The impact of total harmonic distortion on the sound quality of power amplifiers
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Update time : 2024-10-21 14:25:07
Total harmonic distortion is one of the important indicators for judging the sound quality of professional power amplifiers. The total harmonic distortion (THD) standard of professional power amplifiers is usually closely related to their applications and usage scenarios. Next, we will understand the importance of total harmonic distortion of professional power amplifiers from the following three aspects.
1. Total harmonic distortion standard of professional power amplifiers
1. General standard: For most professional audio power amplifiers, the standard of total harmonic distortion should usually be less than 0.1%. This standard is sufficient to ensure good sound quality and is suitable for professional audio playback.
2. High-fidelity applications: In high-fidelity (Hi-Fi) audio systems, total harmonic distortion generally needs to be less than 0.01% to ensure that the audio quality has minimal distortion.
3. Stage and live sound applications: For live performances and stage applications, the THD of the power amplifier is usually required to be less than 1%. Although some distortion may occur at high sound pressure levels, this is still within an acceptable range.
4. Industry standards: According to some industry standards, such as the measurement standards of AES (Audio Engineering Society) and EIA (Electronic Industries Alliance), the THD of professional audio equipment should be tested by recognized methods.
2. The meaning of total harmonic distortion percentage
1. Distortion quantification: The THD value indicates the size of the harmonic components introduced in the output signal due to nonlinear distortion. The THD percentage is calculated by comparing the effective value (RMS value) of the harmonic component with the effective value of the fundamental frequency component.
2. Sound quality indicator: Lower THD values usually mean less distortion and higher sound quality, which is suitable for applications with strict requirements on sound quality. Conversely, higher THD values may mean that the audio signal is significantly distorted, affecting the sound quality.
3. In practical applications:
THD<0.1%: Generally considered to be high-quality audio equipment.
THD<0.01%: Can be used in high-fidelity audio systems.
THD<1%: Suitable for live performances and other environments, although there is some distortion, it is usually acceptable.
Total harmonic distortion percentage is an important technical indicator that helps users understand and evaluate the degree of distortion introduced by audio equipment in audio signal processing, so as to make more informed decisions when selecting equipment. Choosing equipment with lower distortion can ensure better audio output.
3. The impact of total harmonic distortion on actual sound quality
1. Distortion degree
Low THD (such as 0.01% to 0.1%): It is generally considered not to significantly affect the sound quality, which means that the device can faithfully reproduce the input signal with clear and natural sound quality. Low distortion helps maintain the details and dynamic range of the sound.
Medium THD (such as 0.1% to 1%): It may be heard in some cases, especially in high-quality or complex music clips. At this point, the audio signal may begin to have some fuzziness or distortion, especially when sounding high-frequency instruments (such as trumpets or silverware) and high-pitched vocals.
High THD (over 1%): It significantly affects the sound quality, and the listener may notice changes and distortion in the timbre, which has a negative impact on the clarity and spatial sense of the audio. High distortion causes the details of the music to be lost, making the sound appear flat and boring.
2. Tone and clarity
Changes in tone: When the harmonic components in the signal increase significantly, the tone may become more "harsh" or "distorted", especially in instruments such as electric guitars. Distortion can be regarded as an aesthetic effect, but improper distortion may result in unpleasant sound.
Stereo effect and spatial sense: High THD usually destroys the phase information of the audio signal, thus affecting the depth and width of the sound field, resulting in a weakening of the stereo effect.
3. Dynamic range
Degradation of dynamic range: Under high THD conditions, the dynamic range may be compressed. In music with large loudness changes, this compression causes the lower volume parts to become unclear, while the louder parts lose impact and expression.
4. Impact of usage scenarios
Recording studio and live performance: In a high-fidelity environment such as a recording studio, even a small distortion may be strictly concerned. Relatively speaking, in a live performance, the audience may not be so sensitive to distortion, so a slightly higher THD can be accepted.
