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Source material for digital files?

Having listened to analog HiFi for over 40 years I am relatively new to streaming. I am currently in the process of upgrading my hardware enabling me to listen to HiRes files so I was thinking about the following: 

What is the source material for these (HiRes) digital files? I assume that all new music recordings are done digital so that is a no brainer, but how about all the "old" music from 20-50 years ago? Logic would require that the old analog master tapes being the source but is that really the case? Where do streaming services like Tidal and Qobuz get their files (or source material) from?
Can someone link me to the appropriate information - I would appreciate!
agosto

Showing 3 responses by agosto

agosto OP
45 posts
 
As a newcomer to the streaming environment I thought I was asking a reasonable and appropriate question about the origin and quality of our digital listening material.
Apparently, this does not seem to be the case. I apologize for the posting.
agosto OP
45 posts
 
Well that is exactly my point: If the recording company converted the old analog file to digital, what format did they use? I think we can agree that if they used the CD format (16bit/44.1kHz) and the streaming services use that as the source for HiRes (I am simplifying here) then this would not produce the same result as using the old analog master and then digitize it with 24bit/192kHz.
Not sure what you mean with multiple digitizing? If they always used the analog master as source there should be no deterioration.
agosto OP
45 posts
 
@mlsstl : Thank you - I appreciate your valued response. What I take from this short exchange is that it is believed that the original conversion file (A/D) is coming from the record company. I will look elsewhere on the Net to see if I can gather more information (referencing my original questions in this post).
Once again: Thank you!
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