Time to kill the 20KHz myth.

[Bill Layer]

Hi,

>>22k bandwidth is also a bit of a myth. Listening test have not
>shown that the ear has ANY ability to perceive frequencies over 18-19kHz
>under the best conditions.

I would not disagree with that statement, but to say that those
'supersonic' frequencies have no effect on your perception of sound is an
utter fallacy. This tired old anti-audiophile argument assumes that for
supersonic frequencies to have an effect, they must be "heard". That is far
from the case. Let me explain.

The high harmonics exert their force on the eardrum just like their sonic
fundamentals. Despite the fact that the frequency itself is not perceived,
the pressure of the sound is still exerted on the ear. And like any other
pressure exerted on the ear, it will change you perception of other sounds
in the spectrum. So while the supersonic frequencies themselves are not
necessarily "heard", their effects (and interactions) most definitely are... 

It's almost like saying that an oil painting needs no canvas, as it cannot
be seen, "even under the best of conditions". This simile is an
exaggeration, but it does help to make the logic flaw more obvious.

Thanks for listening.


+----------------------------------------------------------+
|      "The" Bill Layer - Frogtown, Minnesota. U.S.A.      |
| Vacuum tubes, Analog, Motorcycles and Other Alternatives |
+----------------------------------------------------------+	
+---------------------+  +---------------------------------+
| <blayer at uswest.net> |  | <b.layer at vikingelectronics.com> |
+---------------------+  +---------------------------------+