Different music

[Good4it]

Can you tell the difference between Hi-Res music and the "general" MP3 44kHz stuff. I know it depends on how good a system you have but I mean for a $3000-$4000 setup.

The cost to download, store and play seems quite high for the "good stuff". Is it worth it?

 

[shadyJ]

I don't think a positive difference can be discerned, and I don't think hi-res is worth pursuing. There have been tests in this area that have shown mixed results, but I haven't ever read anyone saying hi-res sounded better. We had a discussion about this recently here. If you ask me, definitely not worth gearing a setup toward hi-res recordings, unless you have a pet bat you want to play music too.

 

[KenM10759]

I had bought/downloaded one 24/96 album recently. It was a new release from a band I enjoy listening to, Lake Street Dive. Their previous release was well recorded, sounded great in 16/44 and streaming on Tidal Hi-Fi. The new release wasn't yet available on Tidal, so I figured what the hell and paid $3 more to download the bigger file from the record label's website, Nonesuch Records, versus the "standard" FLAC file.

A couple weeks later I notice a track from the same album became available on Tidal Hi-Fi. I would be lying to myself if I said I could hear any difference. I liken the "difference" to be the same as I got in testing a pair of $500 Nordost speaker wires against the bulk Monoprice 14 gauge CL2 wire I use now. It only sounds better if it want it to, and that depends upon my wallet and mood rather than my ears.

I think this ranks right up there with my bi-amping experience.

 

[Good4it]

Thanks for the input guys. 2 no difference opinions.

Anyone else?