What Are Hi-Res Downloads Really?

[chessman]

Lets say you buy a 24/96 album that you know came out originally in Redbook CD. What did you buy? Is it merely up-sampled 16/44.1? Is it actual 24/96 pulled from a master tape? Does it vary? How can you tell?

[Still-One]

Originally Posted by chessman

Lets say you buy a 24/96 album that you know came out originally in Redbook CD. What did you buy? Is it merely up-sampled 16/44.1? Is it actual 24/96 pulled from a master tape? Does it vary? How can you tell?

Randy. I think the answer is all of the above.

[BlueFox]

Speaking of which, the remastered Physical Graffiti is now released. I think Jimmy Page used the original tapes to cut the 96/24 files. These files are what is used to cut the album version of this release.

Physical Graffiti - New | HDtracks - The World's Greatest-Sounding Music Downloads

[antipop]

Originally Posted by chessman

Lets say you buy a 24/96 album that you know came out originally in Redbook CD. What did you buy? Is it merely up-sampled 16/44.1? Is it actual 24/96 pulled from a master tape? Does it vary? How can you tell?

I think this is the lack of transparency that is limiting the rise of HD downloads.

Why pay a premium to get something that is merely an upsample?

[rbbert]

Most "hi-res" files aren't merely upsampled versions of Redbook. There is a recent trend towards more information, and supposedly the Pono store is trying to get provenance for all the albums it sells.

[chessman]

Given the above, and the fact that my K-01 has up to 4x upsample if I want it, shouldn't I just stick with 16/44.1 Redbook?

[Still-One]

Randy
Until all new releases are available in Hi Rez or DSD then I have no incentive to purchase any but a select few releases of old music that fill sites like HDTracks. As you note 16/44.1 is where the majority of my content is released, and it sounds great to me.

[Antonmb]

Quite a few new classical releases are in true high resolution. Labels like Channel Classics, Linn Music, and BIS among others master their new releases to either DSD or PCM 24/192 for download.

[audio bill]

Some other specialty recording companies that offer music actually recorded in high resolution PCM and/or DSD are Blue Coast Records, DSD File (Opus3), and Sound Liaison. I have purchased many titles from all three of these companies and find the recording quality to be extraordinary. They have sound samples available for most titles, so you can see whether the music appeals to you before purchasing.

[edkoz]

Originally Posted by Still-One

Randy
Until all new releases are available in Hi Rez or DSD then I have no incentive to purchase any but a select few releases of old music that fill sites like HDTracks. As you note 16/44.1 is where the majority of my content is released, and it sounds great to me.

I agree