As I know from school , Human ear can hear only 20hz to 20000hz sounds , if this is right then headphone and amp responds to 40khz , 50khz how will help ?
I haven't tried them but, yes, they are high-res. Amplifiers get the best out of headphones and earphones but they are less necessary with IEMs, they should have enough power...
Thanks for sharing this information. As you correctly mentioned, the big companies branding their Bluetooth headphones as Hi-Res, are just fooling around. I would recommend this video to all those planning to buy so called Hi-Res headphones.
Bottom-line, you need a high-res chain - Good source recording (ADC/mastering) - Good source container /file (DSD/WAV/CD/Transport) - Good DAC (Dragonfly, musical fidelity) - Good amplifier - good cable/pathway to output - Good speakers/headset paired properly with DAC/Amplifier.
I have to say vey good explained. Thank you fot that. I went to a high end audio store with very good and unfortunately expensive gear to gave this a test and afterwards a blindfold test in comparison with a normal cd an LP. To my ears the difference is there but Sometimes i don't hear it because in the blindfolded test I failed 4 times out of 10. I'm an audiofile, 52 years old, and my ears are not the same as they use to be. Little nuances in some instruments are more detailed. Where this shines is in Jazz, classical especially new recordings. In mainstream music where the mastering trend is making everything as loud as possible and put a brick limiter at the end, i hear no difference. I'm a dedicated vinyl lover and the warmth and overall sound is still the best for my ears. Everybody has to decide for themselves what sounds the best.
Simple, just look for recent releases, like starting from 2005. You must focus on jazz and classical music. Famous Pop, rock music are only high resolution transfers from the tapes or upsampling of the original digital files. For example it's useless to look for a high res version of Brother in Arms because it's a 16bit 48khz recording. Indie pop rock music can be high res. It's easier to look for specific labels, which usually do high quality recordings. For example the SACD of Chesky records are true high resolution albums and they do all genres...
Have you heard of LDAC before? This is a Bluetooth codec created by Sony to carry "Hi-Res" audio via Bluetooth with efficient compression (at a ratio of 1:4) and it can reach bitrates up to 990 kbps, which is nearly 1/4 the bitrate of a true Hi-Res audio file. And Bluetooth headphones does not audibly sound bad since it utilizes ADPCM (the standard algorithm for LDAC/aptX) to compress the audio signal without any audible loss of any audio information in a relatively reduced stream, *without any psycho-acoustic models applied* , allowing the codec to sound transparent to the audio source. The downsides of LDAC is when a 24 bit Hi Res file is transcoded into ADPCM for playback on BT devices, the codec will reduce the original bit depth from 24 bits to 19-20 bits. And when it gets decoded by the receiver (BT headphones, speakers, etc) on the other end it tries to decode the 19-20 bits audio signal as the "original 24-bit resolution", but quantization errors might occur due to loss of bits during compression, and it can be heard on regular aptX as background noise. However on aptX HD and LDAC the quantization errors are below the threshold of hearing, making the compression artifacts inaudible due to the utilization of lower compression.
You explained things well and earned a subscriber. Today I received my eBay purchase: a secondhand pair of Sony MDR-10RC headphones. My first step into the world of Hi Resolution music enjoyment (I hope).
Thank you for the info I never would have thought you should look for the higher frequency for knowing if it is hi res. I always thought it should be the lower frequency.
Great and very clear explanation, also for people who are not high resolution experts. Thanks! I just ordered the Cowon Plenue D2 player. I am very curious how it will sound with my Sony 1000-XM3 headphones, although I think it will not be able to use the 2.5mm balanced output of the D2 (if at all necessary?).
The Plenue D2 is great wee player, I use mine with Sennheiser momentum's and the sound quality is fantastic, also the player has some very nice presets to enhance bass, treble etc. I don't mean punchy in your face stuff but subtle clever boosting technology.
Great video... very informative... I am new to your channel... I have one question/point. Why do you think other reviewers hate the M50x? You said in your video they are really great. This is an honest question.
The Audio-Technica ATH-AR5BTBK are Bluetooth but they say that they are also Hi-Res (according to the spec sheet). Does this mean it is likely meant that when I used them with a wired jack and DAC/Amp, I would be able to use their Hi-Res capabilities?
Hi there, I am sorry, I think I missed your question. What Ray says is true. True high res is usually obtained via cable but bluetooth is getting better each year and in some cases it can reach that resolution...in numbers, in facts, it will always be compressed in order to send out all that data plus, as I mentioned, the distance between the headphones and the player damages proportionally the signal...cables are always going to be the best choice. Bluetooth could get close or even match but never be better than cables...
It's true I have a ATH-M50x, Amplifier of 5 80kHz response, and vinyl first pressing records. The digital compresion in bluetooh even with cd to wav is poor and in the majority of cases don't benfit for that.. Thanks for your videos . They 've very instructive topics.
Don’t forget about input impedance. A great headphone such as my $300 Bowers and Wilkins P7 is low impedance so can be driven easily and loudly by your smart phone and ipad. They don’t need an amplifier at all like 300 ohm headphones and sound amazing.
Why do you need hi resolution at all? I have recently tested my hearing and I am not able to hear sounds above the 18kHz mark. Why bother with equipment reaching as much as fifty kilohertz? Just wondering, but I smell the scent of audiophile mumbo-jumbo.
th-cam.com/video/YgEjI5PZa78/w-d-xo.html more scientific th-cam.com/video/IiZqYnd5g8M/w-d-xo.html i have tested my hearing as well and at a NORMAL volume, I can only hear to 14.5khz and I am 28 years old. you can hear those higher frequencies but you have to raise the volume up. the frequency response graphs usually draws a line at 3db then usually, the graph drops at 18khz. To see the part of the graph that dropped to "zero" you will have to raise the volume which raises the volume across all frequencies and that means hurting your ears just to hear above 20khz. By the way, I only listen to music at 1 or 2% volume on my player. 10db is the sound of breathing 20db would be a whisper and that's usually how I listen to music because I listen to music all the time and I dont want to hurt my ears. There is a google app called Neutralizer that can let you know at what db you can recognize a frequency and what is your threshhold. put the 8khz at 100% volume and your ears will bleed but definitely, you can hear them. This app only goes to 16khz but you'll get the point. Anything beyond 20khz is ultrasound that only bats and dogs and dolphins can hear.
