Dave Plowman ( Raving Nutcase) wrote:


The reasons for the original CD spec are all based around the limits of
the PCM recorders of the day - basically a semi-pro video recorder
(U-matic).


** The CD spec was *tweaked* to be compatible with those recorders - hence sampling at 44.1kHz instead of some other very similar number. It is NOT a quality limitation.


As we know from later, CD itself is capable of a longer playing time.

** The original CD was smaller than the final 12cm dia version, chosen to increase the playing time to well over 1 hour.

44.1kHz and 16 bit gives audibly perfect reproduction plus a comfortable margin beyond. 100dB s/n and 0.005% THD are well beyond what is necessary.


.... Phil