Digital vs analog

[Dave Stagner <dstagner@icarus.net>]

I don't want to start a flame war over this, but i must dispute the idea
that the "warmth" of analog recording is the result of harmonic distortion
(and conversely, that the "cold" sound of digital is the result of a lack
of distortion).  This is the semi-official mainstream view, i know.  It is
also pseudo-scientific bullshit that should have been tossed out when
doctors stopped using leeches.

Harmonic distortion is only one factor in sound quality, and an extremely
limited one at that.  Worse, THD measurements do not weigh the proportions
of different distortion components.  Odd harmonics, especially higher
order ones, are more offensive to the ear than even harmonics. Second
harmonic distortion is literally inaudible below 5%, and even then is
perceived only as "loudness" or increased dynamics.  

My unplugged acoustic guitar sounds "warm".  Is this distortion?  No, by
definition.  In the digital realm, my Audio Alchemy DDE D/A converter
sounds "warm" in comparison to my Sony Discman.  Is this distortion?
Highly unlikely, given the quality differential between the two.  

So, while i can't say yet what makes something sound "warm", i can state
pretty definitively that it is NOT simply added distortion!  Most modern
solid-state devices have vanishingly low distortion specs, but can sound
very different from each other, so obviously distortion alone does not
explain the differences.  

I could go into some long diatribe on intermodulation distortion, noise
floor modulation, and other nasties associated with digital sound, but
i'll avoid that for now.  Suffice to say that i do NOT believe what is
said about distortion and warmth.

-dave

Practice beautiful randomness and act kind of senseless.
<dstagner@icarus.net>