If you have mostly listened to music from CDs or DVDs, or if you typically use MP3 files, you might not have experienced the best sound quality available. What you are missing out on is called “High-Res Audio” or “High-Resolution Sound.” This format delivers a much higher quality of sound compared to the standard audio formats we are used to. In this guide, let’s dive into what high-res audio is and how you can enjoy it!
So, what is High-Res Audio?
Just like monitor resolutions have evolved from 720p to 1080p and then 4K, sound quality has also improved. High-Res Sound refers to digital audio that surpasses CD quality. CDs have two main quality metrics: bit depth (16 bits) and sample rate (44.1 kHz). High-res audio exceeds these metrics.
For example, Apple Music offers high-res audio in 24-bit format with sample rates ranging from 48 kHz to 192 kHz.
A Brief History of High-Res Sound
The concept of high-res sound isn’t new—it’s been around for over two decades. The first widely available high-res formats were Super Audio CD (SACD) and DVD-Audio, both released in 2000. However, these formats required expensive players, and unless you had a top-notch audio system, the difference from regular CDs was hard to notice.
Why Did High-Res Sound Take So Long to Catch On?
High-Res Audio had a slow start due to the high cost of SACD and DVD-Audio players and the large file sizes that were too big to download easily back then.
MP3s, which became popular in the late 90s and early 2000s, were much smaller and more convenient. They allowed us to fit an entire album into the space of a single CD, making them ideal for fast downloads. Despite MP3s’ lossy compression and lower quality, they became the go-to format.
The Revival of High-Res Sound
Neil Young, a prominent advocate for high-quality music, criticized MP3s and AAC formats, leading to the creation of the PonoPlayer in 2012. Though the PonoPlayer was a commercial flop, it raised awareness about high-res sound. Today, with better internet speeds, high-res music is more accessible through streaming services like Apple Music, Amazon Music, Tidal, and Qobuz. Despite early enthusiasm, high-res music didn’t become mainstream, but the technology continued to evolve.
Are All High-Res Audio Files the Same?
Not quite. While all high-res files surpass CD quality, they vary. The most common high-res audio format is 24-bit/96kHz, but some files go up to 32-bit/384kHz.
Is There a High-Res MP3 Format?
No, there isn’t. MP3s are a lossy format and don’t support the higher bit depths or sample rates of high-res audio. Instead, high-res audio is usually in lossless formats like FLAC, WAV, ALAC, AIFF, DSD, or APE.
What is MQA?
MQA, or “Master Quality Authenticated,” is a format that supports 24-bit/96kHz audio. However, it’s controversial because it’s not truly lossless and requires specific hardware for optimal playback.
What Do You Need to Experience High-Res Audio?
To enjoy high-res audio, you need a source and a compatible playback device. For sources, you can use streaming services that offer high-res options or purchase high-res files from online stores. For playback, you will need either a high-res audio player or a device with a good DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter).
Which Devices Support High-Res Sound?
To play high-res audio, you need devices that can decode and convert it to an analog signal. Some high-res audio players can handle various formats. Others, like iPhones, can decode high-res streams but may have limited DAC capabilities.
What About Headphones for High-Res Sound?
Headphones or speakers are considered high-res compatible if they can reproduce frequencies up to 40 kHz. Look for devices that support high-res audio but be aware that other factors also impact sound quality.
Is High-Res Sound Better than CD Quality?
High-resolution audio can offer greater dynamic range and higher frequency response than CDs. While the Nyquist-Shannon theorem suggests CD quality is sufficient for human hearing, high-res formats provide more depth and detail, which some listeners find valuable.
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