Its a difficult topic. You dont need a higher sampling rate for a more accurate output signal. BUT you get higher frequencys. It is proofen that those higher frequencys, even when you do not actively hear them, influence the sound you hear. With that you have the capability to get a more natural reproduction of things. Sure the recording must match that. A higher bit rate allows less noise and theoratically higher dynamics ( difference between loudest and quietest sound ).
@@dom3827 I'll agree with you on that. Higher frequencies, while being unaudible, affects our brain when it comes to perceiving music. Higher frequencies gives an ilusion to the listener as if we are in the same environment as the singer or musician. This ain't placebo effect or audiophoolery snake oil. There's an Caltech article online that proves that higher frequencies found in Hi-Res audio recordings (in this case, a philharmonical orchestra) can affect our ears' capability in perceiving music. And the higher the bitrate the higher the signal to noise ratio and the wider the dynamic range is going to be. This is why MP3 is so noisy at low bitrates and that is due to the loss of dynamic range as a result of lossy compression.
Based on my experience, the freg. range of a headphone is never congruent with its audio quality. My Srax setup always (so far) outperforms any dynamic headphones I test it against no matter what each phones’ freq ranges are. It is the driver and amplification that matter. CD freq range is good enough. But most headphones are not.
That is so so true Bluetooth ads EXTRA cost as well It is used for a selling point for todays venerable customer . I use headphones for meditation a lot , apart from that I use them for a sound microscope .ad DJ mixing . Bluetooth just ads more radio activity in the room you are in , as well as Wi Fi , its every ware .
Sony - the masters of mumbo jumbo launched this totally nonsense to the market. FLAC (CD quality) is perfect and there is nothing to improve for the human ear in stereo. If you think hi-res sounds different and better it's because it's sampled or even recorded different, but you would hear exactly the same if presented in FLAC
LDAC is a bluetooth audio codec, while FLAC is a lossless audio format. LDAC is capable of transfering audio up to 990kb/s, while usual bluetooth codecs are limited to 328kb/s. I have the Sony WH-1000XM3 headphones and I can promise you that LDAC sounds much more clear than other codecs, if you ofcourse play hi-res FLAC audio through it.
The gear is what makes the greatest difference not the file type. CD quality is enough for the amount of money most people are going to be spending on headphones, dacs and amps.
Welcomen then to the magical world of high resolution...digital and analog! CD is a decent quality. It has a good dinamic range, rarely used, but for the rest tape or vinyl is much better!
Well, if we are talking about the bulk of recordings of the past century, it is an objective fact that the analog media is and will always be superior, for the simple reason that the digital versions are obtained from the analog tapes and those are a sample of that signal. ;-)
@@Arado159 yes, we all know that, but I was underlining the fact that 90% of world recordings are on tape and sourced from tape. Hence, that will always be the best of the best for the past century...
Question,why do we need headphones that produce 20 kilo hertz and above when the human ear can reach 15,16 kilo hertz?And rapidly deteriorates as we age?
Hello, thanks for the great video. I have a question: I'm a student with a low budget and I want to start getting into Hi-Fi stuff. Right now I listen to CD's converted to FLAC's and I doubt I'll be listening to any higher material than CD's. What would be a good starting pair of headphones? Also I mostly listen on my phone; is getting an amp that important, and can I connect my phone to an amp? Thanks.
Hi there and welcome! Well, let me know your budget fornthe cans...no, you don't need an amp if you are on the go. Don't get me wrong, it's a good idea but after a while you would probably leave it home for convenience. If you listen at home I would then suggest an amp. Like a shiit mani, and possibly a pair of open back headphones.
@@anadialog Thanks for the info! My budget is £100 or under (UK money) purely for headphones. If they require an amp, I could get one later perhaps. I'll see what I can find!
@@anadialog hi there...thanks for your knowledge. I want to know if I need an amp with grado 80 e. Also please suggest a good hi Res headphone between ath 50x and ath msr7
Hi! A good quality amp will always get the best out of a headphone, especially if they are powerhungry. All gear that have a headphone socket have an amp behind it. The point is, how good is it? And the converter (if we are talking digital music)? Same issue. In any case, a good middle ground there could be a pair of used HiFiMan 400 (planar open back), used Meze 99 classics, or, on a lower budget a good AKG...maybe the k175 (not really high-res though)...
Good video! Subscribing right now. Just a question, I’m about to buy the Sony 1000xm4. In Sony’s page they claim to have a freq range of 4-40khz. Are those headphones optimal for lossless Apple Music? Thanks in advance
Thanks for the informative video, i am looking to get some high resolution high quality headphones, but 90 percent of videos are pushing some product i appreciate the info.
Thanks Carlos! For my experience, if you are listening at home or in private environment, openback planar magnetic headphones are truly above the rest...need a good amp though...
very good pint sir! Now I will not look at the hi-res logo anymore, instead invest in amp and good quality music hehe! How about this setup? will this work fine? I'm thinking of getting them soon. (Fiio Q1ii + Sony MDR XB70 + Spotify on iphone) or shall I change the headphone? thanks a lot.
Thanks! Nice set up...but I am not a big fan of earbuds...if you are intetested in other ways of listening in the go and more info on the Fiio, check this vid: th-cam.com/video/KejALl22RU4/w-d-xo.html
In most cases I think it is, but not always, and yes, for all kinds of music. But I do want to underline how a good vinyl record or tape are much much more emotional and engaging than any high-res file. I love digital and analog and I have a lot of both...but analog just wins my heart...and my ears!
