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Thread: How Science Got Sound Wrong
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March 10, 2021, 04:15 PM #1
How Science Got Sound Wrong
Interesting read. Posted on Analog Planet's social media feed today. Let the digital vs analog debate continue LOL
Is Vinyl Better Than Digital?Morgan
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March 10, 2021, 07:42 PM #2
Re: How Science Got Sound Wrong
IF there were ever to be an ADC > DAC combination which perfectly implemented the mathematics of Nyquist's Theorem it would probably sound better than any current means of sound recording and reproduction. I'm not sure the ability to do that is even theoretically possible with current or near future technology. Perfect transient response? No way. No aliasing? Not with any available filter technologies. We do have pretty accurate clocking available, and many seem to feel that has notably improved digital audio, but it is mostly implemented in DACs (not ADCs) as far as I can tell, so even then addresses only half of that problem.
Rob
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Tascam BR-20; Technics 1506 with tape path upgrades, FM head, DeHavilland 222 tape head pre; Modwright Oppo 205 full tube mod w/LPS; Euphony Summus server, EtherRegen, HDPLEX LPS; MSB Discrete DAC (dual PS, ISLPro, balanced out); Pass Labs XP-12, XA60.8 (pair); Daedalus Audio Apollo 11’s, VMPS Larger Sub; Daedalus/Wywires, Acoustic Zen, Sablon Audio, Wireworld, Shunyata Research cables; Core Power Equi=Power;
Adona rack, Stillpoints, IsoPods, ASC, GIK Acoustics accessories
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March 10, 2021, 08:27 PM #3
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Re: How Science Got Sound Wrong
I actually recently transferred the 45rpm LPs in my collection to digital. The transfer was at 24/96 and it came out beautifully. Everyone that has heard the digitally ripped LP cannot tell a difference from the actual LP. And yes, all the noises from the record and the euphonic sound from the LP are there. To me that means that the Nyquist's Theorem was implemented perfectly, and even if not, whatever was left out was not substantial to make a difference in the sound.
And FWIW, most (if not all musicians) playing acoustical instruments and recording their own music today, are using ADC devices to convert their music to digital. Heck, today I bet that very few professional recording studios are using analog tape for their recordings. That means that they must be using ADCs to record the new music that we listen to today.
That said, each individual may have a preference depending on how they perceive the sound.
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March 10, 2021, 09:08 PM #4
Re: How Science Got Sound Wrong
“How does all this translate into the language of technology? The guiding principle of a nervous system is to record only a single bit of amplitude at the exact time of arrival. Since amplitudes are fixed, all the information is in the timing.
On the other hand, the guiding principle of digitization is to record variable amplitudes at fixed times. For example, sampling with 24-bit amplitude resolution, every 23 microseconds (44 kHz). Since sample times are fixed, all the information is in the amplitude.
So unlike digital recorders, nervous systems care a lot about microtime, both in how they detect signals and how they interpret them. And the numbers really matter: Even the best CDs can only resolve time down to 23 microseconds, while our nervous systems need at least 10 times better resolution, in the neighborhood of two to three microseconds. In crass amplitude terms, that missing microtime resolution seems like “only” tiny percentage points. However, it carries a whopping 90% of the resolution information the nervous system cares about. We need that microtime to hear the presence and depth of sounds outside us and to sense others’ emotions inside us.
The old analog technologies, LPs and POTs phones, preserve that necessary 90%. Digitization destroys it. Neil Young was right.”
WOW! That explains so much.My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
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March 10, 2021, 09:44 PM #5
Re: How Science Got Sound Wrong
Yes, it explains why Softky, a physicist I respect, has an audiophile believer understanding of digital audio and is thereby parroting nonsense. Shame.
Time resolution of digital audio – Troll Audio
cheers,
AJ
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March 11, 2021, 07:39 AM #6
Re: How Science Got Sound Wrong
Nonsense? Do you have a counter argument AJ?
