VideoLogic DigiTheatre DTS: The Ferrari of Sound is here

The Sound (continued)

The subwoofer is an impressive unit; the 8 inch driver definitely moves its share of air.  The system exhibits an impressive frequency response that reaches down into the lowest frequencies.  Oftentimes, subwoofers are included in a computer system to allow for the weak frequency response from the satellites.  However, this system didn’t need the crutch, so it could focus on making it a true to form sub.  The crossover point seems much lower on this system than other computer systems.  Only the lower bass notes from music are present in the sub, and it is definitely below the point at which the frequencies become directional, creating a subtle addition to the overall sound.

The end result is smooth bass that reaches to the depths of the low frequency effects (LFE) channel for surround sound, while also helping fill out the bottom end of musical performances.  The only complaint is that it has a slight rattle at some frequencies, but only at high output volumes.  Overall, the bass is very impressive.

These components assemble together to create an incredibly accurate sound system.  Accurate also means natural - the system sounds not like it is trying to reproduce the sound, just that it is the sound.  There is very little coloration of the sound in the system, making it incredibly pleasant to listen to.  The sonic accuracy makes it a natural choice.

The first step was creating a high quality acoustic environment.  The second step is giving it a high quality source.  The decision to go with DTS was a sign of this commitment to quality.  The format allows for a broader dynamic range, that when coupled with a quality sound system, works to accurately reproduce the original big screen sound of a movie theatre.

DTS offers a wider dynamic range than Dolby Digital, literally granting more room for artistic expression and subtlety to the authors of program material.  Explosions can be more intense, and background effects can be more discrete, all with the nominal volume set at a single level.  The end result is impressive, and an ideal way to watch movies, short of having your own theatre.

The amplifiers in the system are extremely quiet, contributing little noise to the system.  They are quiet enough that when the volume is maxed out, there is little to no hiss - with our test setup, most of the noise present was the result of the soundcard, as it varied with the computer’s internal level and disappeared when the computer was muted.

VideoLogic’s decoder unit provides the DTS compatibility that makes the system so impressive.  It is also backwards compatible with Dolby Digital and ProLogic, as well as offering a traditional stereo mode.  This allows pretty much any program material to be reproduced by the system.

The overall sound of the system is easily characterized by sonic accuracy.  The result is a clean sound that excels both at music and cinematic sound.  It truly is an experience to listen to the system - like bringing the movie theatre to the desktop.