Strato V vs Strato E

[stanrozenfeld]

Hello,

I am considering Kaleidescape Strato E and Strato V. I know about the difference in storage and additional audio outputs. I am wondering if anyone did a comparison test in terms of video and audio quality between the two.

I know my Panasonic 9000 4k blu-ray has a lot better video and audio quality than any other player tried. So I am wondering how much iof a difference there is between Strato V and Strato E.

Thanks
Stan

 

[ahard]

You will not see a difference in the video and audio between the E and V. They're both do 4k and whatever audio track is included with the movie, They will sound and look the same.

 

[SJHT]

What’s your setup? The only significant differences are additional audio outputs (HDMI and digital) and double the internal storage for non server use.

 

[stanrozenfeld]

First set up is LG 83 inch G5 Oled TV and Samsung's flagship soundbar. Second set up is LG HU915QB 4k UST projector with 123 inch Elite Aeon ALR CLR screen and Sennheiser Ambeo Max Soundbar.

 

[ahard]

What’s your setup? The only significant differences are additional audio outputs (HDMI and digital) and double the internal storage for non server use.

The OP is trying to see if one has a better 4K pic and audio than the other. There's no difference in the 4k quality or sound reproduction no matter the setup. Just want to make that clear for the OP.

 

[stanrozenfeld]

So they are both using identical processors, etc.? For $1500 more all you get is some more storage and coax/optical outputs?

 

[ahard]

So they are both using identical processors, etc.? For $1500 more all you get is some more storage and coax/optical outputs?

I don't know the internals that are being used between the two, but the difference is price is primary related to internal storage. I think that you're thinking about it in a nefarious manner. K isn't in the business of making the picture quality horrible on lower priced devices. They're known for their picture and sound quality. They're known to charge a premium for storage. That is why you see the difference in price. If you get the lowered price option, you're not going to get a 4k pic and audio that is subpar to the other K devices. That's not the way things work for K.

 

[J.Green]

Audio and video output of Strato V and Strato E will be identical.

In addition to the larger storage and the optical and coax audio output on the Strato V, there is also an IR input port on the back that is not present on the Strato E. Strato V -- when grouped with a Terra server -- also supports Co-Star pairing with Premiere system M-class players which the Strato E does not.

And cosmetically, the Strato V is housed in a milled, anodized aluminum case vs the Strato E which is in a perforated steel case. The Strato E has a much smaller physical footprint than the Strato V.

 

[stanrozenfeld]

Just to clarify my position.... I am not trying to be nefarious....my only frame of reference is the differences in Blu-Ray players. I can put the same disc into a cheap Samsung or into my Panasonic 9000. The difference in quality is significant even though both output 4k hdr, dolby atmos, etc.

But it seems that this is not the case here. So I will focus on buying Strato E when money becomes available.

I appreciate everyone clarifying this for me.

Thank You,
Stan

 

[Steve Bruzonsky]

Has anyone actually compared a Strato V versus Strato E side-by-side?

 

[cal87]

Has anyone actually compared a Strato V versus Strato E side-by-side?

I am also curious about this. There has been a lot of discussion about jitter, especially in Lumagen threads. Wondering if there is anything with the case, wiring, architecture which would make the V theoretically maybe slightly better than the E.

I do have a V and C side by side at the moment which I have been meaning to do some DV versus HDR10 comparisons through Lumagen.

Also curious if the Co Star could be made to work with Strato V and C together so you can use the 4K interface. Just kidding - sort of.

 

[by96]

I was deciding between the V and E right before the V's price increase, so the price difference was smaller but still significant. I really was leaning towards the E, but liked the idea of double the storage, and ultimately, after seeing YouTube reviews of both, was impressed wit the build quality of the V. I have never seen an E in person and I am sure it is fine, but I do think the build quality of the V is superior. Now, that difference most likely won't translate into audio and video differences.

In the end, the E is the better value (especially at the V's current price), but I don't regret getting the V.

