.

 

[zumbo]

I have a Yamaha S-840. It has the option to boost the sub, and other speakers as well. The manual states the speaker size and adjustments only work for the analog connection. So, once I set it, it won't affect my digital out? I followed Audioholics set-up tips for dvd player and receiver on initial set-up.

Does the multi-channel input bypass my receivers crossover and speaker size options?

 

[tomd51]

If this is similar to the bass management option that some of the newer DVD-A/SACD players have, you should be able to modify your level settings and they will only apply to the 5.1/7.1 analog out from the DVD player.

When coming from an external source (e.g., DVD player) into the 'EXT IN' of the receiver, none of the DSP or tone settings should apply, only speaker/LFE levels. Therefore, if you do have the option of configuring the levels on the DVD player itself, this will most definitely not affect your receiver's existing settings. If you do not have this option, you still may be able to configure separate speaker/LFE levels for the 'EXT IN' setting that should not affect the DD/DTS or DSP settings.

This may be different on your Yamaha receiver, but this is what options I have on both my Denons... - TD

 

[j_garcia]

Yes, on most receivers I've used, all speaker settings are assumed to be handled by the source when using the multichannel inputs so the ones in the receiver are not used, nor are any DSPs applied. There are a few that can digitally manage that input. With my receiver, the speaker levels for all channels are completely separate from the settings for all other sources.

Conversely, as you are already aware, the speaker settings in the player only apply when using the analog connections. I use mine the way you are talkig about - DVD-A and SACD are via the m/c analog, DVDs via digital and it works great. I split the difference in adjustment between my receiver and the player since the 2900 doesn't have the +10dB offset.

 

[zumbo]

Well, my sub volume only goes to +6 on the dvd player. Not near as much bass as the DTS 96/24. I am going to try changing the speaker size in the dvd set-up and come back.

 

[j_garcia]

On my 2900, I only have 0 to -10, so what I did was drop the other speaker levels to -5 and add +5 for the sub on the receiver...and I also used the receiver to adjust the individual levels so they are consistent. I don't like having to use a work around to get it the way I want, but it works and it sounds correct.

 

[zumbo]

I changed the speakers to small in my player with the sub set to +6. Didn't help the bass much.

One other thing. This disc states:

dvd-a--96/24
dts-----96/24
pcm----96/24

So, to me this means the dts track will be as good as the dvd-a track correct? I guess I will just use dts on this one.

Are some dvd-a disc higher than 96/24?

 

[j_garcia]

I changed the speakers to small in my player with the sub set to +6. Didn't help the bass much.

One other thing. This disc states:

dvd-a--96/24
dts-----96/24
pcm----96/24

So, to me this means the dts track will be as good as the dvd-a track correct? I guess I will just use dts on this one.

I'd agree with that.

Are some dvd-a disc higher than 96/24?

I believe there are 128k, possibly 176.4k, and definitely 192/24. *edit - OK I found an article that talks about it. 192k is 2ch only, and 96k is the max for 6 channels.