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Do we really need anything greater than 24/96? Opinions?

It's really difficult to compare resolutions with different masterings, delivery methods, sources, etc. I have hundreds of HI-rez files (dsd, hi bit rate PCM, etc). I have to say that even 24/44 is probably revealing the best a recording has to offer. Obviously, recording formats, methods, etc all play a huge role. I'm not talking preferred sources like vinyl, sacd, etc. I'm talking about the recordings themselves. 

Plus, I really think the recording (studio-mastering) means more to sound quality than the actual output format/resolution. I've heard excellent recorded/mastered recordings sound killer on iTunes streaming and CD. 

Opinions?

aberyclark

Showing 1 response by jbhiller

jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller
1,361 posts
 
I agree with so much that has been written above.  I do think that Redbook can sound amazing. But I also hear alot of 24/96 stuff sound a touch better than Redbook. Yet as someone said above it depends on the mastering too. 

I think erik_squires notes well how DAC and the implementation topology has improved a ton over the last decade. I think that is the biggest piece in all of digital. With a great DAC even Redbook is great. 
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