A technologically inclined friend of mine opined that the initial 44.1 Khz sampling rate that was adopted at the beginning of the CD era was even then known to be inadequate. However, it was the best that available technology could support. Over nearly 30 years of commercial production, I think the sound quality has improved enormously. Our own taste dictates which of these technologies-digital or analogue-sounds best. I'm perfectly happy with CDs in their present form, and just as vinyl never died, CDs will also survive the next format shift. What may NOT survive that shift is the major record companies. The centralized distribution of music is about to become a relic of the past, IMO.
HasCD sound exceeded expectations since 1983?
Question should read..."Has CD sound quality exceeded consumer expectations since 1983??" Despite CDs operational convenience, dynamics and silent backgrounds, there seems to be much grousing and criticizing a medium that is almost now universally recognized as the best sound quality available.
However, "analog sound" continues to be the ultimate measure of CD sound among many audiophiles Even though I own an above average turntable and MC cartridge. I get tired of hearing the quip: "CDs are great...BUT records sound better" Where is the CD digital medium headed?? (especially with the computer audio boogeyman waiting in the wings to take over)
However, "analog sound" continues to be the ultimate measure of CD sound among many audiophiles Even though I own an above average turntable and MC cartridge. I get tired of hearing the quip: "CDs are great...BUT records sound better" Where is the CD digital medium headed?? (especially with the computer audio boogeyman waiting in the wings to take over)