Great video! Although I’m not a headphone user, I found a very informative description about the Hi-Res chain (I also saw your video about supertweeters). Technically speaking is a very clear explanation. In particular in what concerns to Hi-Res music files now I have a clear idea about what we really get when we buy a digital reissue in 24bit/96kHz and above of the old recordings - good enough but conceptually not true Hi-Res.
Very Informative video. One question how low vs high impedance affects the sound quality? I know High impedance headphones are hard to drive and need an amplifier.
@@anadialog; HELLO Ana[Dia]Log. Should I buy the Sony WH-H800 detachable cable for 145USD here in my country Colombia? or should I take a look for a better budget hi res headphone? sorry but No much wide branchs to look for that Sony. I've also seen the ATH m40x but it goes from Frequency Response 15 - 24,000 Hz and the sony goes 5Hz - 40,000Hz (JEITA) that seems to be much better.
I wouldn't say never about Bluetooth headphones, I'm sure soon a new codec and a way to use more bandwith and power will be developed. Also, is it pointless to convert mp3 files to flac or others?
The converter in the headphones is cheap, the quality degrades with distance and to this date (2021) it still can handle full high-resolution audio, don't even think about dsd. Yes it's pointless to convert them...
Thank you very much for telling the truth about hi res I really appericate your honest answers to all my confusion in the world of hi res. Also I got a question I love bass what model and brand should I buy to get the super heavy bass headphones in the world.
Hi Aziz, thanks! Well, I am not that informed on super bass heavy headpones because I do like more neutral cans. In any case, the ultra famous Audiotechnica ATH-M50x have a very present bass. A good quality/expense ration seems that of the V-MODA M-100-U-SHADOW...
@@anadialog Cool thank you for your reply just want some inputs from you is there any such thing as 3D headphones in the market ? If yes whats your taughts on theses type of headphones are they for real or just another sales and marketing gimick ?
Again, I haven't had the pleasure of trying these ossic headphones...what I heard that the finsl result does not match a high quality traditional headphoned. If insteaf you are regerring to real 3d effect, those are dedign for sorround sound, not stereo normal sound...in noth cases I would't bother...
@ana[dia]logCool you had answered my question stright to the point and I am much more clearer now to which headphones to get, looking forward for more great videos from you bro once again thank you for your easy to understand reply on audio and stuff I really appericate it cause your answers is stright to the point to what I was looking for cheers :)
Meaning a hi resolutions headphone connected to mobile phone is useless , the mobile phone would not produces hi res sound quality. Am I right to say that ?
Modern smartphones can convert high sampling rates and bit depty (192khz/24 bit) but that doesn’t mean that it will sound good. A true quality DAC is expensive. I learned that when I finally purchased my T+A D200. Now digital makes sense.
What I don't get is whenever I look through a site like HDtracks for hi-res files, its generally only older tracks that get the 96khz or higher treatment, while new tracks get the standard 44khz . Why is this when todays recording technology can better take advantage of Hi-Res? Wouldn't Hi-Res be wasted on old recordings?
Hi mkgod, well sites like HD tracks get hold of prerecorded tapes or master tapes (which are very expensive to license) and I think also first edition vinyl pressings and easily do a conversion in Hi-Res. New music MUST be recorded in Hi-Res, otherwise it is a hoax. The reason why HDTracks is probably selling new music on 44.1Khz is probably the costs. I really hope they are not sourcing their tracks from CD's...
You have frequency range, which is what frequencies a piece of gear is cable of reproducing (not counting quality but quantity) but it isn't a good index. What is important is the frequency response, which means how the piece of gear responded when sending through it a large frequency sweep, if it is distorting or responding in a linear way, a flat response meaning very little deviation from the original signal while trying to reproduce it. Usually a normal piece of gear should at least have a linear response between 20hz and 20khz. When it reaches at least 40khz it is certified high-res.
Well, yes according to the Nyquist theory the maximum frequency is dictated by double the sampling rate. So you would need at least 22khz but now it is very easy to find high-res capable headphones even though as I said in the video very few recordings reach that.
I'm kind of lost now. You said they couldn't record in hi-Res in the 60-70-80's? It seems strange to me. But anyway can you susdgest me how can I check if the flac file that I have are actually hires or not please? Thanks
I did say that. I said that untill recently nobody was using high-resolution mics, that is a frequency response of at least 40Khz. In the past I am sure that there are a few recordings done with extended frequency response but it wasn't a standard procedure.
Hi, Really enjoyed this video, very informative. I am currently searching for a high end Gaming Headphone set with High-Res. I looked at the SteelSeries Hi-Res at 40K Hz. that has many good reviews, However I was wondering if there are any others you or members here can suggest? Thank You for your time guys...
Hi James, please don't get this wrong. I don't want to be snobby but just simply Frank. Gaming does not need high resolution. Those frequencies are never going to be present on a game (and in most of today's music). Better focus simply on a good quality cans generally speaking. I think that the good old audio technica ath-m50x or the beyerdynamic dt 770 pro would do a splendid job!
@@anadialog Thank You for your quick reply. I just finished checking out both of your suggested websites. I may just go with the Ath-M50X, they looked very well built and sure the sound would be just as amazing. No mic's on them but I'm just a casual gamer and like you enjoy my music. Thank's Again, Jim P.
First of all very good videos! I really like the stuff you're doing! :) I'd like to add some points to your Bluetooth section. Yes, currently this is not HiRes compatible, but that's not because of the wireless transport itself. The wireless transport does not affect audio quality of let's say a flac file you're streaming (wich would actually be possible) at all. All codecs they use today unfortunately do affect audio quality very badly, because of the very small bandwidth and all compression that is needed as a result of that. And of course DACs they use inside, as you already said. But if you were able to stream a lossless format due to a very high bandwidths being available over bluetooth one day, there would only be the headphones themselves lowering the audio signal reproduction.
