The efficiency of the codec will have a big role in that, of course. Take the example of a 256 kbps mp3 compared to uncompressed 16 bit PCM at the same or a bit higher, or even double bit rate.

IMO Dolby Labs has worked a small miracle given the bandwidth they were allowed to occupy in order to become the standard encoder. Ever wonder what DTS would sound like at DD bitrates? I heard DTS wasn't able to even get there and so DD won almost by default. Dunno if it's true.

[This message has been edited by charlie (edited February 19, 2003).]