I thought Softky's point about the "continuous-wave" of analog as apposed to time sliced approximation of digital was interesting. Could the preservation of time explain the appeal and desirability for many of LP*?
* Leaving aside that many modern vinyl records are produced from digital masters.Borresen Acoustics Loudspeakers, Borresen Model 01 Compact monitor loudspeakers with Ansuz Darkz T2s Supreme resonance control, Audio Video Manufaktur GmbH (AVM) Inspiration amplifier & streamer, Innuos Zen MKII music server, Ansuz Acoustics cables & accessories. Please visit my system thread hosted on Audioshark for more details. Disclosure: The author is materially connected to Ansuz, Aavik & Borresen Acoustics via friendship with an owner.
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March 11, 2021, 09:07 AM #7
Re: How Science Got Sound Wrong
Rob
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Tascam BR-20; Technics 1506 with tape path upgrades, FM head, DeHavilland 222 tape head pre; Modwright Oppo 205 full tube mod w/LPS; Euphony Summus server, EtherRegen, HDPLEX LPS; MSB Discrete DAC (dual PS, ISLPro, balanced out); Pass Labs XP-12, XA60.8 (pair); Daedalus Audio Apollo 11’s, VMPS Larger Sub; Daedalus/Wywires, Acoustic Zen, Sablon Audio, Wireworld, Shunyata Research cables; Core Power Equi=Power;
Adona rack, Stillpoints, IsoPods, ASC, GIK Acoustics accessories
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March 11, 2021, 09:11 AM #8
Re: How Science Got Sound Wrong
Micro Seiki SX-8000 air bearing table, SME 312s arm, SME 3012R arn, Dynavector XV-1s cartridge, Lyra Etna SL cartridge, ARC Ref 3 phono stage, Otari MX-55 2 track R2R, Ampex 350 tape repros, Roon Nucleus Plus music server, HiFi Rose 150B DAC, ARC Ref 6, ARC Ref 75 with KT-150s, Parasound JC5 amp , JBL 4345 speakers, Viero Equilibro Level 3 speaker cables, and Definitive Technology Ref subs.
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March 11, 2021, 09:18 AM #9
Re: How Science Got Sound Wrong
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March 11, 2021, 10:17 AM #10
Re: How Science Got Sound Wrong
Rob
__________________________
Tascam BR-20; Technics 1506 with tape path upgrades, FM head, DeHavilland 222 tape head pre; Modwright Oppo 205 full tube mod w/LPS; Euphony Summus server, EtherRegen, HDPLEX LPS; MSB Discrete DAC (dual PS, ISLPro, balanced out); Pass Labs XP-12, XA60.8 (pair); Daedalus Audio Apollo 11’s, VMPS Larger Sub; Daedalus/Wywires, Acoustic Zen, Sablon Audio, Wireworld, Shunyata Research cables; Core Power Equi=Power;
Adona rack, Stillpoints, IsoPods, ASC, GIK Acoustics accessories
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March 11, 2021, 10:53 AM #11
Re: How Science Got Sound Wrong
Micro Seiki SX-8000 air bearing table, SME 312s arm, SME 3012R arn, Dynavector XV-1s cartridge, Lyra Etna SL cartridge, ARC Ref 3 phono stage, Otari MX-55 2 track R2R, Ampex 350 tape repros, Roon Nucleus Plus music server, HiFi Rose 150B DAC, ARC Ref 6, ARC Ref 75 with KT-150s, Parasound JC5 amp , JBL 4345 speakers, Viero Equilibro Level 3 speaker cables, and Definitive Technology Ref subs.
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March 11, 2021, 11:07 AM #12
Re: How Science Got Sound Wrong
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March 11, 2021, 11:30 AM #13
Re: How Science Got Sound Wrong
Micro Seiki SX-8000 air bearing table, SME 312s arm, SME 3012R arn, Dynavector XV-1s cartridge, Lyra Etna SL cartridge, ARC Ref 3 phono stage, Otari MX-55 2 track R2R, Ampex 350 tape repros, Roon Nucleus Plus music server, HiFi Rose 150B DAC, ARC Ref 6, ARC Ref 75 with KT-150s, Parasound JC5 amp , JBL 4345 speakers, Viero Equilibro Level 3 speaker cables, and Definitive Technology Ref subs.
