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Are lossless Codec's worth upgrading my processor

I have a lexicon DC-2 processor which has a number of the older codecs and lexicon's 7:1 surround capability....works great with HDTV. However, now I'm going to get a bluray player and of course today's technology has lossless codec's and HDMI 1.3.

I can connect a bluray player thru digital to my Lexicon DC-2 and still decode the non lossless codecs...well at least some of them.

The question is....how big is the difference in sound between the new lossless codecs and DTS, Dolby, etc. Is it night and day....or just a little better...or just marketing hype?

(Lexicon DC-2, NHT Power 5, NHT/James 5:1 speakers)
ghstudio
johnjbarlow's avatar
johnjbarlow
175 posts
 
Sorry Rlwainwright. I respectfully disagree with you. The new lossless codecs are head and shoulders above all the legacy codecs previously used to decode DVD.

I am certainly not overstating anything. I wouldn't have wasted my time with Blu Ray if the new True HD and DTS HD Master Audio codecs hadn't just blown DTS and DD out of the water.

Nothing personal at all, but I think you are dead wrong.
jamnperry
123 posts
 
I had the same questions about the new codecs. I bought the Panny BD55 intending to return it. The codecs were sent via 5.1 inputs on my processor. IMO the difference was on the level of cd vs sacd. Seemed much more expansive resolving, and natural. For me, it's the difference that's convinced me that it's worth the effort. I'm waiting for the Oppo now.
vicdamone
850 posts
 
+1! It wasn't until I brought it home and added the two sides, I was floored by the difference. Then I ran the room correction, wow. After I got over the the improvement in surround effects I noticed the dialogue location in the front channels was much better even with some older titles.

This upgrade doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg to get the bulk of the improvement. HDMI cable shouldn't cost more than $20, Blue Jean or Monoprice.
kennyt's avatar
kennyt
1,226 posts
 
Ghstudio,

The DC-2 was not the premier piece of it's day. It was pricey and better than many, but not the top of the Lexicon line up. I think the remainder ofthe inputs concur with my thinking.

RW,

If you don't feel the new codecs are much better, please drop by and visit me in Florida and I will show you why I feel this way, I'm sure you'll agree with me after any demo I put together for this event.
ghstudio OP
141 posts
 
kennyt...I think the DC-2 was the only lexicon processor in it's time....with a few different models (upgradable). While it may not have been the premier processor at the time, it was lexicon's premier processor with their unique logic 7 logic.

The question is how does it stack up against even the integra 9.9 or cary 11a today.
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