 

[stanrozenfeld]

I certainly don't want to start a flame war. but if you believe the mantra that "bits are bits", then there can be no difference. I used to believe that, but years with various audio gear and cabling has convinced me that it's just not that simple. But I don't want to start an argument here. Even if someone did a side by side test, the results would rely on the rest of the audio and video chain.

But I would certainly like to see them tested on a high end system. Maybe someone will do youtube video one day.

 

[Steve Bruzonsky]

I know that Jim Peterson of Lumagen gave some input when Kaleidescape designed the V, lessening the jitter compared to the C, and I would speculate that the E is a great product, but at a cheaper price point does not have as sturdy construction and has more jitter. Now whether you could see or hear a difference is another story. But it certainly is possible. Likewise, I’m keeping Lumagen in my theater for which construction and upgrad is finally getting close to finishing., as opposed to the more computerized MadVR which would have a lot more dirt/jitter in comparison. But regardless of physical or structural improvements which may result in some objective measurement benefits. Also, the question always comes down to whether one sees or hears a difference. And the E certainly is a great value player at a great price!

 

[stanrozenfeld]

I think you nailed the essential points. If it's a matter of $300 to $400, I would still buy Strato V. At current price difference, I would go with Strato E. But when I am financially ready to buy, who knows what the situation will be, especially in the used market.

 

[cal87]

I think you nailed the essential points. If it's a matter of $300 to $400, I would still buy Strato V. At current price difference, I would go with Strato E. But when I am financially ready to buy, who knows what the situation will be, especially in the used market.

That is actually pretty close to what I was dealing with. I got in before the price change on the V, and happened to be staying up in Oregon where there is no sales tax - so not too far off from $3-400 I would guess. When I get around to replacing the Strato C in my bedroom, that will probably be a E.

 

[Nonametofame]

Just to clarify my position.... I am not trying to be nefarious....my only frame of reference is the differences in Blu-Ray players. I can put the same disc into a cheap Samsung or into my Panasonic 9000. The difference in quality is significant even though both output 4k hdr, dolby atmos, etc.

But it seems that this is not the case here. So I will focus on buying Strato E when money becomes available.

I appreciate everyone clarifying this for me.

Thank You,
Stan

I think an appropriate comparison here would be the ub9000 vs the ub820. Both have identical chipset and performance. I've owned both and the build quality is unquestionably superior on the 9000. It's not even close. But the retail price is more than double that of the 820. I guess many felt the reduced fan noise, sturdier construction and additional balanced input was enough to justify the additional price tag. The same logic here can essentially be applied to the E vs the V.

 

[stanrozenfeld]

I think an appropriate comparison here would be the ub9000 vs the ub820. Both have identical chipset and performance. I've owned both and the build quality is unquestionably superior on the 9000. It's not even close. But the retail price is more than double that of the 820. I guess many felt the reduced fan noise, sturdier construction and additional balanced input was enough to justify the additional price tag. The same logic here can essentially be applied to the E vs the V.

Yes, I think you're right. Although 9000 has more options for its hdr optimizer, but I get the point. That was part of my initial question, to at least verify if Strato V and E at least had the same chipset, which I understand they do.

 

[DieZwei]

Also, the question always comes down to whether one sees or hears a difference.

Amen to that.
When I read that a specific player provides a better image than the other with HDMI, I´m suspecting it does some sort of video processing to make the image "more pleasant to the eye" which I don´t want.

 

[stanrozenfeld]

Amen to that.
When I read that a specific player provides a better image than the other with HDMI, I´m suspecting it does some sort of video processing to make the image "more pleasant to the eye" which I don´t want.

Panasonic 9000/820 gives the best picture of any blu-ray player (with possible exception of Oppo) because it ekes out every bit of information from the source, not because it does some kind of fake processing.. Read any professional review of it. I had the Sony before. My brother had the LG. After we checked out the Panasonic, we couldn't go back because it's those players that looked fake now..

I don't want to get off topic and start "bits are bits" debate. I am satisfied that Strato E and Strato V are both great players.