Best digital format (non streaming)

kraftwerkturbo

So if you take 'bandwidth' (I assume to stream music) and/or file size issues out of the picture: what is the best available digital format of music ...

That's an odd question, because there's a common correlation between bandwidth and audio quality.

I thought 'bandwith issue' was referring having to transfer all that 'stuff' through the 'airwaves' for 'streaming', and that is referred to BANDWIDTH (capacity to transfer data). 

It should not (hopefully) not be confused with reslution (24/192 etc). 

So rephrasing the question: best audio format/quality NOT streamed. 

Those pointing ad CD: is there really no better (higher resolution) media/files (commonly) available for purchase (for example through download and stored)?

Sure there are higher resolution formats available but most recordings come only in 1 or 2.  If you want that music, the format is not in question.  Besides, you have to convince yourself that you can hear any difference with the higher resolution medium. 

FWIW, I listen to recordings in my collection which range from CD resolution (16/44.1) to PCM 32/384 or DSD256 and I cannot recall a time when I've selected by resolution except when testing or trying to impress someone.  Choosing between stereo and multichannel?  Well, that's another story.

Glad to hear that CD resolution still 'cuts it', since I am NOT and likely won't be for a long time a 'streamer'. And also came to find out that some 'remixes' (likely with much better resolution) and therefore 'better' are just not the same as the one made available to the public (for example on the original CD). 

Once you start listening to higher res recordings- And, I might add, recordings that were recorded at high res-you will hear the difference over Redbook.

My caveat refers to old recordings that have been resampled.

B