[zlobby]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sugar-rautbord/post_2596_b_1070159.html
 
After watching the spider man sample, i agree it sounds "better" to my ears, but i am not sure why.  There is no way a 128kbps mp3 is going to sound better than the lossless file.  Maybe im missing something. 

 

[Head Injury]

I see three things at work here:

1. Glorified EQ. Not only are certain frequencies boosted to make the sound more dynamic (especially bass), but the "HD" clips are also louder overall. People perceive loud as good.
2. Slight crossfeed effect
3. Expectation bias from the logo they flash

 
It's easy to make an MP3 sound better than a lossless file. It's impossible to make an MP3 sound exactly like a lossless file. They aren't restoring the sound in any way, just enhancing it with special effects.
 
Oh yeah, listen to the Notebook section. Clearly an added reverb effect.

 

[LFF]

Quote:

I see three things at work here:

1. Glorified EQ. Not only are certain frequencies boosted to make the sound more dynamic (especially bass), but the "HD" clips are also louder overall. People perceive loud as good.
2. Slight crossfeed effect
3. Expectation bias from the logo they flash

 
It's easy to make an MP3 sound better than a lossless file. It's impossible to make an MP3 sound exactly like a lossless file. They aren't restoring the sound in any way, just enhancing it with special effects.
 
Oh yeah, listen to the Notebook section. Clearly an added reverb effect.

Correct on all points!