I owned this DVD-A since it was released, and just like most of you I thought this was the best sounding disc in my collection. Until I bought the CD to be able to enjoy it in my car, and I realised that the DVD-A MCH tracks both,[ the MLP and DTS] lacks bass big time. Now this has nothing to do with BM and LFE +10db boost[or lack there of], or any hardware issue at all, so please don't bother with that.
The 2 ch PCM on the DVD-A is just like the CD great bass, and fullness to the sound, which the MCH tracks lack.


So I can only conclude that there was mastering error, but since so many people till this day think this is a great recording, I'm thinking that maybe most copies are not affected, and DTS Entertainment made a "silent" recall, or just the initial batch was affected. I can't be sure one way or another, but only one thing. The bass level and in some level the lower midrange too, are so different on the MCH tracks VS the 2ch, that it just can't be intentional.


Anyway it might not matters but here are the numbers that's on the disc's playing side, on the inner ring:


[229960] 1111 02
[229961] 1111 02


On the binder of the case is: 69286-01111-9-6


If some of you would be kind enough to check those numbers, and post it if they're different then those above, it would be appreciated.


Thanks.

I've seen a post about this before...was it from you? I have noticed that IA's DVD A and DTS versions lack bass compared to Deadwing and Stupid Dreams. I normally just tweak things a bit. I'll check my copy and the 2 channel PCM (I thought I had and don't recall the bass came alive). BTW, I mean by lacking bass it's comparatively, it's just not as prominent...still sounds pretty balanced and the recording is topnotch.

Yes, I did mention my concern before on these pages, but I'm growing more frustrated the more other PT records I buy, and then pop in this title. BTW the difference on bass level on the 2ch and the MCH versions about 8-10db. Not something one would miss in direct comparison.

Checked the PCM vs. DVD A track this morning...no difference in bass levels with either digital or analog connection. Same numbers as yours. Don't know what to tell you other than bass is definitely not as hot as other PT productions.

thanks for your efforts,I wonder if I should risk to buy another copy to see.....................

most DVD A disck as well as sacd are not very hot on the bottom end. this was an ongoing debate for the first 2 years or so when the formats came out. Traditionally DTS is much hotter on the bottom end though but not as good sounding. I bought an ICB bass management system and it did the trick. However that was a about 4 years ago and got rid of it when I went to an HTPC last year which I use for bass management now. I have no issues what so ever with bottom end on any of my discs. What you need is a bass management system for your dvd audio discs. Most new AV receivers have bass managemnt now as well as many of the dvd player that have dvd/sacd capabilities do.

Thanks for your input. ;)

My copy was numbered [229960] 1111 05; the rest of the numbers being the same as yours. I have a Denon 2900 and it is true that the 2 ch PCM has great bass which the MLP tracks lack, by about 10 db. But I have got used to ambling over to my subwoofer (Hsu) and turning up the bass anytime I play multichannel SACD or DVD-A, and all is well with the sound. I may have a "defective" disc like yours and later versions may have had this corrected. However, since I have to manually boost the bass for all my surround-sound music, it does appear to be equipment-related. You won't like this, but I think that it IS a bass management problem and not a mastering issue.

It would be true, if the DTS wasn't affected, but it is as bass shy as the MLP. Trust me I wen't through on all the variations before I posted here. Also this is the only disc I have this issue with unlike you, so which is why I have concluded that it is probably a mastering error.Just for refference: My receiver provides BM on both the analog and digital inputs, and it also correctly apply the +10db LFE boost on the analog MCH inputs, which is also evidenced when I play HD DVDs with Dolby THD or DD+ tracks. Never any problem with correct LFE or redirected bass, only on this one DVD-A. I own about 50 DVD-As and SACDs[all MCH] none has this issue. I hope that should put the equipment issue to rest?

Look for erasure marks on the disk :D