By John Siau
March 27, 2014
There is a raging debate over the definition of "High-Resolution Audio". The focus of this debate has been misdirected by a lot of marketing hype. High-Resolution Audio will only truly arrive when the sum total of all defects in the audio chain become inaudible. We are not there yet, but we are getting close. The final chapter will not be higher sample rates and more bits. The final chapter will be achieving the necessary improvements to critical components in the signal chain.
Ignore the sample rate and format wars. There are several competing digital systems that are fully capable of delivering true High-Resolution Audio. These include all 24-bit (and higher) PCM systems with sample rates higher than the 44.1 kHz rate used in standard CD's. Double speed DSD is a 1-bit format that is also capable of delivering High-Resolution Audio. Avoid falling for the marketing spin that tells you: "if 96 kHz is great, 192 kHz is better", or "if 24-bits is great, 32-bits must be better". Don't fall for the spin!
As a delivery format, 24-bit digital systems are far better than any other part of the signal chain. Converters, preamplifiers, power amplifiers, and speakers cannot deliver the 144 dB signal to noise ratio (SNR) that can be transmitted through a 24-bit system. Our ears have a limitation of about 130 dB (the difference between the threshold of hearing and the threshold of pain). Our ears are essentially limited to the equivalent of 21 or 22 bits (6 dB per bit if you care to do the math). This means that 24-bit systems have a nice margin beyond our auditory system. It also means that the 96 dB available from a 16-bit CD system is somewhat deficient.
The CD was designed to closely approach the limits of human hearing. The format has almost enough bandwidth, and almost enough dynamic range to be transparent. In contrast, High-Resolution digital formats have more than enough resolution to convey every detail that can be heard by the best human ears. Nevertheless, few people are experiencing the promises of the "High-Resolution" or "High-Definition" marketeers.
Why is High-Resolution Audio failing to deliver? Do we need more bits and more samples? The answer is NO! Don't fall for the spin!
What we need are audio components that are capable of delivering High-Resolution Audio. For example, the D/A converter (DAC) built into the typical DVD player usually has a "24-bit" DAC that only delivers a 90 to 95 dB SNR. This is the equivalent of 15 to 16 bits (CD performance at best). In contrast, the Benchmark DAC2 outboard DAC has an SNR of 126 dB (equivalent to 21 bits). The DAC2 is actually capable of delivering peaks that are 3.5 dB higher, giving the DAC2 a total SNR of 129.5 dB (21.5 bits), matching the limits of human hearing. The DAC2 connects directly to the power amplifier (eliminating a separate "preamplifer" from the signal chain).
But, an outboard DAC is only a partial solution to the High-Resolution Audio dilemma. A second key part of the problem is the performance of the audio power amplifier. A 24-bit audio system is useless if it passes through the typical power amplifier. It is nearly impossible to find power amplifiers that can deliver an SNR higher than about 102 dB. This is the equivalent of 17 bits (adequate for CD applications, but definitely not adequate for High-Resolution Audio). Anyone who thinks they can hear the difference between 16-bit and 24-bit digital audio through a "17-bit" power amplifier is fooling themselves.
Clearly, a system playing High-Resolution Audio through a great outboard DAC, may fail to deliver high-resolution unless the amplifier has adequate performance. For this reason, Benchmark has undertaken the difficult task of building a power amplifier that is worthy of the title "High-Resolution". The new Benchmark AHB2 power amplifier has a 130 dB SNR. Like the DAC2, the AHB2 is well matched to the limits of human hearing. Together, these two devices form a signal chain that can truly deliver High-Resolution Audio to the terminals on the back of a pair of speakers.
In summary, we need to focus on the performance of our playback equipment instead of participating in the High-Resolution format wars. If your playback system can't resolve anything better than CD quality, then "High-Resolution Audio" will remain an illusion.
If an audio system is composed of multiple components, we may have detailed specifications for each component, but we will not know the performance of the combined system without doing some calculations. You may have questions such as these:
Use Benchmark's online audio calculators to find answers!
For example, if we know the output power of an amplifier, as well as the sensitivity and impedance of our loudspeakers, we can calculate the maximum sound pressure level that our system can produce.
This application note provides interactive examples that help to answer the questions listed above.
We have added an "Audio Calculators" section to our webpage. Click "Calculators" on the top menu to see more like these:
Secrets contributor Sumit Chawla recently caught up with Benchmark’s VP and Chief Designer, John Siau to get a little more in-depth on several subjects.
Q: "Benchmark is one of the few companies that publishes an extensive set of measurements, but you also balance that with subjective testing. Can you talk about the equipment, the listening room, and the process for subjective testing?"
Q: "Was there ever a time where you learned something from a subjective test that was not captured by measurements?"
Q: "You conducted some listening tests to determine whether distortion in the “First Watt” was audible. What test material did you use for this, and what did you find?"
Q: "The AHB2 amplifier incorporates THX Audio Achromatic Amplifier technology. When and how did the partnership with THX come about?"
Q: "Linear power supplies have been and remain quite popular in high-end devices. You favor switch-mode power supplies. When and why did you make this switch?"
... and more!
