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This is a list of Frequently Asked Questions. The questions are grouped according to their categories.

Please note that this FAQ provides very short answers; explore the links to get deeper information.

General Audio Compression

Does encoding preserves surround info?

Short Answer: MP3 destroys surround sound information.

In addition, check the following links:

Experience of a HA Member with Rear Channel on the HA Forums

What is an ABX blind test?

Go see ABX

In addition, check the following links:

Blind Listening Test Explanation on the HA Forums

Why not use graphs to compare codecs?

Nothing can be said about quality or audible difference by looking at pictures, because a lossy encoder works by removing as much inaudible sounds as possible. A lack of frequencies can well mean that some audible parts are missing (bad work, or too low setting), or that the encoder managed a very good compression, removing a lot of useless things.

In addition, check the following links:

Lossy encoding
Lossless encoding
Confusion on CBR & VBR thread on the HA Forums

MP3-related

Why is joint stereo better than pure stereo ?: You better start here (thread on the HA Forums)

Quality

Simple

What do I need to get started?
What is transparency/cd-quality?
What are the best formats?
How do you tell what is the best format?

See Audio format guide

What is ABX?
Why is ABX needed?
Transcoding - Can I increase quality by converting X lossy compressed file to Y lossy compressed file?

Advanced

Can I use frequency analysis or other tools to judge quality?
What are good test procedures?

This article is a stub. You can help the Hydrogenaudio Knowledgebase by expanding it.