The ADAT XT is an excellent sounding digital audio recorder, with 18-bit A/D's and 20-bit D/A's. However, only 16 bits are recorded on tape, and 16 bits are transmitted and received on the ADAT optical lightpipe interface. Tango24, on the other hand, provides 24 bits of resolution on the lightpipe, resulting in cleaner reverb tails and better sonic definition. Careful listening tests reveal that audio program material that fades down into (and even below) the noise floor retains its character, and doesn't "break up."