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March 11, 2021, 11:32 AM #14
Re: How Science Got Sound Wrong
So much for your ability to "hear" digital vs LP. Factor 0.0
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March 11, 2021, 11:41 AM #15
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March 11, 2021, 11:46 AM #16
Re: How Science Got Sound Wrong
Mark's no fun, he'd never do the test.
Of course I knew that before asking
I got the same results as you, but of course I don't rip, all real time analysis, so even record wear/playback variability is accounted for.
Both streams are always real time. Lots of fun.
cheers
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March 11, 2021, 12:47 PM #17
Re: How Science Got Sound Wrong
Yeah AJ. I’m really going to hop on a plane to fly to Florida to listen to a system of unknown components to subject myself to your version of a test which doesn’t consist of listening to an LP through your system and then comparing a recorded version of the LP played back.
Micro Seiki SX-8000 air bearing table, SME 312s arm, SME 3012R arn, Dynavector XV-1s cartridge, Lyra Etna SL cartridge, ARC Ref 3 phono stage, Otari MX-55 2 track R2R, Ampex 350 tape repros, Roon Nucleus Plus music server, HiFi Rose 150B DAC, ARC Ref 6, ARC Ref 75 with KT-150s, Parasound JC5 amp , JBL 4345 speakers, Viero Equilibro Level 3 speaker cables, and Definitive Technology Ref subs.
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March 11, 2021, 01:03 PM #18
Re: How Science Got Sound Wrong
I've seen you at Mike's place. In Florida.
Aha, I forgot audiophiles have to see/know to hear. That's key. Makes sense.
Correct. It's listening to a straight analog version of LP as you always do, then comparing to a level matched version of itself, the exact same, real time signal, passed through a "Digital" ADA. So a valid "analog" vs "digital" version of the exact same "master". Nothing recorded. Except correct/incorrect scores.
Which of course you would have zero problems distinguishing, given the audible superiority of analog vs digital and all the "sound" associated with digitizing.
Unless of course, that leads to apprehension and evasion. And of course nothing to share with world via Youtube.
Perfectly understandable.
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March 11, 2021, 03:23 PM #19
How Science Got Sound Wrong
Anyone familiar with Maslow’s Hammer?
It’s an observed principle in science, basically stating that if a hammer is the only tool you’ve got, every problem will look like a nail to you. And then of course you’ll treat it as such. Simplified, you ask a Mathematician and he’ll use math, you ask an engineer and he’ll use whatever he’s got in his engineer toolbox.
This is the reason why in today’s science most breakthrough discoveries happen at the fringes of research, where different sciences intersect. This is, as in those cases usually someone has looked at an old problem in new ways. Recent example: the first and most potent Covid vaccines are mRNA vaccines, which is a new way of developing vaccines.
Similarly, just because we only know some ways to measure the difference between analog and digital today, that does not mean that this is the ultimate and final truth. It’s just the current state. Maybe more obvious, if we compare live vs. a recording, the measured frequencies in a closely-miked recording might even be “better”. But nevertheless, in terms of the musical experience, there is nothing like the live event.
And, today we all agree that mp3 sounds like crap. But the tech is still valid, as you cannot technically differentiate between congruent frequencies from different sources when they overlap in a recording. In terms of measurement it’s just the same frequencies.
Ergo: While we can hear what we can measure, we’re not able to measure everything we hear. This is no new news.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk“Life’s too short to listen to bad audio.”
