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Real-World Audio Wave Form Asymmetries and the Effect on the Audio Chain

It is generally accepted in the audio world that it is quite possible for two amplifiers to produce steady state measurements which are very nearly alike in all respects; yet the two units in question produce subjectively obvious differences in reproduced sound when fed with dynamic program material. This condition would lead us to the conclusion that there are gaps in our measurements and techniques which need further study and exploration in order that the relationships between our objective measurements and what we actually hear subjectively may be more clearly delineated. This examines some of the anomalies in actual program material which are due to asymmetries; (Unequal excursions of the audio waveforms above and below the zero base line.) The effect on the audio chain is also documented photographically.

Author: Hetrich, Wayne L.
Affiliation: National Public Radio, Washington, DC
AES Convention:55 (October 1976) Paper Number:1193 Import into BibTeX

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