The High Resolution Audibility Test

As the owner of a standard yellow PonoPlayer, I was catching up on comments over at PonoMusic, and one in particular caught my attention, a note from Allen Farmelo at Farmelo Recording linking to a Tape Op blog entry. Farmelo’s dispatch, The Problem With A-B'ing And Why Neil Young Is Right About Sound Quality, makes several valid points, one of which is that A–B tests are not necessarily that meaningful…

From mobile audio to wireless speakers and headphones, from immersive experiences to high resolution audio, there’s never been so much excitement for new technologies and integration. Crowdfunding platforms are helping promote new concepts that companies would normally never consider promoting for themselves (for multiple reasons).

During the 137th International Audio Engineering Society (AES) Convention in Los Angeles, CA, a session on the Broadcast & Streaming Media Track discussed “Loudness for Streaming and Radio.” Thomas Lund (TC Electronic), an expert and longtime promoter of the loudness standards currently implemented in TV broadcast, chaired the session, which included an interesting angle from Bob Orban (Orban) and Frank Foti (Telos/Omnia).

In November 2013, audioXpress received a facelift. We expanded the content, added several new columns and feature articles, increased our focus on audio research and development (R&D), product design, professional audio equipment, and acoustic science while maintaining our roots in DIY audio and audio electronics.

Why is it so easy to find an audio enthusiast claiming that his new headphones, DAC, preamplifier, or pair of speakers “completely changed his perception of the music” and “made it possible to hear things in a totally new way,” and yet so many consumers cannot actually hear the difference when listening to high-resolution audio?

The 137th AES Convention in Los Angeles, CA, (October 9–12, 2014) will certainly be one of AES’s most complete and relevant technical programs. Several of the topics relate to the issues we have been following in audioXpress—from spatial audio and transducers to room acoustics, cinema sound, and audio signal processing.

A new documentary presented by Harman, featuring Quincy Jones, Mike Shinoda, Hans Zimmer, A.R. Rahman, Manny Marroquin and others, addresses audio compression’s impact on the listening experience. The documentary aims to promote the audiotioning of music using proper speakers and non-compressed sources.

Do you remember when radio was a primary sound source on any home stereo system? When was the last time you shopped for a new radio tuner? Chances are the last radio tuner you bought came with your car or integrated receiver amplifier. Nevertheless, radio broadcasting is still one of the world’s most important and popular media services, mostly because it’s free, it’s easy to find something interesting to listen to, and it works.

The rumors were true. After much speculation, Apple confirmed the acquisition of Beats Music & Beats Electronics for $3 billion. We know Apple’s headphones weren’t the best thing in the world and iTunes Radio was basically just starting. But… is this a good thing?

Spotify announced that it has reached 10 million paying subscribers. The market is suspended on the rumors of a speculated Apple $3.2 billion offer to buy Beats Electronics because of its music streaming service Beats Music. Digital music downloads (mainly iTunes) are not growing. Record labels are starting to bet everything on streaming. Meanwhile, it seems the whole music industry is still learning how to deal with the subscription business.