Big rig: Brinkmann Taurus DD TT + 12.1 arm + Lyra Etna Lambda SL MC + HRS M3X2/ Cardas Clear Beyond phono/ Stillpoints LPI/ Brinkmann Edison mk2 phono + RöNT II Tube PS/ Synology NAS with Roon + HD Plex linear PSU + Shunyata HD/ AQ Vodka RJ45 + Aqvox Network Switch SE + AQ Diamond RJ45 into DAC/ Brinkmann Nyquist mk2/ Audionet Humboldt/ Cardas Clear Beyond ICs/ Kharma DB9-S 1.1 LS/ Inakustik Reference LS 4004 AIR/ Audioquest Niagara 5000/ Shunyata Alpha power (HC, Analogue, Digital)/ Finite Elemente Pagode Rack/ Stillpoints Ultra SS/ Vicoustic panels + Stillpoints Aperture II.
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March 11, 2021, 03:36 PM #20
Re: How Science Got Sound Wrong
I’m still amazed that so many audiophiles don’t own turntables. I personally find it so enjoyable and have for over 40 years. I’ve never not had a turntable, even in the 90’s when my wife teased me for playing records.
From the collecting to the purity of sound to the enjoyment of listening to the album from beginning to end, it’s just a wonderful part of the hobby.
I hear all the arguments against vinyl, daily. But I still don’t get it.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk ProMy Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
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March 11, 2021, 03:36 PM #21
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March 11, 2021, 03:46 PM #22
Re: How Science Got Sound Wrong
“Life’s too short to listen to bad audio.”
Big rig: Brinkmann Taurus DD TT + 12.1 arm + Lyra Etna Lambda SL MC + HRS M3X2/ Cardas Clear Beyond phono/ Stillpoints LPI/ Brinkmann Edison mk2 phono + RöNT II Tube PS/ Synology NAS with Roon + HD Plex linear PSU + Shunyata HD/ AQ Vodka RJ45 + Aqvox Network Switch SE + AQ Diamond RJ45 into DAC/ Brinkmann Nyquist mk2/ Audionet Humboldt/ Cardas Clear Beyond ICs/ Kharma DB9-S 1.1 LS/ Inakustik Reference LS 4004 AIR/ Audioquest Niagara 5000/ Shunyata Alpha power (HC, Analogue, Digital)/ Finite Elemente Pagode Rack/ Stillpoints Ultra SS/ Vicoustic panels + Stillpoints Aperture II.
Small rig: Naim UnitiServe/ Curious USB/ Tidal/ Linn Klimax DS3/ Shunyata Power cable/ Pass Labs INT-60/ Acoustic Zen Silver Reference II/ HiD Diamond 8/ Harbeth 30.2 40th Anniversary/ Shunyata Venom EU7 & Venom 3 HD.
HP rig: MacBookAir/ Tidal/ Auralic Gemini 2000/ Sbooster LPSU/ Audeze LCD-2 Classic + WyWires Red/ Shunyata HD/ Shunyata Hydra 2/ Shunyata Venom.
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March 11, 2021, 04:19 PM #23
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Re: How Science Got Sound Wrong
just trying to figure out the nails perspective.
what to do if the opponent has only a hammer as a tool?
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March 11, 2021, 04:35 PM #24
Re: How Science Got Sound Wrong
Analog vs. digital threads are always a train wreck. I’m way beyond trying to convince anyone of the superiority of one format over another. What shouldn’t be debatable is that there are no SQ differences between the two and thus they are indistinguishable.
I’m glad I have the gear to listen to both analog and digital and I have my own pecking order of sound quality.Micro Seiki SX-8000 air bearing table, SME 312s arm, SME 3012R arn, Dynavector XV-1s cartridge, Lyra Etna SL cartridge, ARC Ref 3 phono stage, Otari MX-55 2 track R2R, Ampex 350 tape repros, Roon Nucleus Plus music server, HiFi Rose 150B DAC, ARC Ref 6, ARC Ref 75 with KT-150s, Parasound JC5 amp , JBL 4345 speakers, Viero Equilibro Level 3 speaker cables, and Definitive Technology Ref subs.
