speakers for 24/96 audio

Sounds like the consensus is that the original CD redbook format engineers did a more than adequate job, at least in theory.

So does that mean that when we hear deficiencies in specific redbook CDs compared to other formats (say R2R or very good vinyl even) that it is because of poor execution somewhere in the implementation , either in the recording or playback process or equipment, or most likely even both?

I like to think so but I have not heard the near perfectly created CD on the near perfectly executed system in a viable test scenario compared to other high quality formats yet that would confirm this, so I am not so sure reality reflects the theory in practice quite yet?

Has anybody else heard something specifically that has them convinced?

On my system, I think the issue is a wash, but I have done some imperfect a/b comparisons on very high end dealer reference systems where it was not, especially in comparison to R2R and with better large scale orchestral recordings involving massed strings in particular.

"Sounds like the consensus is that the original CD redbook format engineers did a more than adequate job, at least in theory."

Well, I would have said the red book CD is "just adequate". I think reducing the word length or the sampling rate might have audible effects, so "just adequate" comes to mind.

As for comparisons to "other media", are you talking about analog? For me at least, vinyl doesn't come close, no matter what you spend. Analog tape can sound very, very good, but except for our own master tapes, where would one get source material? In the past I've heard 1/2" 15 or 30ips tape with Dolby sound spectacular in a studio, but how many of us have access to such a thing?

Here's a better question: is there any significant amount of content coming out of the recording industry these days that requires a medium superior to a 16/44 CD? Perhaps some rare examples in the classical venue, but it seems like none in jazz, rock, pop, country, new age, or whatever. Or am I wrong?

Al - Thanks again for your helpful explanations.

Bryon

"In the past I've heard 1/2" 15 or 30ips tape with Dolby sound spectacular in a studio, but how many of us have access to such a thing?"

I'm referring to modern large format R2R reference recordings I have heard.

Yes, few have or would want access, but I guess my point is what I have heard here is the reference standard as best I can tell, so CD if adequate or more should be able to match it and I cannot say that it does based on what I have heard (though limited).

"Here's a better question: is there any significant amount of content coming out of the recording industry these days that requires a medium superior to a 16/44 CD?"

That is a good question. Again, for true hardcore audiophiles only, I think there may be some but not much, but I am not certain. Quality large scale orchestrated works with massed strings are the type I question most.

For 98% of the population (maybe more) I think redbook CD covers all teh needed bases adequately at least. That's pretty good!