Do we really need anything greater than 24/96? Opinions?

I think bit rate and sample rate are increasing because the chip manufactures like Ti and Sabre are progressing, it cant be stopped. Chips will increase in bits and frequency and oems will source newer chips as time marches on. I read somwehere that the higher bit/sample rates make it easier on the designers simply due to mathematical capabilities more room for algorithms to run.

I heard a big system recently for which the error correction function on the CD player was turned OFF. WOW. If only you could hear what I’ve heard with my ears. The trick is the CD surfaces have to be laboratory grade clean, otherwise the player shuts down.

Optimize,
You are technically correct and I misspoke, so let me clarify. Yes the red book format has remained the same as the parameters which define it are static. What I really was trying to explain are the two things that have changed over the course of the consumer digital lifespan namely;
1) recording and mastering engineers (the good ones anyway)have at their disposal better front end A/D equipment and have developed processes and systems which allow for better sounding music to get into the digital medium to start with and,
2) the consumer equipment performing the D/A conversion has gotten MILES better particularly in the past 5-7 years or so.
None of this should be surprising as the format matures and I’m certain digital has only begun its long and exciting optimization process. Looking to analogue which has been around probably 3 times as long as digital yet continues to get better as technology progresses.

Just want to chime in here and (again) point out... that the best “audio reproduction” will always be beholden it’s source!!!  The original audio capture (and all the attention to details) in that initial “record”, is the essence we all try to preserve through our audio playback chain. As mentioned earlier... Tony Manasian’s exquisite and pure music recordings are special “reference audio” to be (enjoyed!) but also give you one of the MOST accurate windows, into the nuances of your (individual) playback-reproduction chain!

 If you are an audiophile, you will want to experience these sonic gems, on your own system!

What about the newer advances in physical media-shm discs from japan as well as the gold disc.  These should reduce the read error rate-no?