Yes, CDs encode the entire range of human hearing, however they also miss part of the picture. Now, I don't know the exact physics behind all of this but I do know that because of the way information is pulled from a CD, called PCM, it lends itself to jitter (not all of the bits get lined up correctly at playback) and harshness. In fact, this is so well known that Sony, one of the PCM originators, has come up with a completely different method of digitally storing music, call SACD. It not only samples at a much higher rate (hence the larger storage requirements of a DVD for 2 channel audio) but it also transfers information in a completely different fashion.
Most audiophile LP types agree that this new SACD format bridges the gap between LPs and CDs. I have yet to hear it so I can't comment on that.
No, actually, I'm not. My entire system didn't actually cost that much, and sounds tons better than anything you could find in your standard Circuit City/Good Guys. I buy almost exclusively from the used/refurbed market and therefore spend about 30% of list.
So, my current system (stereo only, a/v stuff is another story) cost something around $2000 total, but I have a $7000ish (list) setup.
Also, hiss and pop aren't *always* there. In fact, on most well cared for LPs on any sort of reasonable turntable doesn't have much more hiss than a CD. Further, the inherent harshness of CDs bothers me much more than extra small bit of hiss. That's not to say I don't use CDs regularly or appreciate them for their convienence, but for true audiophile, critical listening, I prefer vinyl.
Slashdot Mirror
Yes, CDs encode the entire range of human hearing, however they also miss part of the picture. Now, I don't know the exact physics behind all of this but I do know that because of the way information is pulled from a CD, called PCM, it lends itself to jitter (not all of the bits get lined up correctly at playback) and harshness. In fact, this is so well known that Sony, one of the PCM originators, has come up with a completely different method of digitally storing music, call SACD. It not only samples at a much higher rate (hence the larger storage requirements of a DVD for 2 channel audio) but it also transfers information in a completely different fashion.
Most audiophile LP types agree that this new SACD format bridges the gap between LPs and CDs. I have yet to hear it so I can't comment on that.
No, actually, I'm not. My entire system didn't actually cost that much, and sounds tons better than anything you could find in your standard Circuit City/Good Guys. I buy almost exclusively from the used/refurbed market and therefore spend about 30% of list.
So, my current system (stereo only, a/v stuff is another story) cost something around $2000 total, but I have a $7000ish (list) setup.
Also, hiss and pop aren't *always* there. In fact, on most well cared for LPs on any sort of reasonable turntable doesn't have much more hiss than a CD. Further, the inherent harshness of CDs bothers me much more than extra small bit of hiss. That's not to say I don't use CDs regularly or appreciate them for their convienence, but for true audiophile, critical listening, I prefer vinyl.