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 Little 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 Little Ego show you the sample
rate of whatever is currently playing, so you’ll always know
exactly what your computer is sending to your Little 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
