Quick thoughts on first Hi-Res audio listening

Everything Else
1

I have finally gotten my new system setup, a Stellar GCD, a pair of M700s, and Maggie 1.7i. In my hope that this is a sufficiently resolving system, I have given Hi-Res audio a listen, which was streamed from Tidal via Roon to my Chromecast Audio. (Why won’t Tidal just allow casting of Hi-Res directly from the app?)

From a cursory listening of various high res albums, limited to 24/96, a few descriptors of the sound that come to mind are “thick” and “buttery”. At least that’s how it strikes me, and I love it. Does that make any sense to anyone?

I’ll of course keep listening carefully, but these are just my first thoughts.

What have I gotten myself into?

2

I’d say more ambience and more refined (easiest to hear on top end), better decay, less harsh on micro level.

3

Sacd sounds really good on my DMP but I prefer redbook. With cd playback…the recording venue has a lot more air and ambience whereas sacd seems to suck the life out of a recording. For me,the DMP with redbook makes sacd moot. As always…ymmv

4

For me, hi-res PCM seems slightly ‘edgier’ than RBCD. It suits some recordings better than others. On balance I prefer it but it has not been a life-transforming experience.

5

Hopefully you’ve gotten yourself into a world of a lot of good music. Enjoy!

6

Using Qobuz on OSX, as I presume Paul will do using his Mac mini, you can switch bitrate mid track. Doing that at the moment on Jakob Br / Red Hook, indeed it is not life changing.

7

I think such comparisons should be done with exceptional recordings with i.e. lots of ambience and refined cymbal sound.

8

Beware… Don’t become a victim of emotional projection… Just because it is HiRez does not at all mean it is better.

Peace
Bruce in Philly