The higher sampling rate or higher res digital formats are superior to the limited redbook.Because information lost is replaced,by adding more ones and zeros.But this isn't reality.It's altering it.
Most people prefer the sound of higher sampling rates,as less information is lost.I contend that what is lost is natural distortions that make things sound real.The things that digital lose, analog retains.
In analog recording,because the music isn't being chopped up into bits and pieces, the performance is mostly intact. Upsampling doesn't even add lost information, it only increases the info that is already there to try and fill in the gaps.The missing gaps that most folks with trained ears,couldn't tolerate compared to analog.
Something wasn't perfect with the perfect sound.
No matter how much the specs and spin would try and make you believe.
Analog doesn't do this.
These are some of the things that I have read that tend to give support to my beliefs.
I also believe you can't replace what has been lost.Upsampling isn't the cure, it's a band aid.
For me, the little bit of extra distortion added in vinyl replay is less significant than losing information or limiting bandwidth.
Debating whether Esoteric or Scarlatti are the kings of the hill means nothing to me.Both are great,as are others. I like my Esoteric X-03, I presume that the newer versions are even better.
I do know that my friends full Scarlatti set up is the best digital sound I have ever heard.
But even it is not "perfect sound forever".
Still missing a few important ones and zeros that vinyl isn't.
Some folks say that vinyl has more air around the instruments.
Tubes also give you that.
R. feels these are distortions.
I feel that analog is reproducing all the distortions found in real life, not filtering or sanitizing them out.
If these are nothing but distortions,and should be avoided, then why do they sound more realistic to so many trained ears?
Why does most redbook cd sound flat and two dimensional compared to vinyl?
If distortions or I should say,the faithful reproduction of all the distortions and harmonics found in making a music reproduction,are left intact,I contend that you are closer to what was going on at the time the music was played.And you will enjoy the music more, feel more relaxed, and not even notice any added distortions from the gear.
Take anything out or away from it, and you've lost something that can't be fixed later on.The ear/mind reacts to this lost information which I feel needs to include all the natural distortions inherent in recording and playing music, by shutting down, and listener fatigue sets in.
We live in a distorted world, we have come to accept it as real,take these natural occuring distortion away or replace them with ones and zeros of something already recorded,and the ear/mind will recognize it for what it is.
And reject it as unnatural or foreign to our ears.
Here's an example.
An anechoic chamber is great for doing measuremnts on speakers, but it is not the ideal environment for enjoying music thru those speakers .
The sterile environemnet is uncomfortable, too much or a good thing,we need some room induced distortions and reflections and bounce to make the music sound as it does in real life.
Real life is imperfect.We don't exist in an anechoic environment. We acknowledge and accept imperfections.
When they are missing, we feel it and recognize the loss and we react accordingly.
Now take a stripped to the bone digital recording, with a low res sampling rate, little air around instruments and flat dimensionality, and run it thru sterile sounding soilid state gear a lot of folks feel is acurate because of it's superior spec and low distortion, and you have the perfect recipe for a few minutes not hours of music. listening.
