Audiophile Lexicon

Sample Rate

The sample rate refers to the frequency at which a signal is sampled. For example, at a frequency of 2 Hertz, 2 data points per second are captured. The physical rule for the sample rate is that it must be twice as high as the frequency to be sampled. Since human hearing capacity ends at approximately 20,000 Hz, a sample rate above 40,000 Hz is sufficient to eliminate losses that occur during sampling. Today, 48,000 Hz is typically used. Sample rates of 96,000 Hz or higher can also be found. Whether this is audible is disputed. The Hypersonic Effect describes this phenomenon and it is claimed that the auditory bones perceive up to 50,000 Hz. We use converters with 48,000 Hz.

ADC & DAC

A Digital Analog Converter (DAC, digital signal converter) converts a digital signal into an analog signal. This analog signal is ultimately processed by the speakers and converted into sound. There are various methods for this conversion. Today, a DAC is of outstanding importance when it comes to sound quality.
DACs are used in almost all audio devices that deal with digital sound sources.

In the opposite direction, DACs are referred to as ADC or Analog Digital Converters. They digitize the analog signal recorded, for example, by a microphone.
DACs often also refer to devices to which headphones or power amplifiers can be connected. The upward open price scale for these devices also shows esoteric tendencies here.

Active Speaker / Active Box

A speaker with a built-in amplifier. Unlike passive speakers, active speakers don't need an external amplifier – music sources such as a CD player or turntable can be connected directly. Likewise, streaming via Bluetooth directly from a mobile phone is usually possible.

Advantage: The amplifier is optimally matched to the speakers. With Sarasvati Sound Furniture: All our audio furniture are active systems. The advantage is that each chassis (i.e., tweeter, midrange, or woofer) is driven by its own power amp, leading to more precise sound dynamics with rich bass. Bass in particular requires a lot of power. For the same reason, the crossovers in active speakers are also better, as the power amps are located behind them and better filters can be built with active components.

ARC

Abbreviation for "Audio Return Channel". Enables bidirectional signal transmission with just one HDMI cable.

Audiophile

"Audio-loving" – refers to people who place special value on high-quality sound reproduction and are willing to invest in appropriate technology.

Bass

The low frequencies in music (approximately 20-250 Hz). Responsible for depth, warmth, and the "feel" of music. With very low bass (below 80 Hz), you can not only hear it but also physically feel it. Below 80Hz, bass cannot be located.

Important: Good bass is not just loud, but precise and controlled.

Binaural Recording

Special recording technique with a "dummy head" that creates 3D sound. Via headphones, a spatial sound experience is created as if you were there live.

More info: See our page Binaural Recording.

Bluetooth

Wireless transmission technology for audio. Enables wireless music streaming from smartphone, tablet, or computer to speaker.

Version: Modern Bluetooth versions (5.0+) offer better range and sound quality than older versions.

Cinch / RCA

Analog audio connection with red and white plugs. One of the oldest and most reliable connection standards. Frequently used for turntables and older devices.

Class-D Amplifier

Modern amplifier technology that works very efficiently (over 90% efficiency). Generates little heat and enables compact design with high performance.

With Sarasvati: We use high-quality Class-D amplifiers for optimal performance with minimal space requirements.

DAC (Digital-Analog Converter)

Converts digital audio signals (e.g., from Spotify, CD) into analog signals that speakers can reproduce. The higher quality the DAC, the better the sound quality.

Dynamics

The difference between the quietest and loudest tones. High dynamics means that both delicate nuances and powerful passages are clearly reproduced.

Frequency Range

The range of tones that a speaker can reproduce, measured in Hertz (Hz). Human hearing ranges from about 20 Hz (deepest bass) to 20,000 Hz (highest highs).

Example: 40 Hz - 20 kHz means the speaker covers almost the entire audible range.

Crossover

Electronic component that divides the audio signal into bass, midrange, and treble and forwards it to the corresponding speakers. Ensures that each speaker only receives the frequencies it can optimally reproduce.

High-End

Refers to top-class audio equipment where no compromises are made in sound quality and workmanship. High-end is less a price category than a philosophy of perfection.

Highs / Treble

The high frequencies in music (approximately 4,000-20,000 Hz). Responsible for brilliance, airiness, and details like cymbals, bells, or sibilants.

Balance: Too many highs sound harsh, too few sound dull.

Impedance

The electrical resistance of a speaker, measured in Ohms (Ω). Typical values are 4, 6, or 8 Ohms. The amplifier must match the impedance of the speakers.

Lossless

Audio files without quality loss, e.g., FLAC or WAV. Unlike MP3, all information from the original recording is preserved.

Streaming: Services like Tidal HiFi or Apple Music offer lossless streaming.

Custom-Made

Product individually manufactured according to customer requirements. At The Beauty of Sound, each Sarasvati audio furniture is specially made for you – with your chosen dimensions, colors, and materials.

Midrange

The middle frequency range (approximately 250-4,000 Hz). This is where most voices and many instruments are located. Particularly important for natural, warm sound reproduction.

Passive Speaker

Speaker without built-in amplifier. Requires an external amplifier. Opposite of Active Speaker.

Precision

The ability of a speaker to reproduce tones exactly and without distortion. Precise speakers let you hear every detail – from the softest breath to powerful drums.

Spatiality

The ability to make the room in which the music was recorded audible. Good speakers let you not only hear the music but also "see" the recording room.

Room Acoustics

How a room influences sound. Hard surfaces reflect sound, soft ones absorb it. Good room acoustics are almost as important as good speakers.

Soundstaging

The ability to position instruments and voices spatially precisely. Creates an imaginary stage on which the music plays.

Subwoofer

Special speaker only for deep bass (approximately 20-150 Hz). Complements normal speakers for even more powerful deep bass, especially for film sound.

With Sarasvati: Thanks to our large cabinets and optimized bass drivers, a subwoofer is usually not necessary.

TOSLINK / Optical Connection

Digital audio connection with fiber optic cable. Transmits sound losslessly and is immune to electromagnetic interference. Standard connection for TV devices.

Transparency

The clarity and detail accuracy of reproduction. Transparent speakers don't color the sound but reproduce it as it was recorded.

Driver

The actual speaker driver that converts electrical signals into sound waves. A speaker system often has multiple drivers for different frequency ranges (bass, midrange, tweeter).

Watt (W)

Unit of measurement for power. For speakers, it indicates how much electrical power they can process. Important: More watts doesn't automatically mean better – the quality of components is more crucial.

Efficiency

Measure of how efficiently a speaker converts electrical energy into sound. High efficiency means the speaker requires less amplifier power.