Hi-Fi Wiki
Master the language of high-fidelity audio and advanced home cinema. Explore clear, professional definitions of acoustic concepts, AV technology, and audiophile terminology.
Coaxial Speaker Driver
A driver arrangement placing high- and low-frequency radiators on the same acoustic axis to improve source coherence and directional consistency through the crossover region.
Crossover Network
Divides an audio signal into frequency bands and routes each band to the appropriate loudspeaker driver, using passive or active filtering.
Crosstalk
The unwanted transfer of signals between adjacent channels, which can lead to a loss of channel separation and clarity.
Cueing Lever
A mechanism used to gently raise or lower the tonearm, allowing for precise placement of the stylus without damaging the record.
DAP (Digital Audio Player)
A portable player dedicated to stored or streamed digital music, typically offering audio-focused hardware, expandable storage, and higher-quality headphone output.
.webp)
Decibel (dB)
A logarithmic unit used to express the ratio of two values, such as sound pressure or power, commonly used to measure audio levels.
.webp)
Decoupling
A method of isolating structures to prevent sound vibrations from passing through, often achieved by creating a physical break or using resilient channels.
Desktop DACs
Digital-to-analog converters designed for desktop use, improving audio fidelity by accurately converting digital files into high‑quality analog signals.
Desktop Headphone Amplifiers
Amplifiers designed for desktop use to drive headphones with low noise and high fidelity—ideal for critical listening at a workstation.
Diffuser
An acoustic device that scatters sound waves, reducing echoes and providing a more uniform sound field.
Digital Audio Clocking
Timing that determines when digital audio samples are captured or reproduced; clock stability and synchronization are important across connected digital components.
Digital Audio Processor
A complete audio component that applies digital-domain functions such as equalization, crossover filtering, delay, routing, room correction, dynamics processing, or sample-rate conversion.
Digital Signal Processor (DSP)
A programmable processor or processing architecture that performs mathematical operations on digitized audio for filtering, equalization, routing, delay, correction, and other functions.
.webp)
Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC)
Converts digital audio samples into a continuous analog electrical signal that can feed a preamplifier, integrated amplifier, headphone amplifier, or active speaker.
.webp)
Direct-Drive Turntable
A design where the motor is directly coupled to the platter, offering rapid start-up and stable speed ideal for DJing and hi‑fi playback.
DJ Turntables
Specialized turntables built for DJ use, featuring direct‑drive motors, pitch control, and robust construction to support scratching, mixing, and extended performance sessions.
Dolby Atmos
An immersive audio system using object-based metadata and height information so compatible renderers can place sounds around and above the listener.
Dolby Digital
A perceptual digital audio codec family widely used for multichannel film, television, broadcast, and disc soundtracks, commonly supporting 5.1-channel playback.
DSD (Direct Stream Digital)
A high-resolution audio format used in Super Audio CDs (SACDs), known for its high sampling rate and unique encoding method.
.webp)
DTS-HD Master Audio
A lossless multichannel codec used primarily on Blu-ray media, reconstructing the studio master while also supporting compatibility with DTS core decoding.
Dynamic Driver Headphones
Headphones that employ dynamic (moving‑coil) drivers to convert electrical signals into sound, noted for robust bass and versatility.
Dynamic Range
The ratio between the loudest and quietest parts of an audio signal, indicating the system’s ability to reproduce subtle details and powerful peaks.
Electrostatic Headphones
High‑end headphones employing electrostatic transducers to achieve exceptionally fast response times and minimal distortion.
Electrostatic Speakers
Loudspeakers using a thin electrically charged diaphragm driven by electrostatic forces between perforated stators, known for low moving mass and fast transient response.
