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speakers for 24/96 audio

is it correct to assume that 24/96 audio would be indistinguishable from cd quality when listened to with speakers with a 20khz 3db and rapid hi frequency roll-off?

Or more precisely, that the only benefit comes from the shift from 16 to 24 bit, not the increased sample rate, as they higher freq content is filtered out anyhow?

related to this, which advice would you have for sub $5k speakerset with good higher freq capabilities for 24/96 audio?

thanks!
mizuno
irvrobinson
295 posts
 
"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?
bryoncunningham
890 posts
 
Al - Thanks again for your helpful explanations.

Bryon
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,455 posts
 
"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!
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