Are All AM Radio Stations in the US Suffering from Telephone Quality Audio?
Listener experiences on AM radio stations often vary. However, many have noted that the audio quality feels more like a telephone conversation rather than a clear broadcast. This raises an important question: Are all AM radio stations in the United States now offering this laggy, telephone-quality audio? Let's delve into the details.
The Telephones vs. AM Radio Debate
Walker, a long-time listener and radio enthusiast, felt compelled to voice his frustration about a common issue plaguing AM radio. He noted that the sound quality is so poor that it closely resembles a telephone conversation, which he believes is a substantial downgrade from previous decades. This perception has sparked a debate among radio lovers and even among industry professionals about the current state of AM radio audio quality.
Technical Insights: The 7kHz Filtering Process
The shift toward telephone quality audio in AM radio is, in part, due to a specific technological adjustment. Big corporations decided to filter radio audio to around 7 kilohertz. This choice is made to help reduce interference between stations. The rationale is that by limiting the audio bandwidth, there is less chance of one station's signal interfering with another's. This practice is backed by technical standards and has been implemented by many stations to comply with these standards.
The Economics of Audio Quality: Big Bucks and Standards
Some engineers and station presidents have justified these reductions in audio quality as a necessary step for better overall radio spectrum efficiency. They argue that this method helps maintain clearer and less cluttered broadcasts, leading to a better listening experience for the public. However, the cost of changing the audio settings is incurred by the station, which is not always proportional to the perceived benefits. This has led to a debate about the value of high audio quality versus spectrum efficiency.
Following Suit: Smaller Stations and Industry Widespread Implementation
The filtering process has not been unique to large corporation stations but has become widespread across smaller stations as well. The decision to filter audio to 7kHz has been adopted by the industry at large. This makes it a standard practice, and as such, many listeners might now be accustomed to the lower sound quality. While some argue this has made AM radio more efficient and less prone to interference, others find it significantly less satisfying, noting the loss of audio depth and richness.
Impact on Listeners: A Shift in Listening Preferences
The change in audio quality has had a subtle but notable impact on listeners' preferences. Many older listeners miss the fullness and richness of the older, higher-quality broadcasts. The current 7kHz filtered sound seems flatter and less engaging. It affects not only the listening experience but also the overall perception of AM radio as a credible source for quality audio content.
Conclusion: A Call for Quality and Clarity
While the filtering of AM radio signals to around 7kHz may help reduce interference and improve overall station efficiency, the trade-off in audio quality has not gone unnoticed. It’s a delicate balance between technical necessity and listener satisfaction. Radio enthusiasts and industry professionals alike are calling for a re-evaluation of these practices to ensure that AM radio maintains the high quality and clarity that many listeners have come to expect and appreciate.
Key Takeaways:
The 7kHz audio filtering is a standard practice in AM radio to reduce interference. Many listeners report the audio quality as resembling a telephone call rather than a broadcast. The impact of these changes on listener preferences and experiences merits further discussion and potential adjustments.Questions and Comments:
Do you agree with the current state of AM radio audio quality? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.