37
SB8A/SB10A U
S e r
G
U i d e
Digital audio files come in two types, lossless and lossy. As the name implies, “lossy” files are missing information
compared to the “lossless” original. This is done to make the file size smaller for streaming and faster downloads,
but compromises audio quality to a varying degree. Newer lossy codecs usually have improved performance
compared to older ones. Disk space is now so large, and internet so fast that there is no reason to use lossy
files for serious listening. Lossy files only need to be used for streaming.
Lossless compression as the name implies results in a smaller file size, and a decoded output that is identical
to the original source. The only disadvantage of lossless compression is that the maximum possible reduction
in file size is around 50% (compared to 90% or less for lossy compression).
Since the 1990s, loudness levels of most music has been steadily increasing in a phenomenon known as
the “loudness war”. Record company executives instructed mastering engineers to over-compress and limit
music to increase the RMS level (and perceived loudness) with the misguided idea that it would be louder
on the radio, and people would notice it. Being non-engineers, they failed to understand that additional signal
processing in the radio broadcast chain normalised the levels of all the tracks anyway, so all they were really
achieving was ruining the music they were supposed to be selling.
The consequence of this sad story today, is that online streaming platforms like Spotify and Youtube have
introduced volume normalisation, to ensure that modern “loud” tracks sound the same level as older, better
produced tracks. Typically this functions by leaving the quieter tracks alone, and turning down the loud tracks.
Whilst this is a good idea in principle, when playing music from a phone into the SB8A/SB10A, you may find
the maximum output is limited as a result of the volume normalisation. This is because the input sensitivity of the
SB8A/SB10A has been chosen for maximum compatibility with the widest range of sources.
We do not recommend using a phone as a source, but if you must, bear in mind the following:
• Downloaded music files will play much louder than streaming platforms
• Use lossless music files, .WAV, .FLAC (Android), .AIFF, ALAC (.M4A)(Apple).
* Lossy codecs assuming a bit rate of 128kbps. It’s important not to confuse data compression with dynamic range compression!
CODEC
TYPE
QUALITY*
FILE SIZE
USED BY
YEAR
WAV
Lossless
uncompressed
Best
Large
Pro audio/
broadcast
1991
AIFF
Lossless
uncompressed
Best
Large
Apple
1988
FLAC
Lossless
compressed
Best
Medium
Tidal, music
download stores
2001
ALAC
Lossless
compressed
Best
Medium
Apple
2004
Opus
Lossy
compressed
Good
Small
Youtube,
Soundcloud
2012
AAC
Lossy
compressed
Poor
Small
Apple Music,
iTunes
1997
Vorbis
Lossy
compressed
Poor
Small
Spotify
2000
MP3
Lossy
compressed
Very poor
Small
Bad DJs
1993
11
APPENDIX
11.1 Digital audio files
