Introduction
Audio is getting an upgrade. After the convenient but bleary MP3 era, hi-fi has seemingly found its mojo once again, offering better than ever resolution and higher quality streaming options.
High-resolution audio, isn't actually new. Audiophiles have been experimenting with high-resolution music files for years, pimping their laptops and extolling the virtues of Wasapi and ASIO.
Thankfully today's higher resolution music is a mainstream proposition, far removed from such PC chicanery.
Sony has been an early evangelist, launching a range of hardware under its High-Res Audio logo. Much of it has been quite high-end, such as its £2,000 HAP-Z1ES hard drive player and matching TA-A1ES integrated stereo amp.
The tech has also reinvigorated Sony's Android-powered Walkman music players, and has trickled into the Xperia smartphone line. Other brands have been quick to claim similar high-end audio ground.
Bandwidth is booming
With fast 4G and unlimited data plans, streaming higher quality music services and enjoying high-resolution music on the move is eminently more practical.
But what is high-res audio and why should you care? It's certainly not a standardised file format, codec or wrapper; high-res audio is simply an umbrella term for any audio that's better than 16bit/44.1kHz CD, typically 24-bit 96/192kHz. The bit depth effectively relates to the resolution of the music, while the sampling frequency is indicative of the accuracy of the digital-to-analogue process.
Debate continues to rage in some corners of the internet as to whether 24-bit audio genuinely sounds better than 16-bit, however why this should make anyone's blood boil is a mystery. If you can't hear a difference, keep your money in your pocket and move along. (For the record, 24-bit 192kHz FLAC clearly sounds better than CD if your equipment chain is up to it.)
It's important to note that there are qualitative differences between high-resolution file downloads and the growing number of higher-spec streaming audio services; the former sound significantly better than the latter.
Downloading FLAC
When it comes to file downloads, 24-bit audio can manifest itself in various forms. Studio master recordings encoded in FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) or ALAC (Apple Lossless Audio Codec) offer greater detail and clarity than low bit rate MP3 and AAC, and occupy around half the space of a WAV file. They also have superior metadata support. Device compatibility is high.
The other high-res audio file option is DSD (Direct-Stream Digital). Originally developed for Super Audio CD, DSD 2.8MHz is growing in popularity with audiophiles. Also known as DSD 64, the standard uses a 1-bit/64 times over-sampling process able to achieve 120dB within the 20Hz - 20kHz band.
Device compatibility is somewhat more limited and file sizes are substantial, which makes a DSD library a challenge to store and transport. Perhaps it's just as well that legitimate sources of DSD files are few and far between.
While streaming services are similarly upping their sonic game, none offer the clarity of 24-bit and the potential sonic benefits are more debatable.
No streaming service offers greater than 16-bit resolution, for compatibility reasons. Instead differences manifest themselves in the bitrates used by the various streaming services. iTunes streams at 256kbps, while Spotify offers 320kbps. By way of comparison, newcomer Tidal positively gushes at 1411kbps.
The real value of hi-res audio downloads for mobile use may well be dictated by your listening habits and not your hardware. If you use bog-standard earbuds you won't benefit from the extended frequency range available on hi-res files and if you typically stream music from your mobile to a speaker over Bluetooth, then you'll be limited by the Bluetooth connection itself. Even the Bluetooth aptX codec brickwalls at 352kbps and streams as 16bit/44.1 kHz.
Do you need specialist gear?
If you're primarily going to use a streaming service, then you don't need anything fancy at all. If you're listening on an iPhone 6, Samsung Galaxy family and everything in between, then you're good to go.
Mobile file playback is a different kettle of fish, as file compatibility and ecosystem come into play. The iPhone 6 isn't compatible with high-resolution audio downloads, although this seems to be a firmware related issue rather than component inadequacy. If you have a Samsung Galaxy Note 4, LG G3 or Sony Xperia Z3 you're in 24/192kHz luck.
