High fidelity vs. Lo-Fi

Hi-Fi sound systems are those which provide excellent sound quality. The word hi-fi is actually an abbreviation for high-frequency audio. Most audiophiles and music lovers use the term hi-fi to mean high quality sound reproduction. A typical high-end audio system offers outstanding sonic quality.

In order to understand what makes hi-fi sound so great, it’s best to understand what high fidelity audio reproduction entails. All audio waves travel in a wave form that is similar in every frequency. As Audio Scaleurs travel through space, the wave frequency alters slightly. If the wave is traveling from a source at a high frequency, it will typically spread over a larger area than a lower frequency wave. This means that the lower frequency sources produce lower quality sound waves than higher frequency sources. Due to this phenomenon, the sound waves from such sources may not be suitable for listening purposes on regular CD players or even ordinary stereo headphones.

Audio engineers have found a way to reproduce the phenomena of low frequency response using specially designed amplifiers. These amplifiers take a measurement of the waveform of the audio signal and convert it into actual voltage levels that can be used as input to audio equipment. Today, many hi-fi sound systems utilize these specially designed audio amplifiers. It is common for a hi-fi amplifier to handle more than one source of audio. One of the most common uses for this sort of multiple input source is to handle an analog audio signal along with a digital signal.

The word “high fidelity” itself doesn’t accurately define the quality of the sound reproduction. Instead, it is a popular marketing buzzword used often by manufacturers to generate consumer excitement about their new products. In essence, high fidelity is equal to CD (CD quality) audio in terms of the quality of the sound. So what is good sound reproduction?

High fidelity is achievable if you have a good sound system in place. To attain this, you need a high resolution monitor that is capable of displaying the audio tracks at the appropriate resolution. With a high resolution monitor, it becomes possible to properly analyze and interpret the audio signals and compare them with the master disc. A good mastering job can achieve a very high fidelity sound system. A typical lo-fi system will be a great deal less expensive and would likely achieve better sound reproduction than a high fidelity system.

It’s impossible to talk about high fidelity and sound reproduction in any meaningful way without considering the important role that acoustics plays. In fact, the term refers not to the quality of the sound reproduction but to the acoustical design of the room where the audio will be played. Acoustical design involves three key factors: acoustic transducers, baffle structures and acoustic panels. All three play major roles in delivering a superior listening experience. Understanding these concepts will help you better appreciate the differences between high fidelity and lo-fi.

A hi-fi system typically consists of speakers and a stereo receiver. Although some hi-fi systems use additional components like satellite radio receivers and auxiliary output jacks, for the most part all audio equipment used in a hi-fi set up is housed in a custom-built rack or enclosure. These racks or enclosures are made of metal or hard plastic and house all of the audio equipment needed to provide a true high definition audio reproduction. In short, the equipment is housed in a fully designed soundproof room and cables and connections are run through specially designed wiring systems.

The sound quality of a hi-fi set is usually enough to make all of your friends turn to one direction while your cranky uncle is going “who cares” to another. However, Audio Scaleurs like a lo-fi CD player will have enough power to create a noticeable difference with some older vinyls and over-the-counter music that may be missing some of its frequency content due to a lack of fidelity. While it is possible to obtain both hi-fi and lo-fi systems at a discount, if not feasible for reasons like space, finances, or frequency content, the best way to shop for such a system is by comparing prices online. Audio Scaleurs on hi-fi systems are constantly falling, and they are only going to get cheaper from here on out as technology advances.