@@anadialog well Im having hard time finding free hi res files but still I enjoy them... there is major difference beetwen any other headphones even when not listening to hi res files. Im runing them on Samsung galaxy note 8 which claims to be 32bit/384khz with dolby atmos and suprisingly it is pretty decent... music, movies, games, incredible quality with great 3D sound positioning (FPS games) and with dual microphone i can record almost 100% clear sound when played on headphones... Im satisfied with my "portable" set. I cant imagine downgrading back to 40khz.
Hey I got sony xb 900n over hear on 3 even though hear on 3 had hi res Audio. Both were priced same do u think I am going to miss out a lot just because xb 900n doesn't support hi res?
Well, if you are going to listen to high-res music, the answer is yes. All high-res music? No, especially newer recordings of classical music and jazz but not only.
Hi 👋🏾 may I ask you a simple question? I’m a musician but I’m rather new to the sound engineering world. Why do you say that’s important to choose headphones that goes at least up to 40 kHz (or even above) if we can hear sounds that go up to 20 kHz? 🤔 It might sound like a stupid question but I really don’t understand
It's a very reasonable question. Well, first of all I was saying that because high-res audio gear standard must be capable of reaching that frequency extension. Second, high frequencies beyond 20khz, as well as those below 20Hz, greatly influence the audible spectrum, enhancing it and creating new harmonics. In any case I made a video where I go more in depth and present scheintific proof: th-cam.com/video/Btn572ZIC8k/w-d-xo.html
So, I have a Hi-Res pair of headphones. However, I have a AMP/DAC, which has a sampling rate of 35-192khz, a response frequency of 20hz-20KHz and a bit rate of 16-24. Would that be good to use for those heaphones?
@@1Dub79 high resolution is digital, amp is analog. If the DAC (digital to analog converter) can handle 32bits/192khz then, yes, it is a high res DAC. That signal will be converted to analog and sent to the amplifier, which will amplify it and send it to the loudspeakers! If the headphones have a frequency response up to at least 40khz, then those are high res as well! Apart from that. The frequency response of amplifiers are usually very broad....are you sure it is only 20hz-20khz? What is the model? If the frequency response of the amp is correct, you are going to lose some higher frequencies...
@@anadialog That makes sense. I've heard similar, before. Here is the link for the device. Scroll down to see full specs! www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01MXJ83G4?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title
The funny thing is, you could actually *easily* get more than capable high resolution data rates over wi-fi these days, but still consumer grade engineering codecs and standards chop up and compress audio for the hell of it. I have no idea why the bit rates are as low as they are on Bluetooth though. I guess to save power maybe, but many of these same devices have high speed wi-fi, so yeah... The main issue with digital audio is compounded compression. You have the recording and encoding to standard, let's say CD, then the conversion to file format, then streaming or playing standards, then converting to Bluetooth and its various standards and limitations, then playing and the sound of your drivers. Any one of these could have decent throughput, but at each step you're losing another part of source clarity, so by the end you're literally at a fraction of a fraction of a fraction of a fraction of source, even if these are high fractions - unfortunately though, each one of these steps are usually straddling the minimal acceptable clarity margins, so by the end you're lucky if you still get something that sounds halfway decent. High frequencies are not the only sacrifices made here; it's across the board. The high frequencies are just not used so it's easy to see that they aren't there, and in terms of audio fidelity, easier to perceive the losses in clarity with the higher frequencies that are kept. Anecdotally, I find most sounds (let's take TH-cam for example) are pressed toward the middle ranges, muffled, chopped, and garbled to some extent. Surprisingly, they can still sometimes sound decent, but the difference is usually obvious when compared back to back to me even comparing a CD ripped to 320kbps MP3 with that same file uploaded, converted, streamed, and decoded.
Sure, but at that price you could get much more IMO. Plus noise canceling is not the best choice again IMO, you lose some detail. Beyerdynamic 990 DT, Audiotechnica M50x, Sennheiser HD599, or the Meze 99 with a little extra stretch are pretty good.
I have a pair of Grado 325e, and per your definition it is not high res as it only goes to 24000? Having several headphones, these are my favorites and they are incredibly fun. Subjectively only one better is my Audeze 4z (at a totally different price!). High-res or not, just looking at the frequency response alone cannot be the alone criteria for high-res headphones. Anyway, love your videos, keep up the good work!
It's not my definition! It's an international standard: high resolution audio equipment must be above 40Khz. Check this link: www.jas-audio.or.jp/english/hi-res-logo-en
@@anadialog Ok, you are right it is not your definition. ;) It might be an important measurement, but it is just one of several important parameters which constitutes a good headphone, or High-res headphone. I guess you alluded as much yourself in your video about the High-res logo being a marketing tool. Thanks for your reply!
I think there are fantastic headphones with 20Khz and crapy headphones that reach 80Khz...Yes, I was just reporting what the industry is classifying as high res, which does not mean high quality! Nevertheless, we must be aware that certain headphoens with a small frequency response will not reproduce the whole spectrum or most of it...
That is the frequency response of the headphones. The headphones therefore are highres but that does not mean they can handle a true high resolution wireless signal. Go with cables. That is the only way to get the whole package. For more info on high res I just released a new video: th-cam.com/video/cmbGjkuvikY/w-d-xo.html
So a pair of $70 headphone from 7kH-50kH would be a good idea for direct recording A guitar from a line 6 hx stomp or helix unit? Just wanna buy ASAP if it will help my home recording yo provide the most true signal possible
Well, frequency extention isn't everything. Perhaps, a standard 20hz-20khz headphone well built may be much better and natural than a low quality high-res on the paper headphone. In other words, it isn't automatic. Sorry to throw in more doubts but you must be careful. In your case you want a studio monitor pair of headphones so search for that type!
