LPCM, Dolby TrueHD, DTS Master Audio and FLAC

[Mr_X2012]

Hi all,

When encoding the audio file from a bluray which has LPCM, Dolby TrueHD or DTS Master Audio would you recommend down converting to 16 bit FLAC if it has a 24 bit original?

I am considering buying a new HQ 5.1 surround sound system and really want the best audio at the best size tradeoff possible.

I have heard many say that they can't even notice the difference and that 16 bit FLAC compresses much better than 24 bit. If this is the case then 16 bit FLAC would be the best idea.

Cheers

[Noahtuck]

Is there a standalone dvd/bluray player that will even play FLAC audio with a bluray disc ?
Or an MKV, MP4, etc.
I don't think so!!

But you are pretty vague on what you're end result is going to be and how you plan on playing it.

FLAC is pretty much for lossless compression of AUDIO from lossless audio cd's.

[Mr_X2012]

I use an external media player http://www.noontec.com.au/?m=Product&i=20&v=Default

Also HTPC using MPC

Even a HQ receiver can accept FLAC http://www.audioproducts.com.au/ProductInfo.aspx?pid=AVR2113BK

My main question is - should I leave the HD audio as is (i.e. LPCM, Dolby TrueHD or DTS Master Audi) or should I convert to 24 bit FLAC or 16 bit FLAC? Is there a definitive difference in sound between 24 bit and 16 bit?

[pandy]

Is there a definitive difference in sound between 24 bit and 16 bit?

Usually not - with correct post-processing 16 bit can sound almost as good as 24 bit. Only in special cases, difference can be audible however probably not on normal, daily basis listening - unless You have exceptionally good listening conditions - dedicated room with very good sound insulation.

[FulciLives]

If your equipment can handle 24-bit FLAC in this way (I assume muxed into a MKV file) then do that and forget changing it to 16-Bit quality.

[jman98]

Hard disks are cheap and big and you don't live in a third world country. Just leave your audio as it is.

Oddly, we had a recent thread about audio processing that brought a surprisingly large number of analogphiles out of the woodwork and I'm sure that they would argue that 24 bit is only about five zillion times better than 16 bit, but in all honesty most people can't tell any difference.

[pandy]

let some goldenear be honest and try to do test with:

sox -V3 %1 -b 24 output24.wav rate -v -I 48000.0 dither -f low-shibata
sox -V3 %1 -b 16 output16.wav rate -v -I 48000.0 dither -f low-shibata

where %1 is http://www.eclassical.com/custom/eclassical/files/BIS1447-002-flac_24.flac or any similar 24 bit high quality source file.

Are You hear difference? Please don't cheat - be honest with You and Us.

(feel free to modify noiseshaping filter accordingly to Your preferences and based on http://sox.sourceforge.net/SoX/NoiseShaping )

[FulciLives]

I'm getting tired of all you A/B ********. This isn't hydrogenfucktardaudio.com

[Noahtuck]

I'm getting tired of all you A/B ********. This isn't hydrogenfucktardaudio.com

That's

hydrogenfucktardedaudio.com

I can't even remember the last time I used that word here, but I sure have thought it a lot!!!!

LOL!!

[Slipster]

I would join in the test, pandy, but according to the two posters above, anyone who uses their ears to listen with is obviously being incredibly stupid and deserves to have insults hurled at them.

[Steve(MS)]

I would join in the test, pandy, but according to the two posters above, anyone who uses their ears to listen with is obviously being incredibly stupid and deserves to have insults hurled at them.

Naw, they don't want this to spiral out of control by fringe audiophools, it does get old real quick.

[fritzi93]

I suspect that pandy was making the same point.

Are You hear difference? Please don't cheat - be honest with You and Us.

As for me, the answer is a big no.

[Ennio]

Mr_X2012,

I would go by first thing first. You still have no audio-setup. Before worrying about 16 or 24 bit audio-specs, lossless conversions and size/quality trade-offs and all that crap (hell, I still listen to vinyl: no bits at all) I would go for a good sound-system in the 1st place.

What "is" a good sound-system? You tell me. Reading this topic and by all means not intending to trigger an audiophile discussion here: my advice to anybody "looking" for audio equipment will always be: go listen and find what sounds right to you. Take your time and try out different amps and speakers. If possible in a home-theater environment for surround. "Movie & music feel", speakers matching and a "whole" clear sound-bubble do more than fancy specs, looks and pricetags. Decide for yourself. Take your time and let your ears decide. It can save you money too. Also, if stereo is important, listen to it.

Once you have the desired audio set-up at home, you can try out the conversions you stated and find out.

Cheers
Ennio