Glossary of Audiophile terms.

Ribbon Loudspeakers by Newform Research.

GLOSSARY OF AUDIOPHILE TERMS

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Analog

the actual sound wave.

Baffle bounce

Reflection off the baffle of the sound wave after the main wave has launched. The larger the baffle, the more bounces.

Bandwidth

Any spectrum of frequencies used for discussion. Audio bandwidth is 20hz to 20,000Hz. Subwoofer bandwidth might be 15Hz to 45Hz etc.

Bass reach

Ability to go down to the low frequency extremes.

Bass tightness

Tuneful, accurate bass not bloated or muddy.

Bi-amping

Using one channel of an amplifier to drive each Ribbon and midbass so that a stereo pair of speakers requires 4 channels of amplification. Means that instead of driving a speaker full-range with a single channel of amplification, through a single set of speaker cables, you actually connect two sets of cables, with each set driven by a separate amplifier, or separate channels of a multi-channel amplifier. This way, low frequencies and high frequencies each receive dedicated amplifiers.

Bi-wiring

Running separate cables from the amplifier to the Ribbon and midbasses.

Cables

Carrying higher voltage and power, running from the amplifiers to the speakers. Also power cables

Crossover

Digital, passive, electronic - means of channeling high frequencies into the high frequency driver (Ribbon midrange/tweeter or dome tweeter etc.), and low frequencies to the woofer.

Diffraction

Anomalies created when a wave moves out from the diaphragm and encounters a radical change in the baffle - say a 90 degree corner. The sharper the corner, the greater the diffraction effect.

Digital

The soundwave is broken down into a digital format which bears no physical resemblance to the original analog waveform.

Digital chain

Where the complete signal path is digital and there are no analog steps except when the amplifier converts the digital information into the analog waveform which powers the speakers.

Dispersion

Horizontal, vertical - radiation pattern - how evenly the soundwave moves off to the sides and up and down.

Dynamics

Ability to play loudly and cleanly.

EQ

Equalizing electronically to deal with room acoustic problems or produce special effects.

Excursion

Forward and backward movement of the diaphragm.

Etched

Emphasis of very high frequencies sounding very live but harsh.

Hard

Too much mid-treble emphasis leading to rapid listening fatigue.

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