re: #252 BigPapa

I don’t think you can tell a difference between an MP3 and CD or higher bit rate file in earbuds.

You can with a nicer amp and speakers.

Yup. mp3 is a lossy algorithm. I as an ex-audiophile, I still have some nice toys to listen to and there is a difference. My point was simply that with most speakers/headphones, the majority of folks don’t notice the difference.

The science behind analog to digital conversion is well established, and the CD standard, when properly used, will provide a wider frequency range than almost anyone can hear. And the output signal will match the input signal exactly within the specified ranges in the standard.

Higher sampling rates can capture higher frequencies, but is that an advantage? Truth be told, when you start talking about frequencies above 16kHz, studies have shown that unless you’re a young girl you aren’t going to hear them (CD provides up to 20kHz). Back in my serious audiophile days my ex was an audiologist. So of course I used her equipment to try, no joy. Still bought better audio stuff though. Ah, happy days. (I seem to recall that gender differences were a function of exposure to high sound pressure levels).

Could some listeners, using very high quality playback equipment hear a difference between the new standard being pitched by Neil and the CD standard? Yes. But over time, exposure to high pressure levels takes it’s toll on all of us, and most of us can’t hear it.

Sadly. (Sigh)