2. analog
  3. 192421-90040

Analog invites you to turn up the volume

I've been listening to a lot of streaming digital lately and really enjoying it. The sound is nice, music selection is outstanding and sure can't beat the convenience. It has almost overtaken my listening sessions but last night I decided to fire up the turntable. I noticed myself turning the volume up and just rocking out at the level I thought was most satisfying. I was kind of startled to see how high I'd set the volume and when I checked the Db meter, it was 5 to 8 Db louder than when I listen to digital. I asked myself why I don't listen to digital at the same volume and I really couldn't come up with an answer because I certainly can. I just don't care to. 

tcutter

Showing 2 responses by mitch2

mitch2
4,238 posts
 

Maybe this has something to do with it...

"The dynamic range of an audio system is a measure of the difference between the smallest and largest amplitude values that can be represented in a medium. Digital and analog differ in both the methods of transfer and storage, as well as the behavior exhibited by the systems due to these methods.

The dynamic range of digital audio systems can exceed that of analog audio systems... An LP made out of perfect vinyl would have a theoretical dynamic range of 70 dB.  Measurements indicate maximum actual performance in the 60 to 70 dB range."

and,

"...the dynamic range of a 16-bit / 44.1 kHz CD is over 90 dB — slightly greater than the range of human hearing." 

Is it possible that you need to turn up the volume on your analog source to replicate what you typically hear from your digital source?

mitch2
4,238 posts
 

Your point is technically correct since dynamic range is the ratio between the loudest and quietest sounds, yet I have had components that made me want to "chase the volume control" and it always seemed to be related to one component sounding more "dynamic" than the other.  In addition, you may still enjoy the sound of the analog equipment more since digital can have its own issues.

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