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March 11, 2021, 04:39 PM #25
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March 11, 2021, 05:21 PM #26
Re: How Science Got Sound Wrong
Something about the Nyquist theorem used in digital audio has always bothered me. And you'd think I'd know better, but here it is:
Nyquist (and those before, he was not the first) proposed the theorem in the 1920s. As far as I can make out, the sample is analog in nature (not digital values, which came along much later in that century). That is to say it has a specific numerical value, possibly with lots of digits to the right of the decimal point.
But in Redbook, the sample resolution is limited to 16 bits and not surprisingly, 24 or 32 bits sounds better.
So isn't it a stretch to say the Nyquist theorem is being used in digital audio? It seems more like an approximation is being used instead. What am I missing?
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March 11, 2021, 05:51 PM #27
Re: How Science Got Sound Wrong
Im on the timing bandwagon myself , regardless of cost my main gripe about digital is always the electronic sound , sounds great , but always Hifi ‘ish ...
Regards
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March 11, 2021, 06:43 PM #28
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Re: How Science Got Sound Wrong
Excellent reading!
Thanks for sharing!
Very, very interesting indeed. Even though I'm a CD man today, I don't know if I'll ever go back to origins, to vinyl. I find it difficult because, from what I am reading, many vinyl recordings today are not worth the effort (and the Money! ), while, from what I am seeing, some current CD productions are truly phenomenal, which results in a high quality listening and full satisfaction.
So what would take me back to vinyl? Probably the memory of a certain sound that stayed in my head from the days when i had a turntable. The transposition to CD of some of these vinyl albums from the 80´s and 90´s didn't even come close in quality sound.
We all have many examples, I will stick to just one. One of my favorite classical works, of which I currently have 3 versions (I already had more due the search for the best recording, not so much from the interpretation), is Beethoven's violin concerto. In the superb interpretation of Stern Bernstein, together with the New York Philharmonic, on vinyl, I recall the most natural and wonderful violin sound I have ever been able to experience in home music reproduction. I am sure that whoever knows something about violin brands, listening through the vinyl, certainly identifies the violin brand. Something that we do not have from far or near in the CD copy. But we can argue that the supremacy of vinyl stems from the original recording being analog, Ok, I will then go further and say that I have not yet heard a similar violin in any of the best and current digital recordings. Not even close! Let´s say that there is something unparalleled between an excellent (old) analog recording and an excellent (modern) digital one.
So why don't I even have a turntable? In conversations with audiophile friends I usually say that audio is a maze. Vinyl may be even more so! Turntables, arms, cartridges, fine tuning… Add to this the fact that audiophile quality is also not the rule in many records edited in the golden years of vinyl and today´s quality it is defrauded by copies of digital recordings. Let's say that in the golden years of vinyl, the audiophile concern was not so present in most productions, being today hampered by the predominance of digital recordings.
Returning to the article, I don't know if it explains everything, because the audiophile issue is not just vinyl vs. digital. Could the science mistake be found in so many wars that we all know very well, like MC vs MM; multi bit vs bitstream; valves vs Transistors, copper vs silver; sealed vs ported; etc etc? Everything is conflict in the audio, everything is discussed in opposite fields. But perhaps the part I want to highlight and incorporate in the context of the article, since it refers to and supports the brain's unsuspected ability to deal with and recognize minimal variations in sound properties, to reinforce the idea of the danger of apologizing for certain so-called scientific truths that so many audiophiles continually defend, and that due to the rationality of the arguments they are trying to impose. We know so little about the capabilities of our brain, and, in the same way, the knowledge of physics is not yet sufficient to explain and solve all the phenomena that result from the vibration of the air at different frequencies that results in the phenomenon that we classify as sound. For this reason, I, who have always noticed differences in sound in relation to everything (or almost everything ), sometimes feel insulted (to use the language of the text) when so many say that I cannot hear what i hear, just because science says so. How? If i were the only one to hear strange things i would be silent. But when so many around the world testify to hearing diferences (in cables for example), the true science does not disdain, but investigates. Trying to explain by the psychoacoustic phenomenon and placebo effect is not explaining anything. Because it is not science. It's just speech.
