Definition:

In audio and home theater, Dynamic Range is the ratio of the loudest undistorted sound that can be produced in ratio to the softest sound that is still audible. For example the difference between a whisper and a rock band is about 100db - Decibels. This means, in mathematical terms, that the Rock Concert is actually 10 Billion times louder than the whisper. The standard CD is capable of reproducing 100db of dynamic range, while the LP record tops out at about 70db.


AV Receivers and amplifiers that can reproduce the dynamic range of a CD or other source that can produce such a wide dynamic range are very desirable.

For another perspective on Dynamic Range, check out a post by Gary Altunian, About.com Guide For Stereos: What is Dynamic Range?.

See also: Dynamic Compression, Dynamic Headroom, Signal-to-Noise Ratio

Also Known As: Dynamic Window