[Scan-DC] Question about analog simulcast voice quality

[Clegg, Andrew W.]

I have a dumb question. Why is it that the 800 MHz analog simulcast of
Arlington's digital P25 system has audio quality that is soooooo much
better than when I listen to their digital system on any digital
scanner? The analog simulcast has to be from decoded digital audio, but,
except for times when the PD/FD units are on the fringe of coverage and
become "digital," the audio quality is crystal clear. On the other hand,
the digital system as monitored on a digital scanner sounds like warbly
muffled audio like the speaker is at the bottom of a pool, with their
hands over their mouth to boot.

Is there some sort of proprietary (and superior) P25 CODEC that is not
available in (or too expensive for) consumer scanners? If so, has anyone
seen a discussion of this CODEC online anywhere, and whether the scanner
manufacturers will ever be able to get hold of it? To me it seems like
the next logical step in scanner product development - vastly improved
digital audio!

Andy