Alternatively you might want to consider a dedicated audiophile grade player, be it a £549 Sony hi-res audio NWZ-ZX1 Walkman or something altogether more exotic, such as the £2,199 Astell & Kern AK240, a reference music player with native DSD file support.
Alternatively, you can upgrade your existing mobile device or laptop with a hi-spec DAC. The £1,400 Hugo DAC from Chord electronics integrates a high quality headphone amp and is designed for use on the move, be it the daily commute or transatlantic hop. It offers five digital inputs, supports aptX Bluetooth, has DSD file support and can be partnered with a laptop or smartphone.
So what high-res audio services are creating a buzz right now? Here are our top five picks...
Top 5 lossless music services
1. HDtracks
Web: www.HDtracks.co.uk
Prices: variable. Bulletproof Picasso by Train is £17, Led Zeppelin's debut album is £24.50
Available formats: AIFF, ALAC, FLAC and WAV
Streaming / download: Download only
One of the early pioneers of HD downloads, US-based HDtracks, is now available in the UK. The content selection is broad, thanks to major label support from Sony Music Entertainment, Warner and Universal, and covers classic releases, such and the remastered Led Zeppelin collection, as well as more contemporary pop and esoteric classical recordings.
There's also a selection of downloads in Binaural+, CEO David Chesky's 3D surround audio format. Formats include Apple friendly ALAC and AIFF (Audio Interchange File Format), as well as FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) and WAV (Waveform Audio File Format). Resolution varies depending on original source material. Michael Jackson's BAD is a 24-bit 96kHz download, while Prokofiev's Chout (also known as The Buffoon) is 24-bit 192kHz.
When you register with the service and you receive a free 96 kHz /24-bit sampler, comprising of an assortment of jazz and classical tracks. The storefront itself is pretty approachable, with genres and new releases readily accessible to browse.
The downloads themselves can seem pricey. Wilco's The Whole Love (a combination of 96/24 and 44/24 tracks) is £24.50, while the deluxe edition of Oasis' (What's the story) Morning Glory, which consists of the band's remastered first album plus a comprehensive collection of b-sides and rarities, is £28.
2. Qobuz
Website: www.Qobuz.com
Prices (streaming): 16-bit/44.1kHz streaming service £19.99 p/m subscription, 320kbps service £20.
Prices (downloads): Variable. Bulletproof Picasso by Train is £11.99, Led Zeppelin's debut album is £19.64
Available formats: FLAC
Streaming / download: both
Qobuz is both a music streaming service and download store. Originally launched in France, it's now available in the UK, offering high-res Audio music streams in 16-bit/44.1kHz FLAC. The Qobuz hi-res subscription will set you back £19.99 per month, alternatively you could opt for a £9.99 320kbps service, although here it really fails to match the breadth of Spotify.
There are Qobuz apps for iOS and Android devices. The player is also embedded in Sonos, Samsung and Astell & Kern hardware. Overall audio quality is excellent.
Artist depth is also good, although a fair number of store downloads are only available in 16-bit resolution. Those downloads labeled as Studio Master releases are available in 24-bit 44.1, 48, 176.4 and 192Khz, depending on available assets.
Prices are on the right side of acceptable, but there are some real bargains to be had here. Big City Plans, by pop punks Guerilla Monsoon, is a mere £5.99 for a 24/96 FLAC download. American Idiot, by Green Day, is £14.69. While there are no samples to download, you can sign up for a free 15-day trial of the FLAC streaming service.
3. Linn Records
Website: www.linnrecords.com
Prices: Studio Master 24-bit album downloads, such as Clair Martin's Time & Space, are typically £18
Available formats: ALAC, FLAC
Streaming / download: Download
Linn Records is arguably the original Pioneer of high-res audio downloads. Part of the larger, high-end hi-fi Linn clan, the brand offers 24-bit Studio Masters downloads up to 192kHz. The label once offered a wide range of mainstream artists and albums in native 24-bit, but has now severed ties to charting studios and instead offers own label recordings.
