How much dynamic range is possible in a simple stereo recording?

[semente]

Some years ago, while discussing SACD’s and DVD-A’s aledged superiority in another forum, a recording engineer posted his description of real world 24 bit recording.

The DVD Audio has an S/N of 144 dB (6 x 24 = 144) but current recording and reproduction capabilities are far from that number. And let's not forget that the threshold of human hearing is somewhere around 120 dB (747 during take-off at 10 metres)...

MIC
Neumann’s most silent mic the TLM 103 has an S/N of 131 dB while the most common for “classical” and famous M150, when used in a Decca Tree configuration, lowerers this number to 119 dB
Assuming you are using the TLM 103 you have already lost 13 dB

MIC PREAMP
Next comes the mic preamplifier, let’s say, the excellent Millennia HV 3D with an S/N of 133 dB which is above the mic’s capabilities

A/DC
A good 24 bit AD like the Apogee 16 X has an S/N of around 120 dB and this means removing 11 dB from the previous weak link, the mic, at 131 dB
You are now recording at 20 bit (120 / 6 = 20)

He goes on to say that after DSP, noise-floor and mastering are considered you are down to around 18 bits.

[semente]

Here's a recording with some quite obvious wide dynamic swings:

 

[semente]

20 minutes ago, The_K-Man said:

 

"for human ears"

 

Suggesting that we extend the range effectively for the authentic reproduction, via domestic or live venue sound system,  of the detonation of a five megaton nuclear warhead at ten miles distance?

 

Have you tried this 16-bit dynamic range audibility test?

 

https://www.audiocheck.net/audiotests_dynamiccheck.php