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Why does FM sound better than AM?

(www.johndcook.com)
259 points zdw | 1 comments | 13 Oct 24 22:32 UTC | HN request time: 0s | source
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brudgers ◴[14 Oct 24 05:10 UTC] No.41834378[source]▶
And because FM broadcast radio caps audio at 15KHz, a CD “sounds better” than FM…yes, back in the day am SM57 was often good enough.
replies(1): >>41837100 #
tzs ◴[14 Oct 24 12:59 UTC] No.41837100[source]▶
…if you are young enough. By somewhere around 25 to 30 most people won’t be able to hear above 15 KHz.

I’m a little surprised I’ve not seen audio equipment specifically for older people that just covers what they can hear.

replies(1): >>41847789 #
1. brudgers ◴[15 Oct 24 12:18 UTC] No.41847789[source]▶
Some plausible reasons:

1. Smaller market than more general market.

2. HiFi is a proven market.

3. “You are dying” is not a great marketing subtext.

4. Digital audio jellybeans produce 20khz and adding a low pass filter adds cost.

5. If a person only hears to 12KHz, there’s no advantage to a low pass filter.