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 Has Soundbars Improved to Usable Levels?

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viking kong
post Jan 1 2017, 09:44 AM

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Hello,
Just bought Sony CT-790 (2.1 system). I have a question and need some advice.

My Equipments - Sony 4kTv X7000D, HyppTV and PS3
My connection - HyppTV to TV (HDMI) ; PS3 to Soundbar (HDMI) ; Soundbar and TV connected by HDMI ARC.

My Question
1. Which sound do I hv to choose whether PCM or bitstream (output to Soundbar) when watching Netflix on TV APP in order the get better sound experience?

2. Same as above question, on Netlix, I have 2 options for audio which are English or English 5.1. Which 1 is better for my 2.1 system?

Side Note:
1. TV 4k audio support - 2ch LPCM, 5.1 LPCM, DD, DD+ and DTS
2. Soundbar audio support - at TV IN - 2ch LPCM, DD and DTS
3. Soundbar audio support - at all HDMI out - up to DD TrueHD and DTS MA.
4. Netflix app at TV via ARC to soundbar and I believe it will output at TV IN.

Appreciate for the help.
Thanks

This post has been edited by viking kong: Jan 1 2017, 09:45 AM
viking kong
post Jan 4 2017, 08:24 AM

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QUOTE(SSJBen @ Jan 3 2017, 05:58 PM)
1. PCM is lossless, bitstream can be lossy or lossless. Regardless, unless the source is bad to begin with, you're not going to hear difference on the soundbar. Pick PCM for no compatibility headaches as everything plays PCM.

2. If there's no suffix, it's usually stereo. So choose "English". Best to avoid all 5.1 sources if possible and choose "stereo" to avoid downmixing issues - example; very low dialogue volume as soundbars do not have the capability to make a "phantom center channel" sound authoritative.
*
While using Netflex with 5 1 English on TV:
1. When I set TV audio ouput (at TV) to auto1 (mean bitstream), my CT790 showing Dolby Digital 48kHz 24bit
2. When I set TV audio output (at TV) to PCM, my CT790 showing LPCM 48kHz 16bit.

Both sounds no issue, just Dolby Digital entire sound will give a little bit lower volume than LPCM. I prefer LPCM!
For above case, Dolby 24bit vs LPCM 16bit which one is better for my case 2.1 system?
How come 16bit LPCM can sound better than 24bit Dolby?

I really confuse.

This post has been edited by viking kong: Jan 4 2017, 08:30 AM
viking kong
post Jan 4 2017, 08:27 AM

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QUOTE(rx330 @ Jan 3 2017, 12:41 PM)
im guessing no diff btwn the bit stream n pcm, even if there is, u cant differentiate also

im using the same ht 790 as u
i would just connect hypptv n ps3 into the sound bar then connect from soundbar in to tv
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Do u consider for additonal wireless surround?
For CT790, we will have an option (Sony brand) but too pricey. Lowest can get RM599 x 1unit and we need 2units.
viking kong
post Jan 5 2017, 11:51 PM

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QUOTE(SSJBen @ Jan 5 2017, 04:41 PM)
LPCM = lossless.
Dolby Digital = lossy.

As for dialogue issues, I literally just explained in the post you quoted on why to avoid 5.1 sources if possible on the CT790 (or any 2.1 soundbar).

LPCM sounds "better" to you because dialogue is more intelligible since it is locked to stereo. There is no downmixing or upmixing involved going into your soundbar. You're not losing or "gaining" anything when it comes to sound effects.

DD 5.1, you're cramping all info into 2 puny drivers on the soundbar and expect them to have "phantom channel" with depth while trying to produce surround effects along with the main L/R channel info. It's a hardware limitation, it's just physics. Nothing to be confused about if you think of it that way.
*
Thanks for the well explaination.!


 

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