Elbows Music Blog Community

Audio

Audio analysis is also performed, with the Nexus 7 outclassing the
Kindle Fire in almost every aspect. One way of determining the accuracy
of audio reproduction is by measuring the Total Harmonic Distortion
(THD), that is, the amount of unwanted overtones (harmonics) arising
from the playback of a particular note. At a fundamental frequency of
1kHz measuring  harmonics up to 20Khz, THD on the Nexus 7 is low enough
to be largely unnoticeable throughout low, medium and high volumes.
Things aren’t quite as smooth for the Kindle, with up to 18% THD at
lower volume levels. Noticeable amounts are around 1% to 5%.

Another way of determining audio quality is by measuring the amount
of background noise compared to the intended signal – that is, the ratio
between everything you want to hear, against everything that you don’t.
The difference between the Nexus 7 and Kindle Fire at average volume
settings of 50% is night and day. Positioned as a media device, the
Nexus 7 doesn’t disappoint, producing a clean signal with a high SNR
(Signal-to-Noise Ratio) of 91.5dB. On the other hand, the Kindle Fire
disappoints slightly, with significantly poorer performance. As seen
below, the Nexus 7 produces an extremely clean signal, whereas the
Kindle appears very messy. End result? You’ll hear clearer sound and
less hissing on the Nexus 7.