The next step in computer audio

[richidoo]

Is it worth it? Can normal hifi gear reveal the benefit of 192kHz over 96kHz?

[mdconnelly]

All my hi-res listening is done via my Squeezebox Touch which can only handle up to 96kHz.  Personally, I think it would take some awesome electronics and very good ears to hear the difference between 192 and 96.  I seem to recall that  the biggest improvement comes from increasing the bit depth to 24bits.

[hometheaterdoc]

Is it worth it? Can normal hifi gear reveal the benefit of 192kHz over 96kHz?

I've only done a couple "tests" of this.... I can tell a difference...  very subtle though... there are a couple sites that offer the same track in various resolutions.  I've also downrez'ed 192 files by forcing the bit rate on the DAC to be 96, etc. and definitely noticed a difference there...  on mid-fi gear would it be noticable??  not sure....

[richidoo]

Interesting, thanks guys. I would think the tweeter type would influence how audible the improvements in HF waveform shape are.

[_Scotty_]

Rich,you opened a can of worms with this one. I think the tweeter type,crossover design and components in the crossover would be factors. The associated cabling and the the electronics in the signal chain would also contribute to audibility of the sample rate difference.
Scotty

[richidoo]

Yes... I like worms...   But we all agree that  hearing all 192 of those kilo Hertz is not guaranteed. I think a pretty serious system is necessary deliver the value and justify the price and storage premiums.

What is the storage rate for uncompressed 24/192 stereo?
http://www.theaudioarchive.com/TAA_Resources_File_Size.htm
67.5MB per minute! 24/96 is 33.8MB per minute, and redbook is about 10.3MB.

[jimbones]

I was able to hear an improvement at my local hifi shop but I must say it was not a big difference. Some of the music recorded in 192 is only available in 192 and are incredible recordings. So i am wondering if it worthwhile to purchase these files solely because they did a splendid job of recording them (2L has some real good ones)