Chuck50

Here is what the site says about the sound source: Sourced from DAT (16 bit / 44.1kHz); Mastered to DSD; Output to PCM at 24 bit / 192 kHz. DSD files are DSD64." So a 24 bit / 192 kHz high-res version of a 16/44.1khz DAT source means NO upgrade in soundquality, right? And if so, why the heck would anyone (like me) buy a fake hi res for more $$$$ than just standard cd res flac files? Am I missing something? Charles

yes, Fritz just not at 192/24 for 9.99. Sketches is at 88/24 for 12.99, Smiles is cheaper at 8.99 but also at 88/24. Plus, for me the second quintet was more interesting than exciting - but hey that's one opinion. Now my SECOND favorite Miles album (the compilation Birth of the Cool) is available at 192/24, but given its humbler origins I would expect an upgrade to produce diminishing returns. Plus its also $21.49, which is the price tag I expected to see for Kind of Blue. One reason for the low price on KOB may be because this is the MONO version that was recently re-released. I would much prefer the stereo, but I gotta tell ya right now on my speakers it still sounds totally transcendent. Greatest jazz album of all time for this dude.

Just got Miles Kind of Blue at 192/24 from Ponoworld for a price that made it worth buying it yet again. HD TRacks wants 25 bucks for it, Pono only 9.99, so I took the plunge at Pono. I havent seen any bargain prices like that there before (or at HD Tracks either)...and it appears to be a 2013 version no bonus tracks, but (cough)So What... A quick glance at the rest of his catalog has only cd quality files at that low a price, and KOB is arguably the crown jewel in Miles catalog. I'm wondering if it might be a mistake... Anyone else find as good or better hi res bargains out there? Charles

Based on data on web page for HD tracks no diff in file format...decided to cough up the $$$$ for BTR at 24/96 and see/hear for myself.

Is there an audible difference in the same resolution files in diff formats (flac aiff wav)? If not why offer more than one?

What's the likelihood of hearing a significant difference between the new cd-quality Born To Run remaster and 24 bit 96 via Grado DR80 Headphones through standard headphone jack on a standard new Dell pc? Is there any audio difference between going with the hires flac or other hi rs file formats? I am hardcore Bruce and very familiar with the albums.....but I have 50 year old ears. Charles

As I stated in an earlier thread I am trying to introduce my computer to my fancy, rebuilt vintage 4ohm KEF towers. I have some old Kenwood, Onkyo, Pioneer (an av model but seems to be the most powerful) amps that I got fairly cheap at garage sales and they all sound good. But I am hoping to go from good to awesome. Had some basic recommendations, one was to get an all digital integrated amplifier - Nuforce I think - which has no connectiions for analog sources - I do have a rarely used turntable and a standalone cd player that would be left out in the cold. But Ive also been hearing about manufacturers like Outlaw Audio, Music Hall, Emotiva. To those of you that have been around longer, do these companies ever offer any Black Friday deals? What about Yamaha or Harmon Kardon? If not, does there seem to be a "season" where manufacturers, moving on to new models, put their old models on clearance? Thanks, Charles

Actually my soundblaster is one of the bottom models, I guess: nothing but analog out - it doesnt look like it has an optical or spdif out....or are those the same thing? Now my motherboard Evga 780i appears to have an optical out on it...will that be sufficient or should I look into a separate sound card upgrade? Also, regarding the NuForce I'm a little worried it won't be able to drive the KEF 103/4's to their fullest potential..that and the no analog inputs (I rarely listen to albums or my cd player but might occasionally). If I went for, say, something in the way of a used integrated amp what should I look at adding to most successfully deliver the computer's sound to it? [h=2][/h][h=3][/h]

I have numerous Ipods and at one time had over 1,000 albums (still have a bookshelf full), and still possess over 2k CD's (used to be on record company mailing lists in my previous occupation) Have a fairly nice pc with a soundblaster xtreme card, and have some pretty good pc speakers. However, I recently got a pair of vintage Kef 103/104 4ohm speakers restored, and was in the market for a new amp until I figured out that like most of the modern world I primarily listen to music on Ipod or at my PC. And I don 't EVER listen to the radio anymore unless its streaming over the Internet. So no tuner needed at all. What would be the best way for my computer to get a high quality connection that will also provide enough juice to push these babies like they were meant to be powered? A nice option would be to be able to switch back and for between my current desktop speakers and the KEFs - I would say I'm looking in the neighborhood of 500. Thanks, CHarles