Seminar

Abstract: The story of the invention of sound reproduction technologies and their development is very fascinating. In the early days, musicians played and vocalists sang into large acoustic horns to mechanically imprint the sound on wax cylinders which were later played back using artfully crafted “sound machines”, but barely 150 years later we are in a position to stream digital audio files of much higher quality into the comfort of our homes over the internet. Wax cylinders, gramophone discs and spool tapes have given way to mobile phones and streaming services, but turntables and vinyl discs are coming back to audio showrooms these days due to a number of reasons, of which nostalgia is perhaps not the least. This talk will discuss the analog and digital eras of audio reproduction and the merits and demerits of both regimes, both from objective and subjective viewpoints. Guidelines for assembling excellent audio (2.0, 2.1) and audio-video (Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby Atmos etc.) systems at home for music reproduction and movie watching, at a fraction of the cost of commercial offerings, will be given. A home-built 2.1 audio system of good quality will be demonstrated.