In summary, total harmonic distortion is an important parameter for evaluating the sound quality of audio equipment. Low THD is usually associated with a high-quality audio experience, while high THD may result in a significant decrease in sound quality. Although THD is an important reference indicator, other factors should also be considered when selecting audio equipment, such as frequency response, signal-to-noise ratio, dynamic range, etc., to ensure that the overall audio performance meets expectations.
1. Total harmonic distortion standard of professional power amplifiers
1. General standard: For most professional audio power amplifiers, the standard of total harmonic distortion should usually be less than 0.1%. This standard is sufficient to ensure good sound quality and is suitable for professional audio playback.
2. High-fidelity applications: In high-fidelity (Hi-Fi) audio systems, total harmonic distortion generally needs to be less than 0.01% to ensure that the audio quality has minimal distortion.
3. Stage and live sound applications: For live performances and stage applications, the THD of the power amplifier is usually required to be less than 1%. Although some distortion may occur at high sound pressure levels, this is still within an acceptable range.
4. Industry standards: According to some industry standards, such as the measurement standards of AES (Audio Engineering Society) and EIA (Electronic Industries Alliance), the THD of professional audio equipment should be tested by recognized methods.
2. The meaning of total harmonic distortion percentage
1. Distortion quantification: The THD value indicates the size of the harmonic components introduced in the output signal due to nonlinear distortion. The THD percentage is calculated by comparing the effective value (RMS value) of the harmonic component with the effective value of the fundamental frequency component.
2. Sound quality indicator: Lower THD values usually mean less distortion and higher sound quality, which is suitable for applications with strict requirements on sound quality. Conversely, higher THD values may mean that the audio signal is significantly distorted, affecting the sound quality.
3. In practical applications:
THD<0.1%: Generally considered to be high-quality audio equipment.
THD<0.01%: Can be used in high-fidelity audio systems.
THD<1%: Suitable for live performances and other environments, although there is some distortion, it is usually acceptable.
Total harmonic distortion percentage is an important technical indicator that helps users understand and evaluate the degree of distortion introduced by audio equipment in audio signal processing, so as to make more informed decisions when selecting equipment. Choosing equipment with lower distortion can ensure better audio output.
3. The impact of total harmonic distortion on actual sound quality
1. Distortion degree
Low THD (such as 0.01% to 0.1%): It is generally considered not to significantly affect the sound quality, which means that the device can faithfully reproduce the input signal with clear and natural sound quality. Low distortion helps maintain the details and dynamic range of the sound.
Medium THD (such as 0.1% to 1%): It may be heard in some cases, especially in high-quality or complex music clips. At this point, the audio signal may begin to have some fuzziness or distortion, especially when sounding high-frequency instruments (such as trumpets or silverware) and high-pitched vocals.
High THD (over 1%): It significantly affects the sound quality, and the listener may notice changes and distortion in the timbre, which has a negative impact on the clarity and spatial sense of the audio. High distortion causes the details of the music to be lost, making the sound appear flat and boring.
2. Tone and clarity
Changes in tone: When the harmonic components in the signal increase significantly, the tone may become more "harsh" or "distorted", especially in instruments such as electric guitars. Distortion can be regarded as an aesthetic effect, but improper distortion may result in unpleasant sound.
Stereo effect and spatial sense: High THD usually destroys the phase information of the audio signal, thus affecting the depth and width of the sound field, resulting in a weakening of the stereo effect.
3. Dynamic range
Degradation of dynamic range: Under high THD conditions, the dynamic range may be compressed. In music with large loudness changes, this compression causes the lower volume parts to become unclear, while the louder parts lose impact and expression.
4. Impact of usage scenarios
Recording studio and live performance: In a high-fidelity environment such as a recording studio, even a small distortion may be strictly concerned. Relatively speaking, in a live performance, the audience may not be so sensitive to distortion, so a slightly higher THD can be accepted.
In summary, total harmonic distortion is an important parameter for evaluating the sound quality of audio equipment. Low THD is usually associated with a high-quality audio experience, while high THD may result in a significant decrease in sound quality. Although THD is an important reference indicator, other factors should also be considered when selecting audio equipment, such as frequency response, signal-to-noise ratio, dynamic range, etc., to ensure that the overall audio performance meets expectations.
