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What is the least compressed signal?

Hello everyone.I was wondering what everyone's thoughts might be about what is the least compressed front end signal? A friend of mine recently told me that radio signal is compressed. So I thought maybe a direct connection to a CD player? Or, since CDs are pretty compressed, maybe a record player? Thoughts?
the reason I ask is, my friend recently gave me a fantastic pair of speakers. And I've been listening to the radio through them. He had a disgusted look on his face and told me I was not using these speakers how they were meant to be used, because the radio signal is kind of crappy and compressed. I would love to use the speakers as they were intended. Meadowlark kestrel hot rods hooked up to an Integra receiver w/ kimbers
ddjr

Showing 1 response by douglas_schroeder

douglas_schroeder
3,281 posts
 
ddjr, I believe what your friend was attempting to tell you was that radio is typically not a great source in terms of quality. Seek a more direct source, such as LP, digital file, or streaming audio from a good source like Tidal or Qobuz.  There will be a world of difference in sound quality! You will be shocked! If you enjoy listening it will be well worth the money and time invested.  :) 

As an example, if you were to hook up a CD player directly, you likely would hear a radical difference between sound quality of a CD played back versus same song on radio. Note that cables make a substantial difference in the resultant sound quality. 
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