I don't know for sure but I doubt it. Consider that most movies do go above 48Khz, slightly above CD quality. Probably the same for high quality audio games. In any case, better headphones better results!
Hi. I ve got a question. First u need to know that i own AirPods pro and listened to the sennheiser pxc 550 quite a lot but dont own them. I was never into hifi Hardware i just love to listen to musik. I want to upgrade from my AirPods to something better sounding. Those sennheisers sounded great but i want more(better sound, more fun,...) / i dont need Bluetooth, anc,... on overears. I just want to listen to musik. How much do i have to spend for a good (better than the pxc550) pair of headphones? Do i need an amplifier? What would u recommend? Thanks!
Hey thanks for the video. I just want a good pair of headphones to listen to music at night (mostly jazz). I only have my amp headphones out. So what do i need to look for a specs ib order to choose my headphones?
Frequency response isn't everything. In any case, in order to reproduce true high-res music you will need a pair of cans that goes at least all the way up to 40Khz. But even around 30Khz IMHO you are already set. You should check for a specific type of headphones if you are interested especially in jazz. I would recommend a good planar magnetic but it needs power to run properly!
@@anadialog thank you. I don't want it to be necerarely hi res but a very good quality and i am learning step by step. I was consodering the meze 99 classics but i am not sure i havn't try it yet.
![ANA[DIA]LOG](http://yt3.ggpht.com/K0qr1ndqDdGUyxbMUYesdA0KM3wZ-_upZ4bvQR8Vi_Ie1773eXoIXY2VblfzWYRJnwxd5pVrbXw=s48-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj)
Some extra info on the High-Res standards and definition: www.jas-audio.or.jp/english/hi-res-logo-en
As I know from school , Human ear can hear only 20hz to 20000hz sounds , if this is right then headphone and amp responds to 40khz , 50khz how will help ?
It is not right. Check this video I made: th-cam.com/play/PLDKsdsTBptr477KwjoZyMlCc8Yvjplijw.html
@@anadialog what is your opinion on pioneer SE-CH3T-B, is this High res...n do I need an amplifier also
I haven't tried them but, yes, they are high-res. Amplifiers get the best out of headphones and earphones but they are less necessary with IEMs, they should have enough power...
2:32 Is that mean my anti-mosquito devices high-res?
9:35 R.I.P. Bluetooth EarBuds users :(
Thanks for sharing this information. As you correctly mentioned, the big companies branding their Bluetooth headphones as Hi-Res, are just fooling around. I would recommend this video to all those planning to buy so called Hi-Res headphones.
Thank u Sir..
Thank YOU!
Bottom-line, you need a high-res chain
- Good source recording (ADC/mastering)
- Good source container /file (DSD/WAV/CD/Transport)
- Good DAC (Dragonfly, musical fidelity)
- Good amplifier
- good cable/pathway to output
- Good speakers/headset paired properly with DAC/Amplifier.
100% Correct, I like Hi Res only because the sound of older music if done right the sound quality gets maxed out
I have to say vey good explained. Thank you fot that. I went to a high end audio store with very good and unfortunately expensive gear to gave this a test and afterwards a blindfold test in comparison with a normal cd an LP. To my ears the difference is there but Sometimes i don't hear it because in the blindfolded test I failed 4 times out of 10. I'm an audiofile, 52 years old, and my ears are not the same as they use to be. Little nuances in some instruments are more detailed. Where this shines is in Jazz, classical especially new recordings. In mainstream music where the mastering trend is making everything as loud as possible and put a brick limiter at the end, i hear no difference. I'm a dedicated vinyl lover and the warmth and overall sound is still the best for my ears. Everybody has to decide for themselves what sounds the best.
Thanks Marco and I do agree with you. Only with certain types or music/recordings/mastering the difference is truly clear!
The wireless aspect makes sense! Can’t possibly be high res!
The best message in this video is that your stereo,
music recording, source or format
is only as good as your weakest link.
I subbed, because you are the first to really make it plausible, what it is all about. Thanks 🙂😄
very good Educational video! Sometimes we see old movies that was in B&W and now they are with colorful picture) the same with lots of hi-res files!
Thank you very informative content on understanding about Hi-Res Audio
Great video!! But raises questions: which music is recorded in hi res equipment? How could we possibly know that? Name a album?
Simple, just look for recent releases, like starting from 2005. You must focus on jazz and classical music. Famous Pop, rock music are only high resolution transfers from the tapes or upsampling of the original digital files. For example it's useless to look for a high res version of Brother in Arms because it's a 16bit 48khz recording. Indie pop rock music can be high res. It's easier to look for specific labels, which usually do high quality recordings. For example the SACD of Chesky records are true high resolution albums and they do all genres...
Awesome! Thanks for all the info
Thank YOU!
Have you heard of LDAC before? This is a Bluetooth codec created by Sony to carry "Hi-Res" audio via Bluetooth with efficient compression (at a ratio of 1:4) and it can reach bitrates up to 990 kbps, which is nearly 1/4 the bitrate of a true Hi-Res audio file.
And Bluetooth headphones does not audibly sound bad since it utilizes ADPCM (the standard algorithm for LDAC/aptX) to compress the audio signal without any audible loss of any audio information in a relatively reduced stream, *without any psycho-acoustic models applied* , allowing the codec to sound transparent to the audio source.
The downsides of LDAC is when a 24 bit Hi Res file is transcoded into ADPCM for playback on BT devices, the codec will reduce the original bit depth from 24 bits to 19-20 bits. And when it gets decoded by the receiver (BT headphones, speakers, etc) on the other end it tries to decode the 19-20 bits audio signal as the "original 24-bit resolution", but quantization errors might occur due to loss of bits during compression, and it can be heard on regular aptX as background noise. However on aptX HD and LDAC the quantization errors are below the threshold of hearing, making the compression artifacts inaudible due to the utilization of lower compression.
