Mark Waldrep aka Dr. Aix is going to run a “Hi-Res Music Challenge”. He previously ran a limited challenge which asked users to compare samples with some interesting results.
He has now “been granted a sabbatical for the fall semester from CSU Dominguez Hills to conduct a research project into the audibility of high-resolution music” and will be running a more comprehensive challenge.
There is more info at http://secure.campaigner DOT com/csb/Public/show/566i-11m9tb–kkc9f-5bleb290
I think members of the Community (with their excellent equipment) will be able to contribute to and benefit from this task and would encourage them to participate when it starts.
I subscribe to his occasional newsletter and will post a link.
(I am not connected in anyway other than as a subscriber).
Which format is best for your DAC?
Every DAC has it’s own character, some sounds better using PCM files and some sounds better using DSD files… Some people find the convenience of FLAC files more important.
Here on this page is a list containing 2 minutes of a song in 11 different formats.
The song is called ‘A Fool For You’ and is performed by Carmen Gomes Inc.
It’s taken from the album ‘Carmen Sings The Blues’.
[carmen-gomes-sings-the-blues ]([http://soundliaison.com/studio-showcase-series/276-carmen-gomes-sings-the-blues ])
All the different formats have the same source file, DXD 352kHz (Studio Master).
We used the AUL ConverteR 48x44 for the conversion to DSD and Wavelab for the conversion to the other PCM formats and FLAC.
When you compare different sample rates always start with the lowest resolution.
During listening don’t focus too much, hearing is as individual as taste but hearing is also something which can be acquired, like the taste of good wine.
Peet,
I think you are missing the point.
The challenge is “to test whether music consumers can reliably identify a Hi-Res Music selection” in the first place not which hi-res format you like.
(PS Have downloaded and I will be giving these samples a whirl - thanks)
I have downloaded these files from Sound Liaison, and I have to admit that I am finding it quite difficult to hear a significant difference of any sort between them on first brief listen.
I’ll have another go later on when I have more time.
