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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
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,553 posts
 
OP,

i think you’re over thinking the process. I would focus on what you can control, which is picking a decent streamer, DAC and preferably wired Ethernet connectivity. Once you do, you will find streaming quality from Qobuz and Tidal more than satisfactory and enjoyable.

In direct comparison, there are plenty of albums from 50’s and 60’s on Qobuz that sounds amazing when compared with vinyl.

https://www.qobuz.com/us-en/audio-quality
fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,629 posts
 
What misstl said.
There are many other things more worthy of your worry.

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.
mlsstl
1,438 posts
 
There is nothing for which you need to apologize. It was a good question. And I tried to give you an answer that put things in context.

All of our recorded music, regardless of format, is and has been, subject to the degree of care and competence used by the record company. And we have no way of knowing how good a recording is until we hear it. And this has always been the case.

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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