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.
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.