While you may struggle to find artists you know, you can be sure the quality is immaculate. The library is a particularly good place to sniff around for jazz and classics, but you won't find too much with a hard edge.
It's worth looking out for the many and varied free download promotions that come along though, as these are a handy way of unearthing new talent. File downloads can be had as either as FLAC or ALAC. Prices vary from £18 for a new album to compilations for £7.50. The store itself is easy to navigate and the dedicated Download Manager works flawlessly.
4. Tidal
Website: www.tidalhifi.com
Prices: £19.99 p/m subscription
Available formats: 16-bit/44.1kHz FLAC
Streaming / download: Streaming with offline download functionality
The newest high quality music streaming service to launch is Tidal. What makes the service significant is that it's partnered with 16 audio hardware brands to ensure its platform is as accessible as possible from the get go. These include Sonos, HEOS by Denon, Bluesound, NAD and Meridian. With a launch catalogue of 25 million-plus tracks, Tidal clearly intends to make a big splash.
The service streams at 1411kbps, four times that of 320kbps rivals, and sounds terrific. If you need to reduce this to accommodate a more limited data service, it can be toggled to AAC at 320kbps or AAC+ at 96kbps, but the quality drop is significant. TIDAL also allows offline listening of albums or playlists on mobile devices – just look for the offline switch on any album or playlist page to store this content on your device.
The service offers a good deal of curation, with generic playlists and recommendations. It's also very slick to use. Tidal has a simple graphical way of creating playlists, just star the track you like, with drag and drop editing, to add tracks or change the order of your queue. There's also an extensive genre collection, and broad label support. The monthly subscription is £19.99. Apps are available for iOS and Android devices.
5. Bowers and Wilkins Society of Sound
Website: http://ift.tt/19wbW4q
Prices: Annual membership £33.95, which entitles subscribers to two albums a month. Individual 24-bit album downloads are typically £15
Available formats: ALAC and FLAC
Streaming /download: Download
This subscription service from the renowned loudspeaker company is left field but interesting. With a library curated by Peter Gabriel's Real World Studios and the London Symphony Orchestra you're certainly not going to find Mike Read's Ukip Calypso here, but there are classics aplenty. Each month, two albums are added and two removed.
Annual subscriptions cost £33.95. B&W also operates a download store, which isn't related to the members club. The choice here is limited, but prices are keen. Current offers include the Maria Callas catalogue remastered in 24/96 FLAC (£15.99) or Apple Lossless (£13.99), or Mike Oldfield's Tubular Bells in Studio Quality FLAC (£20 for both stereo and 5.1 FLAC mixes as well as a CD grade copy).
What else is available?
Neil Young's Pono hi-res music project has become synonymous with HRA since it was first mooted over three years ago. Quite how it will pan out remains to be seen (or rather heard), but at the very least the musician has become a highly creditable poster boy for 24-bit audio. Major label support is said to be coming from Warner, Sony and Universal. Releases will be in FLAC format.
Acoustic Sounds Super Hirez offers music downloads in a variety of 24-bit FLAC iterations from the Warner catalogue, as well as rare as hens teeth DSD downloads. The latter includes back catalogue gems as Michael Jackson's BAD, Beck's Mutation and Boston's More Than a Feeling, all created from the original Sony Super Audio CD cutting masters. Unfortunately, they're only available to residents of the USA and Canada (or those hiding behind a VPN).
Pro Studio Masters is another US-based hi-res audio store, which has a number of albums available in a variety of file formats, from PCM, AIFF, FLAC and DSD. The album choice is a little limited, although there are some intriguing back catalogue items, such as Sinatra and Swinging Brass, in 24-bit 192kHz.
Often vintage recordings sound more immersive than those from recent decades where the CD and or radio play seemed the main mixing criteria. If your tastes are more eclectic, then Blue Coast records is renowned for its own label recordings, which predominantly cover acoustic and folk. The good news is that there's a selection for trial downloads and the quality is superb.
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