1. Overview of common audio decoding formats
Bluetooth Speaker supports multiple audio decoding formats, such as SBC, AAC, aptX, LDAC, etc. SBC is the basic encoding format of Bluetooth audio and is compatible with almost all Bluetooth devices. However, its encoding efficiency is relatively low and it has certain limitations in sound quality restoration. The AAC format is widely used in Apple devices, etc. It can provide better sound quality than SBC at the same bit rate, especially in mid- and high-frequency performance, and the sound is clear and natural. The aptX series focuses on low-latency and high-fidelity transmission of audio, which can effectively reduce sound delay and distortion, significantly improve the restoration of music details, and make music more layered and present. LDAC is a high-quality audio decoding technology developed by Sony. It supports higher transmission bit rates, can transmit audio signals close to lossless sound quality, and can show extremely rich music details and wide dynamic range.
2. The impact of different decoding formats on sound quality details
In terms of sound quality details, the differences in audio decoding formats are significant. Taking aptX and SBC as an example, when playing a piece of classical music, aptX decoding can clearly restore the nuances of the instrument playing, such as the friction of violin strings, changes in the percussion strength of piano keys, etc., making the music more vivid lifelike. SBC decoding may blur these details, making the music sound slightly flat. Due to its high bit rate transmission advantage, LDAC can accurately present the weak notes, harmonies and environmental sound effects in the music when playing high-resolution audio files, making the listener feel as if they are at the music recording scene. AAC is more outstanding in the performance of vocals and mid- and high-frequency instruments, and can delicately restore the singer's voice characteristics and the timbre of strings and wind instruments.
3. Impact on Audio Dynamic Range
Audio dynamic range is the degree of difference between the loudest and softest parts of music. High-quality audio decoding formats better preserve the dynamic range of audio. For example, when playing rock music, LDAC decoding can make strong drum beats shocking and powerful, and at the same time, it can clearly present the gentle picking sound of the guitar and the soft humming of the singer, so that the layering and impact of the music can be fully displayed. In contrast, SBC may compress the dynamic range, causing strong drum beats to lose impact, soft sounds to be masked, and the overall musical effect to be greatly reduced. aptX and AAC are between the two in terms of dynamic range performance and can maintain the vitality and tension of music to a certain extent, but there is still a gap compared with LDAC.
4. Adaptability of Bluetooth Speaker and decoding format
The Bluetooth Speaker's support for audio decoding formats and its own hardware quality also affect the sound quality restoration effect. Even if the speaker supports high-end decoding formats, if its speaker unit, power amplifier chip and other hardware performance is poor, it will not be able to give full play to the advantages of the decoding format. For example, even if some low-end Bluetooth Speakers use aptX decoding, due to the thin sound quality of their speakers, they cannot show the rich layering that this decoding format should have. High-end Bluetooth Speakers are equipped with high-quality hardware. When combined with advanced decoding formats such as LDAC, they can achieve excellent sound quality restoration and bring top-notch listening enjoyment to users. Therefore, when choosing a Bluetooth Speaker, you must not only pay attention to the audio decoding formats it supports, but also consider the overall hardware configuration of the speaker.
