JHDarkLeg

JHDarkLeg t1_j20q9mb wrote

A higher sampling rate will capture a larger frequency range, but it won't improve the sound quality within that range.

The interpolation you mention is called quantization error, caused by having to use discrete steps rather than an infinitely analog level. Quantization error effects the maximum dynamic range of the recording. A 16-bit CD has a dynamic range of 96dB vs about 70dB for vinyl.

Analog media does have it's own "data points" as well. The size of the magnetic particles on tape or the size of vinyl that is required to still be strong enough to not break when in contact with the stylus. It's harder to measure but it's there.

Regarding compression, CDs do not use lossy compression whereas DVDs use MPEG2 lossy compression.

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