Does HiRez really sound better?

I have some (compressed) CDs that are at least 3 times louder than the average (uncompressed) CD. Example: Radiohead Amnesiac. That's not "slightly louder." Hel-loo!

Zd542,

The 'Loudness Wars' on CDs has seriously reduced dynamics and micro-dynamics which are potentially much better on CDs as opposed to cassettes. Additionally, CDs benefit from zero wow & Flutter and a much lower noise floor.

The areas I notice the most obvious improvements with hi-rez files as compared to CDs are: dynamics, micro-dynamics, an even lower noise floor and a very high detail level. With your previous comments on the importance of most of these qualities in your music listening, I would think hi-rez music files are likely a very good choice for you.

Tim

Does hirez really sound better,........?
I noticed over the years any thread started with List the best sounding
HiRes music and virtually every thread on this topic stalls , there is more
chat about componets and wire then accual information of the HiRes file
itself.
Potential profit and mark ups are large with no physical product to produce
,package and distribute,.. this business concept of HiRez downloads looks
great on paper however accual consumer feed back over the past few
years has been underwhelming.

In shore,

While I don't disagree with your comment, I would add that switching to a computer based digital source in one's system is not a simple thing and requires some commitment. The first need is to educate yourself on how it all works and the components needed. Then you need to research these components to determine the right ones for you that are within your budget. Significant decisions also need to be made along the way, such as hardwired or wireless and exactly what hi-rez format to utilize (24/96khz, 24/192khz,DSD, etc.)

My point is that all the above takes time and some may need assistance from other members who have more knowledge. Many thread followers may not have completed their switch to digital files and are seeking help by posting on the wrong threads.

Just as you, interested in actual information about HiRes files themselves, posted on this thread which is concerned with whether HiRez really sounds better. I think you may be on the wrong thread.

Thanks,
Tim

Hi Tim , I did understand the op question , I read through the Goldman link
then added my own observation ,over the years from about 2010 I have
read every single thread regarding the quality of HIRez down loads ,....,
which are your favorite , which are the best sonically so on and so forth ,
none of these threads have any longevity to them at all ,....Does HIRez
really sound better, consumers sure aren't talking about it ,