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HD Audio worth it?

  • 26-01-2012 12:45am
    #1
    silvine
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,132 ✭✭✭


    Does HD audio sound any better than standard Dolby Digital?

    I've a HTPC rocking XBMC and a fairly decent set of 5.1 speakers (Q Accoustic 2000 series) but my machine apparently can't decode HD audio. That said my Denon AVR 1311 amp can and I would like to know if the difference is enough to justify an upgrade? My sitting room is of a modest size if that makes a difference.


Comments

  • #2
    cnocbui
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,122 ✭✭✭✭cnocbui


    Some people claim they can hear a difference and some people claim they can't.

    I can't even find anyone who can tell the difference between 224 kbps AAC and the original, so I have my doubts.

    You would most likely get a guaranteed improvement in sound quality by just upgrading speakers.


  • #3
    Slaphead07
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,323 ✭✭✭Slaphead07


    cnocbui wrote: »
    I can't even find anyone who can tell the difference between 224 kbps AAC and the original,


    Really? Chalk and cheese on a real hifi system. Even 320kbs on a modest one.


  • #4
    silvine
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,132 ✭✭✭silvine


    I should add I use my machine to watch movies rather than music.


  • #5
    Slaphead07
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,323 ✭✭✭Slaphead07


    silvine wrote: »
    I should add I use my machine to watch movies rather than music.

    Well the principle still stands. There is a difference between HD and DD, of course there is, but I don't think your speakers, good and all as they are, will reveal much of it. Why don't you try the Denon and see (hear)?


  • #6
    silvine
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,132 ✭✭✭silvine


    Slaphead07 wrote: »
    silvine wrote: »
    I should add I use my machine to watch movies rather than music.

    Well the principle still stands. There is a difference between HD and DD, of course there is, but I don't think your speakers, good and all as they are, will reveal much of it. Why don't you try the Denon and see (hear)?

    I've no source capable of hd audio at the moment


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  • #7
    jackwogan
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 46 ✭jackwogan


    If your not into sound I would not bother.


  • #8
    Slaphead07
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,323 ✭✭✭Slaphead07


    silvine wrote: »
    I've no source capable of hd audio at the moment

    Ah. Borrow one? Just out of curiosity? If you're happy with the picture then I wouldn't bother spending money, as I say, the speakers will struggle.


  • #9
    silvine
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,132 ✭✭✭silvine


    Well I'm into sound but I think I've reached the point of diminishing returns with respect to my av gear.

    According to WhatHiFi my speakers are fairly good. What kind of speakers do I need to appreciate HD then?


  • #10
    cnocbui
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,122 ✭✭✭✭cnocbui


    Slaphead07 wrote: »
    Really? Chalk and cheese on a real hifi system. Even 320kbs on a modest one.

    I have answered in this thread so as not to go off topic and derail this one:

    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056530860


  • #11
    Slaphead07
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,323 ✭✭✭Slaphead07


    silvine wrote: »
    What kind of speakers do I need to appreciate HD then?
    Well nobody can tell you that really.... read reviews and try to hear as many as possible. Keep an eye out for second hand stuff too.


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  • #12
    SmithySeller
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 620 ✭✭✭SmithySeller


    Wow, surprised at some answers. I have a Denon Amp and decent 6.1 setup, for me the difference between DD and HD is chalk and cheese. I can only speak of my own setup, HD is miles better, just far superior IMO.


  • #13
    silvine
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,132 ✭✭✭silvine


    SmithySeller wrote: »
    Wow, surprised at some answers. I have a Denon Amp and decent 6.1 setup, for me the difference between DD and HD is chalk and cheese. I can only speak of my own setup, HD is miles better, just far superior IMO.

    What speakers do you use? Also what's your source?


  • #14
    SmithySeller
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 620 ✭✭✭SmithySeller


    B&W 684 Theatre driven by a 1910. The 1910 is a little bit weak for the setup, but gets away with it.


  • #15
    Harrocks
    Registered Users Posts: 177 ✭✭Harrocks


    I have the Q-acoustics 2000 set up with an onkyo amp.For over 2years now and the difference in dvd and blu-ray audio is Clarity.Yes its worth upgrading your amp to decode dolbytruehd and dtsMaster audio.


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