I know what I'm getting from Linn Records or Reference Recordings when I order 24 bit /88.2/96/176.4/192 files. I'm getting studio master files that were recorded at these high resolutions. These two sites are very clear on the equipment and processes that they used to record their studio masters. But what about some of the other sites? How do I know if those sites are only upsampling their Redbook CD files to resell at a higher resolution? I would assume that any download from a previously issued SACD comes from a 24/88.2 or higher recording. But I learned the hard (expensive) way that many Blu-ray discs often just have 16/44.1 files and can sound awful or be a poor value if you are expecting 24/96 or better recordings. And I suspect that if these Blu-ray files were upsampled to 24/192 they would still be lacking.
Posts: 3154
I don't think we'll ever
I don't think we'll ever know the real deal behind many of these recording offered by other sites. It's just like buying CDs, DVD-Audio, or SACD discs. Some SACDs are rumored to be made from the 16/48 masters and the same I'm sure goes for downloads.
It would be too cool if all the sites detailed all the information we could actually use.
Chris Connaker
Founder
Computer Audiophile
Posts: 4
High resolution downlowds
It seems to me that many high resolutions downloads are inverted polarity.
George S Louis
George S. Louis
Posts: 3154
Hi George - can you give us
Hi George - can you give us an example?
Chris Connaker
Founder
Computer Audiophile
Posts: 4
The polarity of standalone duplicators
It's my impression that every standalone duplicator including my RealityCheckCD Audiophile Grade duplicator inverts polarity when copying digitally from CD to CD.
George S Louis
George S. Louis
Posts: 111
2L HiRes Download - Test Bench
After I ordered the free 2L sampler I was reviewing their website and I see that they have a HiRes Download - Test Bench that invites folks to evaluate future consumer delivery formats. It seems pretty interesting and I was just wonder if anyone has participated and had any feedback or results. For instance, I interested in the stereo tracks from the Divertimenti album that show the following:
Stereo - WAV - DXD - 24bit/352.8kHz - 344MB
Stereo - DFF- DSD 64 - 2.8224Mbit/s - 83MB
Stereo - WAV - 24bit/96kHz - 100MB
Stereo - FLAC - 24bit/192kHz - 106MB
Stereo - FLAC - 24bit/96kHz - 51MB
Stereo - FLAC - 24bit/48kHz - 30MB
Posts: 12
Mr. Louis, Please tell us
Mr. Louis,
Please tell us what DAC and computer you are using to play back your high res files.
Thank you
Posts: 39
audiozorro......
I downloaded the WAV-DXD-24 bit/352.8kHz and the WAX - 24 bit/96kHz files from Divertimenti last night. They sound awesome! I really can't take full advantage of the WAV-DXD-24 bit/352.8kHz file as I have a new Mac Mini outputing to a Benchmark DAC 1 USB, so I am limited to 96kHz on USB but can go to 192kHz on the optical input. I spent an hour listening to the four downloads. I want to compare the two files to see if there is a difference.
Alan B
Posts: 111
Alan B
I downloaded a few of the 24/96 and 24/192 files this weekend but I haven't played them yet. However I got the free 2L sampler disc and I thought it was awesome. I will definitely be buying some albums from 2L, I just have to figure out what format and their website is so confusing. If 2L offers buyers the ability to buy a Hybrid SACD or BluRay disc now with the ability for a free digital download of the same disc in equal or lesser resolution, I will place my orders now. Otherwise I have much experimenting to do and unfortunately, I don't have the audio gear to take advantage of the best 2L has to offer.
Posts: 3154
Hey Alan - The Benchmark
Hey Alan - The Benchmark will accept 192 on the optical input, but I don't think your Mini will output over 96 on the optical output.
Can you check the Audio Midi settings to verify what sample rates are available to you? None of my Macs go over 96 on optical and I'd be happy if you Mini actually did go to 192.
Chris Connaker
Founder
Computer Audiophile
Posts: 39
Chris you're correct...
...and I know that, it just slipped my mind. I should have remembered that as I have been experimenting with the midi settings. That is one BIG reason to go with a Mac Pro! BTW, has anyone been able to determine whether the Audiophile 192 card is capable of bit perfect output?
Alan B