So, can science be wrong not only in the discussion vinil vs Cd but in so many themes in the audio?
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March 11, 2021, 06:45 PM #29
Re: How Science Got Sound Wrong
For example, sampling with 24-bit amplitude resolution, every 23 microseconds (44 kHz). Since sample times are fixed, all the information is in the amplitude.
So unlike digital recorders, nervous systems care a lot about microtime, both in how they detect signals and how they interpret them. And the numbers really matter: Even the best CDs can only resolve time down to 23 microseconds, while our nervous systems need at least 10 times better resolution
tmin=12πfa(2b–1)
With CD quality audio, 16 bits at 44.1 kHz, the best-case time resolution is obtained with a full-scale signal at 22.05 kHz. The above formula then yields tmin=1/(2π×22050 Hz×1×(216–1))=110 ps. For a more typical 1 kHz signal at -20 dB, i.e. with an amplitude of 0.1, the same calculation produces a value of 24 ns. Although not nearly as good as the best case, it is still 1000 times better than the erroneously claimed limit of one sample interval.
Time resolution of digital audio – Troll Audio
The Fair Observer article is nonsense.
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March 11, 2021, 07:16 PM #30
Re: How Science Got Sound Wrong
AJ,
Ever played with Reclocker’s ?USB cables ? , whats your take on them ..?
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March 11, 2021, 07:17 PM #31
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March 11, 2021, 07:27 PM #32
How Science Got Sound Wrong
If you don’t want to go back to vinyl for purity of sound, staying in the analog domain, no crummy studio A2D process and so many other reasons, than yes, I wouldn’t bother. Digital today is outstanding, but I couldn’t give up my turntable and the sheer enjoyment of AAA recordings/pressings for anything.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk ProMy Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/
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March 12, 2021, 07:03 AM #33
Re: How Science Got Sound Wrong
Cables yes, reclockers no. I was not susceptible to them, but as always (as below), YMMV.
Marketing actions can modulate neural representations of experienced pleasantness | PNAS
cheers
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March 12, 2021, 12:42 PM #34
Re: How Science Got Sound Wrong
If you get the chance try a reclocker . BTW whats the science behind USB cables making a difference..?
Marketing ..?
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March 12, 2021, 12:44 PM #35
Re: How Science Got Sound Wrong
My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/
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March 12, 2021, 01:04 PM #36
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March 12, 2021, 02:05 PM #37
Re: How Science Got Sound Wrong
I did notice a difference when I went to two of the AQ Coffee USB cables. I also notice a nice improvement with a basic reclocker, the W4S Recovery. Dan wrote a very nice review of the Recovery after Charles and I gave high recommendation for it!
By the way, I love my digital but Mike got me hooked on Vinyl again. I send curses your way Mr. Mike ... But so many records sound so fantastic!McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105
“One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
"You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
― Neil deGrasse Tyson
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March 12, 2021, 04:28 PM #38
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March 12, 2021, 04:43 PM #39
Re: How Science Got Sound Wrong
Way too much to unpack in text but a quick go at it from a partial read through. IMO
a) There are errors abound throughout so credibility from the get go is questionable
b) He provides no evidence that prove our brain perceives sound in microsecond chunks that may render digital inferior to analog and
c) He conveniently omits many of the challenges with vinyl playback including wow and flutter, physical medium noise, turntable physical vibration challenges and bandwidth limitations to name a few.
