When hi-res audio stops making sense…

[CN211276]

Dynamic compression is applicable for radio transmission and non-audiophile domestic audio playback devices which are, let's be honest, what the majority of people have. A compressed recording on a tinny radio speaker will sound 'fuller'. Compressed recordings are meant for the masses who do not bother to appreciate the subtle nuances in the way an audiophile will.

A similar trick was pulled off by MQA who took a lower-than-CD resolution signal and 'fixed' it to sound hi-res.

Unfortunately this means that those looking for albums with a 'proper' dynamic range have to search for specific releases. I am sensitive to digital compression codecs and find so-called Lossless formats such as FLAC and ALAC miss detail and space, sounding slightly artificial and flat - but that's me.

Compression is for the masses - and that is where the money is.

[CN211276]

Dynamic compression is applicable for radio transmission and non-audiophile domestic audio playback devices which are, let's be honest, what the majority of people have. A compressed recording on a tinny radio speaker will sound 'fuller'. Compressed recordings are meant for the masses who do not bother to appreciate the subtle nuances in the way an audiophile will.

A similar trick was pulled off by MQA who took a lower-than-CD resolution signal and 'fixed' it to sound hi-res.

Unfortunately this means that those looking for albums with a 'proper' dynamic range have to search for specific releases. I am sensitive to digital compression codecs and find so-called Lossless formats such as FLAC and ALAC miss detail and space, sounding slightly artificial and flat - but that's me.

Compression is for the masses - and that is where the money is.

+1
And compression compensates for background noise in cars and in public where so much listening takes place. It is easy to forget that we are very much in a minority. Worthy of a thread on its own.

[Lindsayt]

Dynamic compression is applicable for radio transmission and non-audiophile domestic audio playback devices which are, let's be honest, what the majority of people have. A compressed recording on a tinny radio speaker will sound 'fuller'. Compressed recordings are meant for the masses who do not bother to appreciate the subtle nuances in the way an audiophile will.

A similar trick was pulled off by MQA who took a lower-than-CD resolution signal and 'fixed' it to sound hi-res.

Unfortunately this means that those looking for albums with a 'proper' dynamic range have to search for specific releases. I am sensitive to digital compression codecs and find so-called Lossless formats such as FLAC and ALAC miss detail and space, sounding slightly artificial and flat - but that's me.

Compression is for the masses - and that is where the money is.

Frozen food is for the masses who do not bother to appreciate the subtle nuances of fresh food in the way that gourmet diners will.

Frozen food is for the masses and that is where the money is.

[Fretless]

... and the trouble is - they are happy with it !!!

There are a vast number of people who like a nice tune on the radio or crappy air-pods.
A percentage of those would call themselves 'Music-lovers' and the music is important to them,
with a small percentage of that group being the Audiophiles - to whom the quality of sound is important.

Audiophiles, like gourmets, demand the best and are disappointed when they don't get it.

Anyone for some Fish & Chips ?

[slinger]

Addendum: the streaming-age doesn't help matters as you don't even have to go out to a store to buy a album or single anymore.
There is no effort involved in 'liking' music - everything is available (virtually) free online.

Music has become a disposable commodity which doesn't pay its way.
Creative artists are not making music because it generates no livelihood - except to mass-audience performers.

They used to say 'Home-taping is killing music!'
It didn't - but streaming is.

[slinger]

Addendum: the streaming-age doesn't help matters as you don't even have to go out to a store to buy a album or single anymore.
There is no effort involved in 'liking' music - everything is available (virtually) free online.

Music has become a disposable commodity which doesn't pay its way.
Creative artists are not making music because it generates no livelihood - except to mass-audience performers.

They used to say 'Home-taping is killing music!'
It didn't - but streaming is.

THIS!

The way of the world: The rich get richer, the poor have very little chance of improving their lot.

Also... The only saving grace is that technology has also made it easier, and less cost-intensive, to record one's own music to a professional standard.

Please note, I said "possible". It also makes it easier for the talentless to flood the market with dross and static, obscuring, perhaps, the real, new, creative talent.

In that case, you have to believe that there is great, new, unheard music out there. The problem is, how does one find the diamonds on the sandy beach?

[CN211276]

In that case, you have to believe that there is great, new, unheard music out there. The problem is, how does one find the diamonds on the sandy beach?

Very true. I have found the Internet and advice from friends with similar tastes invaluable.

A big plus point about streaming is that bands have to be able to play live to make money, as it was when rock n roll started.

[George Hincapie]

THIS!

The way of the world: The rich get richer, the poor have very little chance of improving their lot.

Also... The only saving grace is that technology has also made it easier, and less cost-intensive, to record one's own music to a professional standard.

Please note, I said "possible". It also makes it easier for the talentless to flood the market with dross and static, obscuring, perhaps, the real, new, creative talent.

In that case, you have to believe that there is great, new, unheard music out there. The problem is, how does one find the diamonds on the sandy beach?

By exploiting social media. Many new 'stars' have been found via Instagram and YouTube.

[slinger]

Follow-up article from John Darko:

https://darko.audio/2023/08/when-hi-res ... follow-up/

[Lindsayt]

The "artists wanting it louder" is so daft. Because of volume controls.

Anyone can turn the DR14 version up so it's a little bit louder than the DR9 version.

The whole music biz industry is using the 11 logic from Spinal Tap.