a total harmonic distortion percentage lower than 0.1% is a good place to pick one receiver over another.
the next number is 0.09%
many of the new denon receivers have a THD of 0.08%
the new sony receivers all have 1% of THD
there are two values..
one is THD 20hz - 20khz
the other one is THD 1khz
my receiver has a THD of 0.09 in stereo mode
and
0.7 in surround sound mode
it doesnt say anything about THD @ 1khz .. but the manual says
' with no more than 0.09% total harmonic distortion '
i dont know if that includes 1khz, but it does imply 1khz is included since it says 20hz - 20khz @ 100 watts RMS
(its above the normal THD specifications, and may be confusing)
anyways..
other receivers dont always show the THD @ 1khz
and i have never listened to a receiver that does have the rating.
BUT
the point is, if you find a receiver with a lower THD specification.. you can use that as a way to know the sound will be better than a radio with a higher number.
it can be the deciding factor that prevents you from buying a receiver that sounds generic - compared to buying a receiver that sounds like it is worth hundreds more dollars.
if you look here:
http
/en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harmonic_distortion#Harmonic_distortion
you will see the definition, and you will also see other distortions.
but if you want the short version, harmonics are large chunks of audio.. transients are much smaller chunks of audio.
harmonic distortion is geared towards a thump from a kick drum (or the sound of air)
transients are faster than a thump, they are the sizzle of all frequencies. (can be treble or midrange, or even bass)
if the sound of the 'air' is clean without distortion, that means the sound isnt muddy or dull (could also be called flat or 'cardboard' sounding)
you can be confuse 'muddy' with 'rich' .. but if you listen again more closely, you will hear that inside the 'space' is clean - more detailed audio.
if you dont want the 'space' its almost inevitable that the vocals will be 'cardboard' instead of clear and detailed.
if you have 'space' .. you can simply turn up the volume and the audio will be louder.
it's the 'space' that adds lots of realism and depth, as it can also aid the 3D surround sound effects/affects.
i've heard the 'space' transfered to the midranges, and it allowed a male actor to speak while a female actor was speaking .. and the two vocals sounded as if they were spaced apart with air.
that amounts to a better perception.. as the vocals sounded as if they where being heard clearly.
it didnt sound like the two vocals were smashed together and coming from a speaker.
to be fully honest, it sounded like the two people where standing close to eachother .. but the quality of air was very low humidty. (like the professional chilling air you find at places with quality air control)
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