Which gives better audio 24/192 FLAC or DSD 5.6

[cookiemonsteruk]

I have read so many opinions on this one so its probably a matter of personal preference but which has the better audio quality especially relating to classical music. Thanks

 

[Dave_]

The only way to know for sure is to blind test it for yourself,.

But given most people can't even distinguish between lossy and losslessly encoded tracks under blind conditions, the chances of being able to perceive a difference between "hi res" formats is going to be remote to non-existant...

 

[Al ears]

I would agree to a point. I have a couple of piano pieces recorded in six format levels including DSD and, although technically DSD should be better and is the standard format for many producers it is pretty much indistinguishable aurally over and above any hi res FLAC formats.
Perhaps if I had a super expensive DAC I might state otherwise but I doubt it.
Try downloading a series of free test recordings from Blue Coast Music and see for yourself.

 

[GroeneLeeuw]

The better recorded music will give you the best sound.
The technology itself will not make the difference, only the way the technology is used.

 

[GSV Ethics Gradient]

The better recorded music will give you the best sound.

The issue here is whether it's actually audible - you could argue that a recording capturing everything up to 100kHz would be 'better', but no-one's going to know the difference. I'd be highly sceptical myself.

 

[twinkletoes]

I have read so many opinions on this one so its probably a matter of personal preference but which has the better audio quality especially relating to classical music. Thanks

The Vinyl version sounds the best 😉


No in all seriousness if you want to play about do so, its not as if you'll be throwing thousands down the drain to buy media.

I personally struggle to hear any differences between formats let along 192 and DSD, but look, this is part of the fun of the hobby, try it out and see what you think!

 

[daytona600]

Recording / Mastering more important than PCM or DSD or Format
Superb 16/44 CD mastered by bernie grundman will sound better than 24/192 FLAC or DSD 5.6
Best classical sound 1950/1960 LP from Decca , Coulmbia Argo or Everest recorded to 35mm film

 

[Friesiansam]

Which gives better audio 24/192 FLAC or DSD 5.6

There may be a measurable difference but, actually audible? I think highly unlikely.

 

[Gray]

There may be a measurable difference but, actually audible? I think highly unlikely.

Anyone that says there's an audible difference, do a blind test, that all I'd say.

(I've done inconclusive blind tests on cartridges and phono stages where differences were bound to be obvious....you'd think).

 

[Al ears]

Anyone that says there's an audible difference, do a blind test, that all I'd say.

(I've done inconclusive blind tests on cartridges and phono stages where differences were bound to be obvious....you'd think).

You don't need a blind test on this occasion really.
As I suggested certain sites have free downloads available at differing samples rates of the same piece, simply listing to each will determine whether or not you as an individual can discern any difference.
You just have to be honest with yourself, try the lowest resolution first then the highest. Any difference??

 

[RJW232]

Most advantages can be made in de recording stage. A good recording sounds already better on Spotify than an average recording at 24/192. Unfortunately there are not so many good recordings. Which is a pity because modern recording equipment is better than ever before. But also cheaper so I guess a lot of people think they can be an audio engineer while they lack the skills and ears.

 

[Gray]

You don't need a blind test on this occasion really.

A certain type of person will always be influenced by knowing what it is they're listening to.

 

[Al ears]

A certain type of person will always be influenced by knowing what it is they're listening to.

True, I was hoping some would actually be realistic.... 😎

 

[nopiano]

I don’t believe I’ve ever listened to DSD unless that what I obtain from a SACD. I agree with the observation above that mastering is far and away the more relevant factor than the recording technology.

This was a ‘go to’ source for all manner of high resolution recordings, I believe. Not sure it it might help?

The Nordic Sound - 2L audiophile reference recordings

From combined musical and audiophile criteria we compiled a collection of essential recordings from 2L as of 2009. Most tracks originate from DXD (352.8kHz/24bit), presented now in 192kHz on the Blu-ray and DSD on the SACD. This two-disc set contains both a Pure Audio Blu-ray and a hybrid SACD...

shop.2l.no

 

[Al ears]

I don’t believe I’ve ever listened to DSD unless that what I obtain from a SACD. I agree with the observation above that mastering is far and away the more relevant factor than the recording technology.

This was a ‘go to’ source for all manner of high resolution recordings, I believe. Not sure it it might help?

The Nordic Sound - 2L audiophile reference recordings

From combined musical and audiophile criteria we compiled a collection of essential recordings from 2L as of 2009. Most tracks originate from DXD (352.8kHz/24bit), presented now in 192kHz on the Blu-ray and DSD on the SACD. This two-disc set contains both a Pure Audio Blu-ray and a hybrid SACD...

shop.2l.no

That certainly is another go to site .