Robert Blowsky wrote:
Note that many A-D and D-A converters, though accommodating 24 bits-wide signals, do not actually perform to that level. 24 bits implies a dynamic range of about 144dB, but for example the AD1938 codec is rated for about 110dB (about 19 bits worth). Thus in practice you can lose a few bits and not hear the difference at all.
Good point, KJBob. I was about to mention that as well.
16 bit audio has a theoretical noise floor of -96 dBFS, and most ADCs and DACs can out-perform that. However, the theoretical noise floor of 24 bit audio is -144 dBFS, and most ADCs and DACs don't even come close! Thanks to thermal noise (electrons moving around due to heat) and all of the electromagnetic noise in our environment (radio, solar interference, EMI/EMC in electronics, and so forth), 24 bits is pretty much always overkill. Going for 32 bits in an audio application doesn't really make sense to me. Image may be NSFW.
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