I'm not saying that vinyl can't sound excellent, we all know it can - with the right ($$$) setup. However, I believe he's jumping the gun by inferring all digital is at a loss due to his supposition about brain processing frequency, if you will. I personally find in most modest priced systems with equally modest priced source components that digital is superior to vinyl until your budget floats up to 5 figures. All this is, of course besides the difference in playback convenience of source material.4x20A circuits | Shunyata Triton + Typhon | Source 1: HDPlex HD100 PSU -> OCX clock + EtherRegen -> Paul Hynes SR4T + HDPlex HD500 PSUs -> Music PC w/JCAT XE nic, Squeezebox, Roon, Tidal / Qobuz | TotalDAC Live PSU + D1 Twelve Mk II DAC + Mk II streamer | Source 2: Acoustic Signature Ascona TT | Kuzma 4 point tonearm | Koetsu Rosewood Signature cart | Pass XP-15 phono pre | Audionet Pre G2 preamp | Audionet Max mono blocks | Vivid Audio Giya Spirits | 4 JL Audio Fathom subs | Echole ICs /SCs / Siltech King jumpers, Shunyata/Audioquest PCs / Eth. Cs | Critical Mass CS2s -> components, Isoacoustics -> speakers + subs | Adona Altair reference and Eris II racks | Fully treated and dedicated 2 channel room
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March 12, 2021, 04:43 PM #40
Re: How Science Got Sound Wrong
I don’t know your budget, but if this is the max you want to spend, then go for it.
Unlike DAC’s and one particular forum where they seem to get all bent out of shape regarding tables and carts, I don’t care what table someone has - as long as they have one. Yes a better table/arm/cart will usually sound better, but the point of vinyl is the music, the collecting, the passion for the pressings. When I go to friends to listen to vinyl, I don’t even know what table, arm, cart they have unless I care to look. But I sure do want to see their juicy collection of first pressings and UHQR’s and one steps and the like.
Oh and here’s a shocker: a great table today, was a great table 20 years ago and will be a great table in 20 years. Look at the plethora of VPI’s, Linn’s and SME’s and many many others around still today.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk ProMy Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
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March 12, 2021, 05:48 PM #41
Re: How Science Got Sound Wrong
Just for the record, if you don't mind the expression, LPs have greater bandwidth than digital except perhaps in the bass. The low end is resticted by the tonearm mechanical resonance with the cartridge compliance. The upper end is probably about 40KHz. My mastering setup is bandwidth limited at 42KHz and its no problem recording a 35KHz tone and playing it back with ease on a Grado Gold MM cartridge using an ordinary 80s-era Japanese phono section.
Physical media noise is really variable. We did some projects through QRP that were pretty impressive- essentially the playback electronics defined the noise floor, regardless of the electronics. QRP did some mods to their pressing machines to eliminate vibration during the pressing process. It resulted in a much quieter noise floor- somewhere in the area of about 15dB from what I can make out- so about -90dB if I have my math right. FWIW if you have your stylus temperature right and otherwise have a good setup on the cutter head, the resulting groove of the lacquer has a very quiet noise floor. If you play a fresh cut lacquer you might wonder if the system is on until the music starts playing. That is what impressed us about the project we did at QRP- it had that some quality.
One other thing- as a phono section designer I noticed about 30 years ago that some phono sections generate ticks and pops while others don't. This has to do with poor high frequency overload margins, since there can be a rather pesky ultrasonic or RF electrical resonance caused by the inductance of the cartridge and the capacitance of the tonearm cable (and the input capacitance of the phono stage). In the case of LOMC cartridges which have a hi-Q coil, this peak can be a good 30dB! With higher output cartridges it is often 20dB. It sent into excitation this can overload the input of the phono section briefly, resulting in a tick.
So there is a tendency to conflate the media with individual examples of mediocrity, which while more common, don't in fact represent the capacity of the media.
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March 12, 2021, 06:04 PM #42
Re: How Science Got Sound Wrong
How is frequency response to 40 kHz “better than digital”??
Rob
__________________________
Tascam BR-20; Technics 1506 with tape path upgrades, FM head, DeHavilland 222 tape head pre; Modwright Oppo 205 full tube mod w/LPS; Euphony Summus server, EtherRegen, HDPLEX LPS; MSB Discrete DAC (dual PS, ISLPro, balanced out); Pass Labs XP-12, XA60.8 (pair); Daedalus Audio Apollo 11’s, VMPS Larger Sub; Daedalus/Wywires, Acoustic Zen, Sablon Audio, Wireworld, Shunyata Research cables; Core Power Equi=Power;
Adona rack, Stillpoints, IsoPods, ASC, GIK Acoustics accessories
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March 12, 2021, 06:31 PM #43
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March 12, 2021, 06:35 PM #44
Re: How Science Got Sound Wrong
I don’t think he said 40Khz is better than digital, just stating what he’s observed in measurement terms.
