Sample Rates and Bit Depths
Digital recordings are currently available at sample rates from
44k to 192k, with 384k recordings just starting to become
available. Files created directly from CDs and CD quality
downloads have a bit depth of 16 bits, while most high
res downloads are 24 bits. Most audio mastering software
supports bit depths of 32 bits, so we can expect to start
seeing files at that bit depth eventually.
The Big Ego supports all standard sample rates between 44k
and 384k, and all standard bit depths from 16 bits to 32 bits.
The row of LEDs on your Big Ego show you the sample rate of
whatever is currently playing, so you’ll always know exactly
what your computer is sending to your Big Ego.
Lossless vs Lossy Compression
Digital audio files take up a significant amount of storage
space, especially at higher sample rates and bit depths, so
various methods have been developed to compress them so
you can get more songs on your music player or hard disk.
These fall into two categories.
Lossless compression
- uses math to store the data more
efficiently, while still preserving every single bit of the
original, and all of the original quality. Common lossless file
formats include FLAC and ALAC.
Lossy compression
- can fit a lot more music into a much
smaller space. Unfortunately, it does this by discarding
information. Several methods of lossy compression compete
to give you the smallest files with the least loss of quality, but
most audiophiles consider any deliberate reduction in sound