No I haven't...but I am afraid that wireless just can't be high fidelity...but I am open to experimentation!
You should try the Sony WH- 1000x M3. They have a response of 4hz to 40khz and have ldac for hi res audio.
I would love to!
@@zahid131 I'm getting ready to sell those. I'm using the Audio Technica ATH-MSR7B now. They have a frequency response up to 50000hz.
@@anadialog try Shure Aonic 50 new headphones Bluetooth 5.0 and have codec which can play hi res music only Shure and Sony headphones can.
You explained things well and earned a subscriber. Today I received my eBay purchase: a secondhand pair of Sony MDR-10RC headphones. My first step into the world of Hi Resolution music enjoyment (I hope).
Congrats! You should check also this video where I go in depth on high-res: th-cam.com/video/cmbGjkuvikY/w-d-xo.html
Honest info that no one knows & tells. Thank you, keep up the good work👍 Subscribed😊
Perfect explanation. Everything is linked.
Amazing info! Real master class..Thanks! Greetings from Brazil!
Damn,TH-cam is filled with scams
Next will come: ultra hi-res audio ..
100khz like sony claims?
Thank you for the info I never would have thought you should look for the higher frequency for knowing if it is hi res. I always thought it should be the lower frequency.
Thanks. If you want more info, check also this vid: th-cam.com/video/cmbGjkuvikY/w-d-xo.html
Your camera quality is the bomb
Great and very clear explanation, also for people who are not high resolution experts. Thanks! I just ordered the Cowon Plenue D2 player. I am very curious how it will sound with my Sony 1000-XM3 headphones, although I think it will not be able to use the 2.5mm balanced output of the D2 (if at all necessary?).
Thanks! Balanced is mainly useful over long cables. Plus it requires a true balanced circuit that not all players have.
The Plenue D2 is great wee player, I use mine with Sennheiser momentum's and the sound quality is fantastic, also the player has some very nice presets to enhance bass, treble etc. I don't mean punchy in your face stuff but subtle clever boosting technology.
Thanks bro really appreciated....the only video in TH-cam which gave me what I wanted
I think that I'm love with your Beatles Mono Boxset, couldn't get my eyes off it.
🤣🤣🤣
Here is an entire video I did on mono th-cam.com/video/m6q2JBOiD80/w-d-xo.html
Great video... very informative... I am new to your channel...
I have one question/point. Why do you think other reviewers hate the M50x? You said in your video they are really great. This is an honest question.
Welcome! Well, they are great for the money. If you raise the budget better headphones are going to sound really much better
Your information was helpful... thank-you brother
Thank you Savan!
You've illuminated me. Thanks a lot.
Me 2 all my headsets are shit now lol
The Audio-Technica ATH-AR5BTBK are Bluetooth but they say that they are also Hi-Res (according to the spec sheet). Does this mean it is likely meant that when I used them with a wired jack and DAC/Amp, I would be able to use their Hi-Res capabilities?
I read that that's how those headphones work, that the hi res works only with the wire plugged in
Hi there, I am sorry, I think I missed your question. What Ray says is true. True high res is usually obtained via cable but bluetooth is getting better each year and in some cases it can reach that resolution...in numbers, in facts, it will always be compressed in order to send out all that data plus, as I mentioned, the distance between the headphones and the player damages proportionally the signal...cables are always going to be the best choice. Bluetooth could get close or even match but never be better than cables...
Beatles are there behind you sir...😍😍😍
It's true I have a ATH-M50x, Amplifier of 5 80kHz response, and vinyl first pressing records.
The digital compresion in bluetooh even with cd to wav is poor and in the majority of cases don't benfit for that..
Thanks for your videos . They 've very instructive topics.
Don’t forget about input impedance. A great headphone such as my $300 Bowers and Wilkins P7 is low impedance so can be driven easily and loudly by your smart phone and ipad. They don’t need an amplifier at all like 300 ohm headphones and sound amazing.
Perfect explanation.
Why do you need hi resolution at all? I have recently tested my hearing and I am not able to hear sounds above the 18kHz mark. Why bother with equipment reaching as much as fifty kilohertz? Just wondering, but I smell the scent of audiophile mumbo-jumbo.
Here you can find, IMHO, some answers: th-cam.com/video/lGeh-PLySGE/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/YgEjI5PZa78/w-d-xo.html
more scientific
th-cam.com/video/IiZqYnd5g8M/w-d-xo.html
i have tested my hearing as well and at a NORMAL volume, I can only hear to 14.5khz and I am 28 years old.
you can hear those higher frequencies but you have to raise the volume up. the frequency response graphs usually draws a line at 3db then usually, the graph drops at 18khz. To see the part of the graph that dropped to "zero" you will have to raise the volume which raises the volume across all frequencies and that means hurting your ears just to hear above 20khz. By the way, I only listen to music at 1 or 2% volume on my player. 10db is the sound of breathing 20db would be a whisper and that's usually how I listen to music because I listen to music all the time and I dont want to hurt my ears.
There is a google app called Neutralizer that can let you know at what db you can recognize a frequency and what is your threshhold. put the 8khz at 100% volume and your ears will bleed but definitely, you can hear them. This app only goes to 16khz but you'll get the point.
Anything beyond 20khz is ultrasound that only bats and dogs and dolphins can hear.
Same! I can't hear above 18.3 kHz, and last month, above 19.2 kHz.
Its a difficult topic.
You dont need a higher sampling rate for a more accurate output signal. BUT you get higher frequencys.
It is proofen that those higher frequencys, even when you do not actively hear them, influence the sound you hear.
With that you have the capability to get a more natural reproduction of things. Sure the recording must match that.
A higher bit rate allows less noise and theoratically higher dynamics ( difference between loudest and quietest sound ).
