Walk the Walk: Audio and Video Terms

From AAD to Voice Coils (we don't have any "Z" terms yet), this glossary will break-down the alphabet soup and "audiophile-speak." Credit for some terms: TheWhippinpost, Aaron Miller, Audio Concepts

Sine wave
The waveform of a pure alternating current or voltage. It deviates about a zero point to a positive value and a negative value. Audio signals are sine waves...
Tue, 14 Oct, 2014 at 9:15 PM
Single-ended
 Type of amplification often, (but not always), using vacuum tubes. Typically low power output, low damping factor and relatively high distortion. Single-en...
Tue, 14 Oct, 2014 at 9:15 PM
Sizzly
 See Sibilant. Also, too much highs on cymbals.
Tue, 14 Oct, 2014 at 9:16 PM
Smeared
 Lacking detail. Poor transient response, too much leakage between microphones. Poorly focused images.
Tue, 14 Oct, 2014 at 9:17 PM
Smooth
Tue, 14 Oct, 2014 at 9:17 PM
Snap
 A system with good speed and transient response can deliver the immediacy or "snap" of live instruments.
Tue, 14 Oct, 2014 at 9:17 PM
Soft
rolled off treble and bass producing very mellow sound but losing a lot of information.
Tue, 14 Oct, 2014 at 9:18 PM
Sound Pressure Level (SPL)
Given in decibels (DB) is an expression of loudness or volume. A 10db increase in SPL represents a doubling in volume. Live orchestral music reaches brief p...
Tue, 14 Oct, 2014 at 9:18 PM
Sound Waves
Sound waves can be thought of like the waves in water. Frequency determines the length of the waves; amplitude or volume determines the height of the waves....
Tue, 14 Oct, 2014 at 9:18 PM
Soundstage
 The area between two speakers that appears to the listener to be occupied by sonic images. Like a real stage, a soundstage should have width, depth, and he...
Tue, 14 Oct, 2014 at 9:18 PM