What are the two most important factors influencing digital audio quality?

The two most important factors influencing digital audio quality are sample rate and bit rate.

Sample rate refers to how many samples of audio are taken per second when recording or playing back sound. A higher sample rate allows for a more accurate representation of the sound wave, capturing higher frequencies and resulting in a clearer audio signal.

Bit rate, on the other hand, indicates the amount of data processed in a given amount of time, usually measured in kilobits per second (kbps). A higher bit rate typically translates to higher audio quality because more data is used to describe the sound, capturing more detail and nuance.

Together, these two factors significantly affect the clarity, fidelity, and overall quality of digital audio. A higher sample rate and bit rate can provide a more precise and enjoyable listening experience, making them the critical components in determining audio quality.