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Hi-rez downloads, any good?

I recently read an interview with David Chesky of HDtracks. He commented on complaints that some downloads were of poor quality by basically saying, that's what the artist wanted released. It was an artistic decision that he can't change and he can't tell the labels what to do. OK. But, he made the comment in regard to Nevermind by Nirvana. People had complained when they received the download that is was further compressed. I have the original CD and it has good dynamics as Cobain obviously wanted a loud/soft contrast in the recording. So, Cobains been dead for years. Obviously he didn't demand that his recording be further compressed. Chesky has a good reputation as an audiophile who cares about sound quality but this "excuse" doesn't seem to ring true. What's your opinion on hi-rez downloads adn their sound quality or lack thereof?
wildoats
mlsstl
1,474 posts
 
Here's my take on hi-rez material.

First, I've heard Redbook CDs that are simply incredible. Unfortunately, the format is rarely used to its full advantage, particularly with the loudness wars still raging at full tilt.

Second, I've heard some excellent hi-rez material. But I've also experimented by doing my own resamples of hi-rez to Redbook and comparing the two back-to-back and level-matched. The difference, for me, is extremely subtle. (Often the profound differences people hear are due to differing masters.)

My conclusion is that I just can't get too excited about paying extra for a new format when record companies aren't even remotely close to making full use of the CD format.
gz3827
232 posts
 
Vhiner, great post!
psag
518 posts
 
Totally agree. Redbook is audiophile in every sense of the word, when done well. To compete, hi res downloads should be a fraction of their current price.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Vhiner and Mlsstl,
Very well said and true!
If taken to its "full" potential the high Rez format can be all that is promised, the problem, it seldom is.Too much marketing hype that isn't backed up by the product. Well produced Redbook played on high quality digital equipment can sound simply excellent. Hi Rez will remain a relatively small niche if an effort isn't made to produce a consistently good recording standard and offer honest pricing. People will just take a pass and ignore it by and large. When this segment gets its act together I'll become more interested and spend the money. As for now, Redbook is just fine sounding , plentiful and cheap.
Charles,
tomcy6's avatar
tomcy6
2,638 posts
 
High res downloads from HDTracks are hit and miss at the moment. High res can definitely sound better than cd, but there's no reason why we can't enjoy cds until the high res situation gets sorted out.

I hope that the major music groups, along with many independents, realize that there is a market for higher sound quality downloads that would be worth their while to supply.
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