1985-1998 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
Nice analogy, but not totally right...
You have to be aware of the fact that 1-bit and 24-bit (and 16, 18, 20 bits ) systems are working along totally different principles;
In the one case the converter takes samples with a resolution of 24 bits and does that with a certain frequency (44.1 khz). The one bit converter always uses the same bit, but has such a high sample frequency, that it reaches that same CD red-book resolution (which is BTW 16 bits: all CDs are 16 bits 44,1 khz format!).
Philips introduced this system some generations after CD introducion for the following benefits:
- Easier (and thus cheaper) design;
- The dreaded early CD cross-over distortion was virtually eliminated;
- The very high sampling frequency did not interfere with the audio band, making analog filtering much easier (44,1khz needs drastic filtering)
To use an anlogy here also: indeed for a pixel color the 24 bit has more choices of nuances, but the enormous refresh rate 1-bit uses has the same effect, because it will change its limited color palette so fast that it will fool your eyes and have the same effect. Well, almost.
In the mean time the 'multi bit' technology improved and elminated the blemishes listed above.
General consensus with audio critics has it that it is not the choice of system that determines the quality, but the way it is executed. And because of its nature mentioned above, 1-bit is simply more apt for budget systems than multi-bit. Which you will find in more prestigious kit as a rule of thumb.
For home audio there's been a bunch of fine 1-bit high-end machines available over the years.
So why having a 24 bit converter if CD is only 16 bits? Well, because of technical and mechanical imperfections you actually never recover all 16 bits from a CD. Thanks to development in computer technology we now have the processing power to recalculate the 16 bit signal into a 24 bit signal. What benefits are actually the very soft passages in music, that would otherwise sould 'grainy'.
Not very SAAB ,is it?
Jan Geert
Oh yes, and digital (pre)amps do exists, though for home use only. (Meridian of the UK most notably, and yes, the DA converter is in the speaker! neat, huh?)Dunno if there's something for car audio yet.
Now I keep my pedantic mouth shut ;-)
posted by 213.75.1...
, Mon, 14 Oct 2002 13:42:30
No Site Registration is Required to Post - Site Membership is optional (Member Features List), but helps to keep the site online
for all Saabers. If the site helps you, please consider helping the site by becoming a member.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
