"andy" wrote in message
oups.com...
How well do these cards work at preserving the difference between 24/96
and 16/44.1? The stated signal to noise ratio is typically 100 dB which
is almost 16 bits signal and 8 bits noise. Plus the analogue circuitry
operating in the environment of an operating computer is likely to pull
this performance down even more.


A signal to noise ratio of 100dB is stunning. I can't imagine what kind of
silent listening room it would take for anyone to have a chance of
differentiating between equipment S/N ratios of 100dB and anything greater.
Instruments themselves make more noise than that.

Orchestral music should have a dynamic range of about 60dB from ppp to fff -
and at that, some listeners at live concerts will have difficulty hearing
the ppp sections.

If the recording has a dynamic range of 60dB or less, then equipment with an
S/N ratio of 100dB will have the noise 40dB quieter than the quietest audio
sections.

If the recording has a dynamic range greater than 60dB, then throw it away
and get something played by performers who know how to play their
instruments properly ... listening to music isn't supposed to be difficult.

Tim