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Subjective
Sound Quality
Hopefully
next year, I will invest in the newest HDTV standard and drop a few thousand
on a "golden ratio" (5:3) set with built in DTS capability. Until
that time arrives, I had to use the older Dolby Pro Logic
encoded source material which included several late VHS HiFi movies in addition
to various surround sound encoded live NTSC shows. Since I also don't possess
a separate powered subwoofer, I merely used the DE decoders to unscramble
and output a line level signal for the rear channels only. This configuration
worked out extremely well and could even be considered a valid marketing strategy
whereby existing high grade front ends would be "augmented" rather
than "replaced."
No matter
what I listened to, Dolby Pro Logic exhibited periodic artifacts. Some sounded
like clicks and pops while others just pleasantly "hummed" in the
background. I believe that DTS has improved upon this with their less compressed
multiplexing scheme. On Dolby's website,
it's clearly stated that DTS has less compression than Pro Logic. At more
than 367% less compression, DTS proves to be a much higher grade audio signal.
Hiss wasn't
an issue and the rear surround channels had good high frequency extension.
As a reminder, I had to lower the level of all analog audio to the inputs
below the 370mV distortion limit in order to avoid the dreaded digital "cracking"
which is rather obnoxious and distracting. Somehow, this dedicated discreet
decoder appeared to do a better job overall when compared to the built-in
electronics of the ROCCO
5.1 fully powered setup. Let's hear it for the component advantage!
Conclusion
Some great
products take time to be fully market accepted. I'm convinced that the DE
series of audio decoders would be welcomed with open arms into the U.S. and
other markets and to that end, I think all readers so inclined to do so should
email Jazz Speakers. Every ground breaking product will have a few growing
pains and the 005 & 006 assumes that most buyers will not utilize the
analog inputs. Therefore this reviewer's recommendation comes with a caveat:
if you can purchase one of these cost effective units, do so with the intention
of plugging into digital sources only. With that said, you should find that
Dolby Pro Logic and DTS encoded audio tracks take on a whole new, previously
unheard of dimension in your personal listening environment.
William
Yaple
01/22/01
