The HD-Audio Challenge II

[Snoopy8]

There did not seem to be much interest in this one, only three of us by the look of it, but maybe some other forums members had a go?  (and if you didn't try the test, the original test files are still available for download - something to try whilst stuck at home?)

Anyway, the initial results have been released.  As a brief summary, typically those that tried the test found little or no difference between the native 24/96 versions and the down sampled 16/44.1 versions.

I tried and failed to tell the difference, getting 9 out of 20! Not unexpected from previous comparisons, but this was useful because I thought I had better system now and with more experience. WRONG!  I was no better than picking randomly.

For me, I found performing the test both interesting and enlightening, and the initial results are an interesting read too.  I have always been of the view that the quality of the mastering massively trumps the actual file delivery format, and my experience from this test tells me that anything above 16/44.1 is bordering on being irrelevant.  Controversial I know! 

I agree that better mastering trumps higher bit rate, bit depth. The problem is that often the better master is only available on hi res only and/or in SACDs. And not all new masters are better.