Is it possible?
We've been working, as of late, on a long term project to obviate the differences in digital audio delivery methods.
We all understand that audio sent over USB sounds different than the same bits sent over coax via S/PDIF or TOSLINK, or a balanced cable, or I2S over HDMI, or through a CAT5 cable, or WIFI over the home network.
But why?
Bits are bits. Those bits should come out of each of these delivery "pipes" exactly the same regardless of the delivery method. And they do. Only they don't. Their timing is different, their associated noise levels are different and, clearly, they sound different. But the bits themselves are the same. Curious.
Think of it like this: I send an identical letter to someone through the post office, UPS, FedEx and DHL. The letter is identical, the speed it gets delivered varies as does the amount of hassle getting it. Same letter, very different experience in receiving it.
So the question becomes can we eliminate those differences? Our long term research project suggests yes. And if it becomes a reality, everything we think we know changes. We came close with the Digital Lens. We're getting even closer with our project.
But I wouldn't hold my breath. Changes of this magnitude are rare.
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