ratinox
500+ Head-Fier
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This is 48dB to 56dB attenuation before one will even begin to hear anything is lost.
Yep. As a practical point, the 16 bit words of redbook audio (CD-DA) cover a 96dB dynamic range. Most rock shows in the US are legally limited to 100dB with a + 10-15dB rider so realistically the loudest of the loud is "only" 115dB peak, which means the absolute quietest that you can get without clipping is 19dB. That's leaves rustling in a breeze. Like you're going to hear that at a rock show. Realistically you're not going to get anything less than, what, maybe 60dB? So even with "only" 16 bit words you still have 40dB worth of leg room.
By comparison, 24 bit words cover a 144dB dynamic range. You're never going to listen to that full range. No. I correct myself. You'll hear it once and then you'll never hear anything else for the rest of your life because you'll have permanently damaged your ears.