Music Choice & other music compression questions

[wckai]

Hello all!

Out of curiosity, does anyone know to what extent music is compressed on the Music Choice channels on comcast (or similar channels on other cable systems)? I tried to do some 'net searching, but only found info from several years ago, and I wonder if things have changed since then (new algorithms, more bandwidth for the channel, whatever).

I have my first "real" speakers (i.e. non-HTIB), due in part to advice from you fine people (thanks!), which made me start thinking about the quality of the music I normally listen to. Most is via the Music Choice channels, and the bulk of the rest is via mp3's (probably not particularly high bit rates).

And in general, are there good rules of thumb when it comes to music compression vs. quality of speakers? Something like if music is highly compressed, then $200 speakers are as good as $5000 speakers, and it takes lossless music to really get benefit from better speakers?

As mentioned, this is really just out of curiosity. I'm quite happy with the setup I have now, which for reference are 3 WaveCrest HVL-1's for my LCR and an SVS SB-1000 sub. But it did start making me wonder about future upgrading, whether I should look into upgrading my system or upgrading my music. Or both.

Thanks!

 

[KenM10759]

I find the quality of the signal from Music Choice to be somewhat better than the signal heard from the old hang-on-window drive-in speakers, not as good as FM radio.

You should first tell us what receiver or other amplification you are using between the cable TV channel or MP3 player and the speakers. I would think if it's a receiver you could add a cheap used CD player from a pawn shop or Craigslist and hear a huge difference. That would help you decide what to upgrade.