High Resolution Downloads (Audio)

High Resolution Downloads (Audio)
The term high resolution refers to audio with a word length of at least 24 bits and a sample rate of at least 88.2 kHz. Common combinations include 24/88.2, 24/96, 24/176.4, 24/192, 24/352.8, 24/384, 32/352.8, and 32/384.

Standard Resolution: 16-bit / 44.1 kHz commonly called Redbook Compact Disc.
Advanced Resolution: 16-bit / 44.8 kHz or 24-bit / 48 kHz, typically found on some DVD-Audio discs.

High Resolution Download Sites

• B&W Society of Sound, curated by Peter Gabriel. For a yearly subscription of $60 you can download one new album per month. Most of the albums are available in 24bits/48khz FLAC files
• Boston Symphony Orchestra - Downloads of BSO performances - Pricing: $12.99 for 2-channel, WMA lossess at 24 bits / 88.2kHz - Formats: 320 kbps MP3, 24/88.2 AIFF, 24/88.2 WMA Lossless, 24/88.2 WMA Lossless (Surround). Subscriptions are also available for $50/yr
• Gimell Records - This site presents only the works of Peter Phillips and The Tallis Scholars. Gimell offers a number of recordings in 16/44.1, 24/44.1, 24/48, 24/88.2, and 24/96. The choices of resolution vary album to album. High resolution tracks are available in WMA and FLAC formats. The site also offers lossless 24-bit recordings in 5.1 Surround Sound. Prices range from $15.99 (16/44.1) to $29.99 (24/96 Surround Sound).
• HDtracks - Founded by David and Norman Chesky, HDtracks offers downloads in 16/44.1, 24/88.2, and 24/96. All high resolution tracks are available in FLAC format. The price ranges from $2.49 - $3.98 per track and $17.98 per high resolution album. Standard resolution downloads are available for $1.49 per track and $11.98 per album. Link to the HDtracks "Hi-Res Store"
• High Definition Tape Transfers - Remasters of 2 and 4 channel analog tape recordings - Genre: Classical - Formats: 24/96 and 24/192 FLAC - Pricing: $12 for 24/96 Album, $15.00 for 24/192 Album
• Naim Label - Naim Audio's record label - Pricing: $27.99 for 2-channel, FLAC & WAV at 24 bits / 96kHz and $14.99 for FLAC & WAV at 16 bits / 44.1kHZ, $11.99 for MP3 at 320 kbps
• Linn Records - The extensive Linn Records online store offers downloads of their own catalog as well as music from other labels, such as Channel Classics and Fone and many others. Formats are FLAC or WMA (and MP3) in resolutions up to 24bit/ 192 kHz if the source material is available at this quality. Prices range from €11,00 for 44.1/16bit files to €23,00 for the 'Studio Master' 192/24bit FLAC downloads.