If they started offering lossless music, even at redbook standard, I'd start buying music from them... but I absolutely refuse to pay for lossy music. I don't see any value in it.
Hi-res is, at this point, not even worth discussing. Let them get cd-quality right first.
If they started offering lossless music, even at redbook standard, I'd start buying music from them... but I absolutely refuse to pay for lossy music. I don't see any value in it.
Hi-res is, at this point, not even worth discussing. Let them get cd-quality right first.
All good points on red book quality.
It does seem odd that apple wouldn't go there first.
The article link suggests that apple is sourcing true 24/96 content, but that does seem like a leapfrog over a more practical red book step first.
If they started offering lossless music, even at redbook standard, I'd start buying music from them... but I absolutely refuse to pay for lossy music. I don't see any value in it.
Hi-res is, at this point, not even worth discussing. Let them get cd-quality right first.
Like you, I think iTunes sounds pretty good, in fact indistinguishable from from 24/96 when comparison has been possible with legitimate 24/96 material from HDtracks. Nevertheless, I still download 24/96, perhaps, being a sucker for HDtracks marketing. At any rate, what I can distinguish are CD's played from my CD player to loss-less files of the same material played from my iTunes library. I have no doubt the CD's sound better; yet, I have no idea why.
If they started offering lossless music, even at redbook standard, I'd start buying music from them... but I absolutely refuse to pay for lossy music. I don't see any value in it.
Hi-res is, at this point, not even worth discussing. Let them get cd-quality right first.
Except that you wouldn't be able to tell the difference anyway. Do this: use foobar200 and download the ABX component and then prove to yourself that your hearing ain't as golden as you think.
All good points on red book quality.
It does seem odd that apple wouldn't go there first.
The article link suggests that apple is sourcing true 24/96 content, but that does seem like a leapfrog over a more practical red book step first.
My guess is that Apple figures the average consumer is happy enough with their lossy purchases, but that offering the "magical" 24/96 files will draw in the "audiophiles" who normally would shun iTunes.
Except that you wouldn't be able to tell the difference anyway. Do this: use foobar200 and download the ABX component and then prove to yourself that your hearing ain't as golden as you think.
Some people can, but it's certainly not easy. It requires really really close inspection.
People just think that a compressed file has a less full sound, but really at that level of compression the only difference is going to be some extremely minimal artifacting and distortion.
I'd like to do some ABX testing between 24/96 and MP3/AAC(I'm pretty damn sure I wouldn't be able to tell between 24/96 and 16/44 lossless) but I don't have any 24/96 files. I'll try and see if any albums I like are on HDtracks later...
Some people can, but it's certainly not easy. It requires really really close inspection.
People just think that a compressed file has a less full sound, but really at that level of compression the only difference is going to be some extremely minimal artifacting and distortion.
I'd like to do some ABX testing between 24/96 and MP3/AAC(I'm pretty damn sure I wouldn't be able to tell between 24/96 and 16/44 lossless) but I don't have any 24/96 files. I'll try and see if any albums I like are on HDtracks later...
Except that you wouldn't be able to tell the difference anyway. Do this: use foobar200 and download the ABX component and then prove to yourself that your hearing ain't as golden as you think.
Oh, I totally can't... but that's irrelevant. I'm willing to pay for the sense of superiority and not willing to pay if there's even a doubt that what I'm getting is inferior. I suspect a lot of people act that way, whether they realize it or admit it.
It's also the principle. I refuse to see equal value in a CD track and a compressed track, no matter whether or not I can hear a difference. I'm content to know that there IS one, and I'm not going to let them win.
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
