In 2009 Newform Research of Midland Canada did a reaserch on sound quality between different mediums. They used mathematical calculations based on "dynamic range", "frequency response", "sampling rates" and "bit equivalents". Here are their results:
1. DVD-Audio 46.1 points
2. SACD 35 points
3. Reel-to-reel tape 11.7 points
4. CD 7.1 points
5. Vinyl LP 6.3 points
6. Cassette 3.5 points
7. MP3 3.2 points
8. 8-track cassette 1.2 points
9. Shellac 0.9 points
10. Wax cylinder 0.3 points
Very surprising how low the vinyl scores. So, where are we now? CDs are dying/fading away (deluxe editions still going strong), SACD and DVD-Audio have never taken off commercially, vinyl is increasing in sales and now we have Hi-rez downloads.
What does the future hold for us? Are we stuck with the old vinyl format, or is it just a fad for hipsters and old geezers that will go away. Or is Hi-rez download/streaming the future of good sound quality?
1. DVD-Audio 46.1 points
2. SACD 35 points
3. Reel-to-reel tape 11.7 points
4. CD 7.1 points
5. Vinyl LP 6.3 points
6. Cassette 3.5 points
7. MP3 3.2 points
8. 8-track cassette 1.2 points
9. Shellac 0.9 points
10. Wax cylinder 0.3 points
Very surprising how low the vinyl scores. So, where are we now? CDs are dying/fading away (deluxe editions still going strong), SACD and DVD-Audio have never taken off commercially, vinyl is increasing in sales and now we have Hi-rez downloads.
What does the future hold for us? Are we stuck with the old vinyl format, or is it just a fad for hipsters and old geezers that will go away. Or is Hi-rez download/streaming the future of good sound quality?