Digital Audio

As much as I can rhapsodize with your editorial (April 2), “High on Fidelity,” and your enjoyment of compact discs, I must point out two drawbacks to the otherwise superlative technology.

Digital audio does not yet equal the best conventional analog recording in the highest audible frequencies, because of limitations of the digital sampling rate that do not permit accurate reproduction of sound waves approaching 20,000 HZ. Most audiophiles I know can tell without looking whether a recording is digitally mastered or not, based on how the high end sounds.

Also, compact discs can become dirty, which causes the laser system to misread the fine optical information, leading to skipping. The discs should be cared for and kept clean.

But what a joy they are to listen to!

JAMES B. FEWEL

Los Angeles