@@dom3827 I'll agree with you on that. Higher frequencies, while being unaudible, affects our brain when it comes to perceiving music. Higher frequencies gives an ilusion to the listener as if we are in the same environment as the singer or musician. This ain't placebo effect or audiophoolery snake oil. There's an Caltech article online that proves that higher frequencies found in Hi-Res audio recordings (in this case, a philharmonical orchestra) can affect our ears' capability in perceiving music. And the higher the bitrate the higher the signal to noise ratio and the wider the dynamic range is going to be. This is why MP3 is so noisy at low bitrates and that is due to the loss of dynamic range as a result of lossy compression.
Thank you so much Sir 🙏🏻 for your valuable information..
Thank YOU!
Thanks 🙏🏾
Based on my experience, the freg. range of a headphone is never congruent with its audio quality. My Srax setup always (so far) outperforms any dynamic headphones I test it against no matter what each phones’ freq ranges are. It is the driver and amplification that matter. CD freq range is good enough. But most headphones are not.
Thanks, great information.
Thank you!
That is so so true Bluetooth ads EXTRA cost as well It is used for a selling point for todays venerable customer .
I use headphones for meditation a lot , apart from that I use them for a sound microscope .ad DJ mixing .
Bluetooth just ads more radio activity in the room you are in , as well as Wi Fi , its every ware .
This is a great channel!
Excellent informative review.
You have right dude... Thanks
Sony - the masters of mumbo jumbo launched this totally nonsense to the market. FLAC (CD quality) is perfect and there is nothing to improve for the human ear in stereo. If you think hi-res sounds different and better it's because it's sampled or even recorded different, but you would hear exactly the same if presented in FLAC
You must mean ldac??
@@MisterSeanR Aptx is supposed to be CD quality,and LDAC is supposed to be lossless audio through Bluetooth.
LDAC is a bluetooth audio codec, while FLAC is a lossless audio format. LDAC is capable of transfering audio up to 990kb/s, while usual bluetooth codecs are limited to 328kb/s. I have the Sony WH-1000XM3 headphones and I can promise you that LDAC sounds much more clear than other codecs, if you ofcourse play hi-res FLAC audio through it.
The gear is what makes the greatest difference not the file type. CD quality is enough for the amount of money most people are going to be spending on headphones, dacs and amps.
Before watching this I assumed CD's were the highest quality available lol
Welcomen then to the magical world of high resolution...digital and analog! CD is a decent quality. It has a good dinamic range, rarely used, but for the rest tape or vinyl is much better!
Well, if we are talking about the bulk of recordings of the past century, it is an objective fact that the analog media is and will always be superior, for the simple reason that the digital versions are obtained from the analog tapes and those are a sample of that signal. ;-)
@@anadialog What are you talking about? Vinyl records are also obtained from analog tape i.e. just a lossy copy.
@@Arado159 yes, we all know that, but I was underlining the fact that 90% of world recordings are on tape and sourced from tape. Hence, that will always be the best of the best for the past century...
Question,why do we need headphones that produce 20 kilo hertz and above when the human ear can reach 15,16 kilo hertz?And rapidly deteriorates as we age?
Oh my! The answer is here: th-cam.com/video/lGeh-PLySGE/w-d-xo.html
Thank you for your guidance....very nice video.
I think this is the best explanation on youtube, thank you
Thank you so much!
Hello, thanks for the great video. I have a question:
I'm a student with a low budget and I want to start getting into Hi-Fi stuff. Right now I listen to CD's converted to FLAC's and I doubt I'll be listening to any higher material than CD's. What would be a good starting pair of headphones? Also I mostly listen on my phone; is getting an amp that important, and can I connect my phone to an amp? Thanks.
Hi there and welcome! Well, let me know your budget fornthe cans...no, you don't need an amp if you are on the go. Don't get me wrong, it's a good idea but after a while you would probably leave it home for convenience. If you listen at home I would then suggest an amp. Like a shiit mani, and possibly a pair of open back headphones.
@@anadialog Thanks for the info! My budget is £100 or under (UK money) purely for headphones. If they require an amp, I could get one later perhaps. I'll see what I can find!
@@jedijames5982 well, check out the Grado SR80e and also the classic Audiotechnica ATH-M50X...
@@anadialog hi there...thanks for your knowledge. I want to know if I need an amp with grado 80 e. Also please suggest a good hi Res headphone between ath 50x and ath msr7
Hi! A good quality amp will always get the best out of a headphone, especially if they are powerhungry. All gear that have a headphone socket have an amp behind it. The point is, how good is it? And the converter (if we are talking digital music)? Same issue. In any case, a good middle ground there could be a pair of used HiFiMan 400 (planar open back), used Meze 99 classics, or, on a lower budget a good AKG...maybe the k175 (not really high-res though)...
Very thanks for the great informations... 😄🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Good video! Subscribing right now. Just a question, I’m about to buy the Sony 1000xm4. In Sony’s page they claim to have a freq range of 4-40khz. Are those headphones optimal for lossless Apple Music? Thanks in advance
Sure!
Learned so much! Your amazing!!!
Thanks for the informative video, i am looking to get some high resolution high quality headphones, but 90 percent of videos are pushing some product i appreciate the info.
Thanks Carlos! For my experience, if you are listening at home or in private environment, openback planar magnetic headphones are truly above the rest...need a good amp though...
@@anadialog thanks will look into it
very good pint sir!
Now I will not look at the hi-res logo anymore, instead invest in amp and good quality music hehe!
How about this setup? will this work fine? I'm thinking of getting them soon.
(Fiio Q1ii + Sony MDR XB70 + Spotify on iphone) or shall I change the headphone? thanks a lot.
Thanks! Nice set up...but I am not a big fan of earbuds...if you are intetested in other ways of listening in the go and more info on the Fiio, check this vid: th-cam.com/video/KejALl22RU4/w-d-xo.html
Duterte
If there is an mfg that uses WiFi connectivity, no Bluetooth?
Is it worth buying music from 7digital store? And not just jazz and music like that, also pop, rock, etc. Thanks.
