FAQ
From Hydrogenaudio Knowledgebase
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This is a list of Frequently Asked Questions. The questions are grouped according to their categories.
Please note that this FAQ provides very short answers; explore the links to get deeper information.
General Audio Compression
- Does encoding preserves surround info?
- Short Answer: MP3 destroys surround sound information.
- In addition, check the following links:
- Experience of a HA Member with Rear Channel on the HA Forums
- What is an ABX blind test?
- Go see ABX
- In addition, check the following links:
- Blind Listening Test Explanation on the HA Forums
- Why not use graphs to compare codecs?
- Nothing can be said about quality or audible difference by looking at pictures, because a lossy encoder works by removing as much inaudible sounds as possible. A lack of frequencies can well mean that some audible parts are missing (bad work, or too low setting), or that the encoder managed a very good compression, removing a lot of useless things.
- In addition, check the following links:
- Lossy encoding
- Lossless encoding
- Confusion on CBR & VBR thread on the HA Forums
- Why is joint stereo better than pure stereo ?
- You better start here (thread on the HA Forums)
Quality
Simple
- What do I need to get started?
- What is transparency/cd-quality?
- What are the best formats?
- How do you tell what is the best format?
- What is ABX?
- Why is ABX needed?
- Transcoding - Can I increase quality by converting X lossy compressed file to Y lossy compressed file?
Advanced
- Can I use frequency analysis or other tools to judge quality?
- What are good test procedures?
This article is a stub. You can help the Hydrogenaudio Knowledgebase by expanding it.
