Question How will AI help improve HiFi design?

Fandango Andy

Well-known member
Jun 10, 2020
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During a conversation at work about how we use AI, I speculated how it will improve HiFi design. Remembering an article about computer generated designs for the internal architecture of loudspeakers, my first thought was how it could reduce trial and error in the design stage benefitting smaller manufacturers. But then I feared all speakers would all end up sounding the same. Have you noticed how all new cars look the same!​

Then I remembered a comment on this forum suggesting it could help room correction and map out design for room treatment.​

But what about the rest of the industry? I went to the only place I could think of, a well known AI! I asked our robot overlords what are you going to do for us? the actual question was "how do you think AI will improve hifi design?" below is the response.​

What do you think, both about my original question and the AI answer?​


🎛 1. AI can analyse and optimise analogue and digital circuits far faster than humans:​

  • Amplifier topology optimisation: AI models can simulate thousands of circuit variations to find designs with the lowest distortion, noise, and heat generation.
  • Power supply efficiency: Machine learning can refine power regulation and minimise interference or ripple.
  • Component matching: In valve or transistor-based gear, AI could predict and match components for ideal linearity or harmonic profiles.



🔊 2. This is already seeing major benefits:​

  • Materials science: AI can model cone and surround materials to balance stiffness, damping, and weight for better transient response.
  • Crossover design: Neural networks can fine-tune crossovers for phase accuracy and time alignment.
  • Cabinet acoustics: Generative design tools can simulate resonance, standing waves, and port tuning to create more acoustically inert enclosures.



🧠 3. Perhaps the most transformative area:​

  • Adaptive EQ and correction: AI-driven DSP can analyse room acoustics in real time and automatically apply corrections far more precisely than standard room-EQ systems.
  • Personalised tuning: AI could learn your listening preferences and subtly adjust tonality, dynamic range, or spatial presentation over time.
  • Noise and artefact suppression: Intelligent upscalers and restoration tools can clean up recordings while preserving musicality.



🎶 4. AI remastering: Systems can upsample or remaster older recordings intelligently, restoring detail or dynamics that were lost.​

  • Format prediction: As AI-generated music becomes more common, playback systems might adapt dynamically to different source types and mastering styles.



🧩 5. Ergonomics: AI can model how users interact with controls and interfaces, improving tactile and visual feedback.​

  • Aesthetic optimisation: Generative design can balance acoustics and aesthetics—beautiful without compromising sound.
  • Voice or gesture control: Smarter, privacy-aware assistants that integrate naturally with Hi-Fi setups.



🧪 6. Automated testing: AI can detect subtle performance deviations during production.​

  • Predictive maintenance: Systems can predict when components will degrade or fail.
  • Supply optimisation: Better part selection, fewer inconsistencies between units.



🚀 In short:​


AI won’t replace the artistry of audio design, but it will act as an accelerator — removing guesswork, extending precision, and letting designers focus on voicing and emotion rather than endless trial and error.
 
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Nothing in Hi-Fi should have a sound of its own, it should be totally neutral so that all you hear is the music as intended. (The room is another matter)
If AI helps toward this, then great, otherwise what's the point.

Bill
 
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