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1/3 of People Can't Tell 48Kbps Audio From 160Kbps

Posted by timothy on from the might-include-yours-truly dept.

An anonymous reader writes "Results of a blind listening test show that a third of people can't tell the difference between music encoded at 48Kbps and the same music encoded at 160Kbps. The test was conducted by CNet to find out whether streaming music service Spotify sounded better than new rival Sky Songs. Spotify uses 160Kbps OGG compression for its free service, whereas Sky Songs uses 48Kbps AAC+ compression. Over a third of participants thought the lower bit rate sounded better."

2 of 567 comments (clear)

  1. Even worse by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    In a deaf listening test, 100% couldn't tell the difference between a 160Kbps OGG file and a cannon. Though 3% noted the smell of gunpowder.

  2. Re:In other news by vlm · · Score: 5, Funny

    You think that math is troubling? I'm still trying to figure out how to divide a group of 16 people into thirds without staining the carpet.

    Considering its a lossy mp3 compression test, 16/3 = 5 is close enough for most people not to notice.

    --
    "Science flies us to the moon. Religion flies us into buildings." - Victor Stenger