Is it possible to burn 24bit/96kHz files directly to CD? I am considering joining B&W's Society of Sound and it would be pointless downloading these high resolution files if I cannot burn them onto CD and listen to them on my Nad C545BEE cdp which is my only source at the moment.
24bit/96kHz files to CD
- Thread starter Sabby
- Start date
chebby
Well-known member
- Jun 2, 2008
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Sabby:So how do I listen to them on my CD player then Andrew?
Read B&W's instructions on this matter...
http://assets.bowers-wilkins.com/med/Libraries/3/FLAC24_HowTo.pdf
It states...
"Recording the tracks to an audio CD
It is not recommended to try to burn 24-bit FLAC files to CD. We recommend downloading the 16-bit versions and burning those to CD via iTunes (ALAC) or Winamp (FLAC16) to get the best results.
We are currently investigating the best way to burn 24-bit audio to disc and will update this document as soon as we have found a consistent reliable process."
So they recommend downloading the 16bit versions for burning to CD.
You could download the 24 bit version and then import a copy of it into iTunes which will convert it 16 bit (make sure your iTunes import settings are Lossless) then burn the iTunes (ALAC) version to CD for playing on your NAD and still have the original 24 bit version available on your system.
Read B&W's instructions on this matter...
http://assets.bowers-wilkins.com/med/Libraries/3/FLAC24_HowTo.pdf
It states...
"Recording the tracks to an audio CD
It is not recommended to try to burn 24-bit FLAC files to CD. We recommend downloading the 16-bit versions and burning those to CD via iTunes (ALAC) or Winamp (FLAC16) to get the best results.
We are currently investigating the best way to burn 24-bit audio to disc and will update this document as soon as we have found a consistent reliable process."
So they recommend downloading the 16bit versions for burning to CD.
You could download the 24 bit version and then import a copy of it into iTunes which will convert it 16 bit (make sure your iTunes import settings are Lossless) then burn the iTunes (ALAC) version to CD for playing on your NAD and still have the original 24 bit version available on your system.
Thanks Chebby! According to the instructions on the B&W website, if I wanted to enjoy the full benefits of 24bit flac files, I would need something like a Squeezebox connected to an outboard dac to play these files through my hi-fi. Is there a big difference in sound quality between 16bit and 24bit?
Sabby:So how do I listen to them on my CD player then Andrew?
You can't: you either have to download the lower-res CD-standard versions of the files, or invest in some computer-based playback equipment
You can't: you either have to download the lower-res CD-standard versions of the files, or invest in some computer-based playback equipment
Sabby:Thanks Chebby! According to the instructions on the B&W website, if I wanted to enjoy the full benefits of 24bit flac files, I would need something like a Squeezebox connected to an outboard dac to play these files through my hi-fi. Is there a big difference in sound quality between 16bit and 24bit?
I can tell the difference mostly because the highs are smoother and more extended (comparing the same track in 16-bit and in 24-bit). There is less "digital glare" and everything sounds a tad silkier. In some cases, there seems to be more air around instruments. All these make the music seem to flow a bit better.
Everytime I notice these improvements, it makes me feel bad about the market failure of SACD and DVD-A. However, very good 16-bit recordings are still awesome. I've heard many good 16-bit recordings that sound way better than run off the mill 24-bit recordings. A recording being 24-bit does not automatically make it better, the same way good tires do not automatically result in a good car.
I can tell the difference mostly because the highs are smoother and more extended (comparing the same track in 16-bit and in 24-bit). There is less "digital glare" and everything sounds a tad silkier. In some cases, there seems to be more air around instruments. All these make the music seem to flow a bit better.
Everytime I notice these improvements, it makes me feel bad about the market failure of SACD and DVD-A. However, very good 16-bit recordings are still awesome. I've heard many good 16-bit recordings that sound way better than run off the mill 24-bit recordings. A recording being 24-bit does not automatically make it better, the same way good tires do not automatically result in a good car.
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