Choosing Best Sample Rate

[chessman]

My Esoteric K-01 accepts up to 192/24 so when I was on HDTracks I started to just pick that one. But then I had a nagging memory of a controversy regarding sample rates. Of course, I do not recall the details, but it was something about higher than 96/24 was a waste or worse. What do you guys do?

[eljr]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNVVq-iVPy8

[jdandy]

Randy.......I have purchased several HDTracks 24/192 downloads. I had the same curiosity about the sound quality difference between 24/192 and 24/96 so I downloaded the 24/96 files of Louise Rogers - Black Coffee, which I already had at 24/192. I spent a number of hours listening to both downloaded versions and came to the conclusion that the 24/96 sounded exactly the same to my ears as did the 24/192. Now I only purchase 24/96. I see no reason to fill up my hard drive with twice the file size and pay the added cost when the 24/96 downloads satisfy me completely.

[djwhog]

Same hear, I tried several too and decided the 192 was maybe on a few a tad better, but in most cases I could not tell one from the other. I even mixed them in media player to go 96 to 192, sure you hear the dac click and switch, but I did a complex double blind mixed up test and drove from my iPad app in my seat as not to look at the display etc. after going back and forth again and again I settled. On the less than 192 option as fine.

Maybe if I had a better system, k01 Ivan's TAD speakers and all platinum cables I would hear and be able to benefit, but I am very happy with the 96/24 k files. All that said I still like sacd disc better when I can get them

Sent from my iPad using A.Aficionado

[crwilli]

Randy, These responses pretty much sum up my perspective. While I MAY be able to hear the difference between various sample rates and bit depths, I wouldn't bet money on it. As a result, i will still buy a CD if it is not available as 24/96 or higher. If it is available at 96 and other higher sampling rates, i will usually get the 96 version unless I feel something special with that recording - like an old favorite. However, there are entire forums dedicated to this and some science That might skew your decisions. Craig

[chessman]

Thanks to each of you for the responses. I am just going to go with 96/24 for my high resolution music needs. Those may be few and far between when Tea for the Tillerman clocks in at $37.

[Yamaki]

I would agree...I have a bunch of both and if I were to describe a difference between a 192/24 and a 96/24 in my system, the 192/24 sounds a bit brighter, just on the very edge of being harsh.

I much prefer the 96/24 format and have stopped paying extra for the 192/24's.

[o0OBillO0o]

This is a good thread.



Here is an article by Brent Butterworth that points to the current hot topics in the Audio and Music industry.

Time to Reassess High-Res Audio

Time to Reassess High-Res Audio - Audiophile Review

In a nutshell, according to the author, there hasn't been an acceptable test for anyone to conclude there is a difference.

--

I think this is a step back in High Resolution Music.

And if you are not following Dr. Mark Waldrep's OpEd pieces it's worth subscribing your RSS feed reader or bookmarking his website blog and then checking weekly. Here is the link. Dr. AIX’s POSTS | Real HD-Audio

In the same vein of Dr. Waldrep righteousness- but from an different music loving angle, I strongly suggest you follow Michael Fremer as well. Home | Analog Planet

Lots to discuss!

Best,
Bill

[o0OBillO0o]

Oh and you can always use high quality sample rate converters to up or down sample live (in hardware) or "Offline" in software to get the bit depth and sample rate you feel works best in your DAC.

Here is one for offline- iZotope’s sample rate conversion, https://www.izotope.com/en/search-re...?q=sample+rate

here is a comparison website:

http://src.infinitewave.ca/

[2fastdriving]

The original recording quality is much, much more important than the bit rate. I have some standard CD's that sound better than other hi-rez downloads. I think if I heard the same exact album in CD quality and 24/96 I might be able to hear the difference on a good day, but I doubt I could tell the difference between 24/96 and 24/192.

But I keep coming back to the original recording. If that's not great, no bit rate can fix it.