Distortion is the most accurate and comprehensive term for any alteration of an original audio signal's waveform as it passes through a system. When an audio device can no longer accurately reproduce the signal, it is, by definition, introducing distortion. This can manifest in various forms, such as clipping (when an amplifier is overdriven), harmonic distortion, or intermodulation distortion. The core of the issue is the failure to maintain the original signal's integrity, which is the definition of distortion. CertEmpire.com

1. AVIXA Inc. (2020). CTS Certified Technology Specialist Exam Guide, Third Edition. McGraw

Hill. p. 161.

The guide defines distortion as "the alteration of the original shape (or other characteristic) of a

waveform." This directly aligns with the scenario of a device failing to accurately reproduce a

signal.

2. Audio Engineering Society (AES). (n.d.). AES Pro Audio Reference.

The AES defines distortion as "any undesired change in the waveform of a signal." This

authoritative definition confirms that any inaccurate reproduction is a form of distortion. (URL:

https://www.aes.org/par/d/)

3. Oppenheim, A. V., & Willsky, A. S. (1997). Signals and Systems. Prentice Hall. (Referenced in

MIT OCW 6.003).

In signal processing theory, a system that alters the input signal in a nonlinear way introduces

distortion. An audio device that cannot accurately reproduce the signal is behaving as a nonlinear

system, thus creating distortion.