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Unlike analogue signal processing, digital signal processing transmits and processes the information as a string of combinations of zeros and ones (binary code). Analogue information is measured, and the individual values are stored in strings of numbers. A CD with a reading rate of 44,1 KHz for example reads 44.100 values per second and saves them as numbers.
The DA (digital to analogue) converter reconstructs these string of numbers back into analogue signals, which are then made audible by, for example, an amplifier.
The advantages are that the stored data ( strings of numbers) do not lose quality (think of various records that get scratched or tapes that wear out), and that the data can be transmitted with fewer losses, at least theoretically. In addition, the possible quality, especially of dynamic range and band width, is noticeably better for digital storage and processing than for analogue media. Nonetheless, there are still many fans of completely analogue technology in the High-End sector. Indeed, love of technological progress apart, this analogue sound quality has its own peculiar charm.
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