Removing A2D2A process from pre-1980 recordings is the advantage of analog IMO. With modern recordings going straight to digital, stay in the digital domain.
My two cents...
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk ProMy Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
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March 12, 2021, 06:48 PM #45
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March 12, 2021, 07:37 PM #46
Re: How Science Got Sound Wrong
"LPs have greater bandwidth than digital except perhaps in the bass. The low end is restricted by the tonearm mechanical resonance with the cartridge compliance. The upper end is probably about 40KHz."
LP's do not have greater bandwidth than digital, unless one is discussing 16/44.1 PCM (or MP3, MQA and other lossy codecs)Rob
__________________________
Tascam BR-20; Technics 1506 with tape path upgrades, FM head, DeHavilland 222 tape head pre; Modwright Oppo 205 full tube mod w/LPS; Euphony Summus server, EtherRegen, HDPLEX LPS; MSB Discrete DAC (dual PS, ISLPro, balanced out); Pass Labs XP-12, XA60.8 (pair); Daedalus Audio Apollo 11’s, VMPS Larger Sub; Daedalus/Wywires, Acoustic Zen, Sablon Audio, Wireworld, Shunyata Research cables; Core Power Equi=Power;
Adona rack, Stillpoints, IsoPods, ASC, GIK Acoustics accessories
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March 15, 2021, 02:35 PM #47
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March 15, 2021, 05:02 PM #48
Re: How Science Got Sound Wrong
WAV, FLAC, AIFF and ALC are all "containers" for lossless PCM files, currently "maxing out" at 32/768 resolution (hardware and software limited; I don't know if there are actual limits in the coding for those containers)
Rob
__________________________
Tascam BR-20; Technics 1506 with tape path upgrades, FM head, DeHavilland 222 tape head pre; Modwright Oppo 205 full tube mod w/LPS; Euphony Summus server, EtherRegen, HDPLEX LPS; MSB Discrete DAC (dual PS, ISLPro, balanced out); Pass Labs XP-12, XA60.8 (pair); Daedalus Audio Apollo 11’s, VMPS Larger Sub; Daedalus/Wywires, Acoustic Zen, Sablon Audio, Wireworld, Shunyata Research cables; Core Power Equi=Power;
Adona rack, Stillpoints, IsoPods, ASC, GIK Acoustics accessories
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March 20, 2021, 02:02 PM #49
Re: How Science Got Sound Wrong
.. I have a TT but it hasn’t been hooked up in 5 years since I got rid of my phono-preamp. There’s something to be said about the warmth of the sound.. but as I’ve moved up the digital ladder into a very high end DAC, I just don’t see going back. Flipping through songs on my iPad is just too easy. The only time I want to get up is to get another beer, not flip a record.
Sent from my iPad using TapatalkPreamp/Digital: Meitner MA3
HT Processor: Bryston SP3
Amps: Bryston 14b3, Bryston 4b3
Speakers: Kef Reference 5, Kef Reference 4c
Sub: REL Carbon Special
Power: Shunyata Denali, Bryston BIT15
Wires: Wireworld Silver Eclipse XLR & SC, Ethernet - WW Platinum USB
Other: Stillpoint Ultra SS, ISO-Acoustics ISO Pucks
-Kyle
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March 22, 2021, 12:21 PM #50
Re: How Science Got Sound Wrong
I demonstrated the difference between digital and analog (using the same title and cut) for my GF and now she knows why I have a rather large LP collection- and no objections in that regard now either- she likes it when I play the stereo and I'm very lucky that we have similar taste in music.
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AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.
The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.
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Great looking room and system! And, nice vinyl collection! Congrats to the new Clarysis owner!
Clarisys Audio Studio Plus Install...