* It was the highest sample rate that could be practically achieved with the technology available at the time. In the early 1980s, when CDs were being developed, the highest sample rates that could be achieved were around 50 kHz. However, this was too high for the relatively slow computers and storage devices that were available at the time. 44.1 kHz was chosen as a compromise between high quality and practicality.
* It was compatible with the existing analog recording and playback equipment. The vast majority of analog recording and playback equipment at the time used a sample rate of 44.1 kHz. This meant that CDs could be played on existing equipment without any modification.
* It was a good match for the human ear. The human ear can hear sounds up to about 20 kHz. The 44.1 kHz sample rate is more than twice this frequency, which means that it can accurately reproduce the entire range of sounds that the human ear can hear.
Since the introduction of CDs, the 44.1 kHz sample rate has become the standard for digital audio. It is used not only for CDs, but also for DVDs, MP3s, and other digital audio formats.