What is Hi-Res Audio?
Hi-Res Audio, a term often used while marketing audio equipment, was defined a decade ago. It has gained popularity in affordable audio hardware due to technological advancements, and support from music streaming services like Apple Music. As per the standard ratification in 2014, Hi-Res Audio is "lossless audio that is capable of reproducing the full range of sound from recordings that have been mastered from better than CD quality sources."
Decoding Hi-Res Audio
Hi-Res Audio is not a single format but a benchmark that audio must meet to be considered high-resolution. For a device to be branded as Hi-Res, it must handle bit depths greater than 16-bit and sampling frequencies beyond 44.1kHz, the baseline for CD audio. However, there's no upper limit on how far above these marks a device can reach, prompting consumers to verify their hardware capabilities beyond just the Hi-Res label.
File sizes and data transfer
High-resolution files typically use 24-bits per sample, allowing each point on their waveforms to have one of 24 distinct amplitudes. The sample rate, or the number of individual samples they contain every second, can range between 48kHz and 192kHz. Higher numbers signify better quality but also result in larger file sizes and necessitate higher data transfer speeds due to increased information density.
The impact of Hi-Res Audio
While Hi-Res Audio is not a prerequisite for music enjoyment, it provides superior sound quality for those seeking an elevated listening experience. As this technology becomes more accessible and supported by music streaming services, understanding what the Hi-Res label signifies is crucial when considering your next audio device purchase.
