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INTERNET TEST: 24-bit vs. 16-bit Audio.
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Posted on April 20, 2014 at 09:34:37 | ||
Posts: 821
Joined: January 18, 2002 |
So, thanks to the advent of Computer Audio, HRA (High-Resolution Audio) is all over the place these days. Usually, this consists of 24-bit PCM in one form or another (eg. sample rates ranging from 44kHz all the way to 192kHz). Simple question... Can you tell the difference between 24/96 and 16/96 (encapsulated in 24/96 container) audio? Also feel free to have audiophile friends give it a shot and let me know on the survey site!
Happy Easter everyone.
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RE: INTERNET TEST: 24-bit vs. 16-bit Audio., posted on April 20, 2014 at 10:52:35 | |
Posts: 821
Joined: January 18, 2002 |
True.. Not internet streaming as some might expect. Too many other variables attached to doing that as well. Besides, that likely would limit most folks to sitting in front of the computer. As for dithering, that's standard anyways for all bit-depth reduction. Plus it adds a bit of noise. Let's just say I'm using nothing fancy at all... Hope you get a chance to try and respond. Best regards.
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RE: INTERNET TEST: 24-bit vs. 16-bit Audio., posted on April 20, 2014 at 16:32:26 | |
Posts: 821
Joined: January 18, 2002 |
The files are all 24/96. No problem if your DAC doesn't play 16/96. They were just converted to 16/96 with a little dither (again, nothing fancy!) and then put back into the 24/96 container... That's all... The DAC will not notice any change between tracks. Listen and let me know if the last 8 bits make an audible difference; remembering of course that there's no DAC on earth that can accurately reproduce those last few bits of dynamic range in 24-bit audio data. ------- Archimago's Musings: A 'more objective' audiophile blog. |
RE: Dither, posted on April 20, 2014 at 16:47:03 | |
Posts: 821
Joined: January 18, 2002 |
Okay fmak. I'm not sure if this is all that relevant here. The technical details of how dither "works" isn't that important... Certainly a worthy topic for another thread. It's done as part of reducing bit-depth in any reasonable studio for decades, and that's all I did and will explain the exact setting later. All I ask is people have a listen and tell me if they think one sounded better. Also how much confidence they have in the choice. It might end up that a person chooses the 16-bit version with confidence with all 3 samples and that'll enter into my analysis as well. ------- Archimago's Musings: A 'more objective' audiophile blog. |
RE: Neil Young's gonna be pissed, posted on April 20, 2014 at 16:50:26 | |
Posts: 821
Joined: January 18, 2002 |
Please make sure to fill out the survey, mbnx01. Also invite NY to the test when you see him next. I need more 68 y.o. respondents with musical experience listening to high-resolution audio with a pimped out car stereo. |
RE: Dither-'cause-Then, posted on April 21, 2014 at 22:04:27 | |
Posts: 13158
Location: Kent Joined: June 1, 2002 |
your 'mastering' expertise claim is suspect. |
RE: INTERNET TEST: 24-bit vs. 16-bit Audio., posted on April 30, 2014 at 07:55:33 | |
Posts: 821
Joined: January 18, 2002 |
Thanks for taking the test guys! I've got >50 responses now with some identified as being from here... Great to see the inquisitive folks taking the time :-) Remember, still taking submissions into June which is plenty of time. Should be able to get >100 since I haven't invited many of the other audiophile boards yet. ------- Archimago's Musings: A 'more objective' audiophile blog. |
UPDATE... Half way to end of survey., posted on May 16, 2014 at 11:07:30 | |
Posts: 821
Joined: January 18, 2002 |
Thanks to those who have already tried the test and responded to the survey! We're about 1/2 way before I close off the survey and test download. Keep 'em coming! ------- Archimago's Musings: A 'more objective' audiophile blog. |