Streaming resolution

I have gone through quite a few DACs and several streaming setups.  My observation is that this is pretty equipment-dependent.  On my current setup, there seems to be no inherent advantage to higher bitrates.  If I can ascertain the native format of a recording, that seems to sound best, by a gnat's hair.  In prior configurations, higher resolutions were critical to the extent they were almost as important as the mastering quality.

Incidentally, if you look at my system for context, it's out of date.  I can't figure out how to edit it and am here infrequently enough not to research that.

I'm a Jazz listener.  Some classical.  Rock music sounds the same to me regardless of the resolution.  First, as many have said, is the quality and mix of the recording.

System quality also matters.  My DAC is a dCS Bartok, about $22K current list.  System totals about $130K.  With the proper recording quality, higher resolutions up to 24/96 can provide a wider, more open, airy sound field with better definition of instrument location. It's subtle but very nice. Above that there is little difference for me.  But I'm an old guy.

To the member who reported a flatter sound at higher resolutions, I suggest you consider sampling some better quality DACs.

Enjoy the trip! 

@polkalover could you let us know what your system components are? 

And are you comparing the exact same recording at 24/48 and 24/176-192? Or comparing one 24/48 album against a different higher res album? If it is the latter case it is apples to oranges unless there are large numbers of samples evaluated. 

I couldn’t agree less with the OP.  The higher the resolution the better 

@mclinnguy my system components are a node2i with upgraded power supply connected to a topping d90 DAC connected to a musical fidelity nu-vista 800.2 integrated connected to Muraudio sp1 speakers.  And to answer some other posters question I’m not comparing same track at different resolutions.  I’m not looking for an answer just found that the higher resolution go flat.