In most cases I think it is, but not always, and yes, for all kinds of music. But I do want to underline how a good vinyl record or tape are much much more emotional and engaging than any high-res file. I love digital and analog and I have a lot of both...but analog just wins my heart...and my ears!
@@anadialog I think I need some vynil first to do the test xD
Great video! Although I’m not a headphone user, I found a very informative description about the Hi-Res chain (I also saw your video about supertweeters). Technically speaking is a very clear explanation. In particular in what concerns to Hi-Res music files now I have a clear idea about what we really get when we buy a digital reissue in 24bit/96kHz and above of the old recordings - good enough but conceptually not true Hi-Res.
Thanks for clarification! I bought budget BT headphones that have this Hi-Res logo attached (they do have 3.5mm) and it made sceptical.
Looking for high resolution loud speakers...
Any idea?
Very Informative video. One question how low vs high impedance affects the sound quality? I know High impedance headphones are hard to drive and need an amplifier.
Both if driven correctly are just as good. Yes, extra power is always positive.
Thank you for explain
thank you a lot, u really helped me to understand much depeer about it.
Thank you Juan!
@@anadialog; HELLO Ana[Dia]Log. Should I buy the Sony WH-H800 detachable cable for 145USD here in my country Colombia? or should I take a look for a better budget hi res headphone? sorry but No much wide branchs to look for that Sony. I've also seen the ATH m40x but it goes from Frequency Response 15 - 24,000 Hz and the sony goes 5Hz - 40,000Hz (JEITA) that seems to be much better.
Thank you...
Welp, I gotta say, this video sure convinced me that I don't need hi-res headphones, so thanks for that :)
I wouldn't say never about Bluetooth headphones, I'm sure soon a new codec and a way to use more bandwith and power will be developed.
Also, is it pointless to convert mp3 files to flac or others?
The converter in the headphones is cheap, the quality degrades with distance and to this date (2021) it still can handle full high-resolution audio, don't even think about dsd.
Yes it's pointless to convert them...
Thank you very much for telling the truth about hi res I really appericate your honest answers to all my confusion in the world of hi res. Also I got a question I love bass what model and brand should I buy to get the super heavy bass headphones in the world.
Hi Aziz, thanks! Well, I am not that informed on super bass heavy headpones because I do like more neutral cans. In any case, the ultra famous Audiotechnica ATH-M50x have a very present bass. A good quality/expense ration seems that of the V-MODA M-100-U-SHADOW...
@@anadialog Cool thank you for your reply just want some inputs from you is there any such thing as 3D headphones in the market ? If yes whats your taughts on theses type of headphones are they for real or just another sales and marketing gimick ?
Again, I haven't had the pleasure of trying these ossic headphones...what I heard that the finsl result does not match a high quality traditional headphoned. If insteaf you are regerring to real 3d effect, those are dedign for sorround sound, not stereo normal sound...in noth cases I would't bother...
@ana[dia]logCool you had answered my question stright to the point and I am much more clearer now to which headphones to get, looking forward for more great videos from you bro once again thank you for your easy to understand reply on audio and stuff I really appericate it cause your answers is stright to the point to what I was looking for cheers :)
Thank you!
Meaning a hi resolutions headphone connected to mobile phone is useless , the mobile phone would not produces hi res sound quality. Am I right to say that ?
Modern smartphones can convert high sampling rates and bit depty (192khz/24 bit) but that doesn’t mean that it will sound good. A true quality DAC is expensive. I learned that when I finally purchased my T+A D200. Now digital makes sense.
What I don't get is whenever I look through a site like HDtracks for hi-res files, its generally only older tracks that get the 96khz or higher treatment, while new tracks get the standard 44khz . Why is this when todays recording technology can better take advantage of Hi-Res? Wouldn't Hi-Res be wasted on old recordings?
Hi mkgod, well sites like HD tracks get hold of prerecorded tapes or master tapes (which are very expensive to license) and I think also first edition vinyl pressings and easily do a conversion in Hi-Res. New music MUST be recorded in Hi-Res, otherwise it is a hoax. The reason why HDTracks is probably selling new music on 44.1Khz is probably the costs. I really hope they are not sourcing their tracks from CD's...
Superb explaination. Awesome video 👍
Why is it called "Frequency Response", not "Frequency Level"? 'Response' infers something being responded to.
You have frequency range, which is what frequencies a piece of gear is cable of reproducing (not counting quality but quantity) but it isn't a good index. What is important is the frequency response, which means how the piece of gear responded when sending through it a large frequency sweep, if it is distorting or responding in a linear way, a flat response meaning very little deviation from the original signal while trying to reproduce it. Usually a normal piece of gear should at least have a linear response between 20hz and 20khz. When it reaches at least 40khz it is certified high-res.
High resolution headphones have a nice sticker on it box. 👍
Good job!
Well explained ❤️
So, I presume 20kHz (Most Common) is fine for 48.1kHz sources or would this be suited for a limit of 44.1kHz sources?
Well, yes according to the Nyquist theory the maximum frequency is dictated by double the sampling rate. So you would need at least 22khz but now it is very easy to find high-res capable headphones even though as I said in the video very few recordings reach that.
So my Beyerdynamic 990 pro 250ohm are not Hi-res 5-35.000hz
Not technically but for me they sure are!!
Human ears could hear only between 20 to 20 kHz of audio frequency. So what is the use of buying a headphone or earphone which supports above 20 kHz?
That is a common misconception. Check this video I made: th-cam.com/video/Btn572ZIC8k/w-d-xo.html
How about the music player itself?
The whole recording and reproduction chain should be high-res for a true high resolution sound.
great video ! love you ! " Tidal , is it really producing Hi-Res audio for Master subscribers"
Thanks! Is that a question? If so, the answer is yes (MQA high-res). All the rest is CD quality or lower.
There are only headphones you love or not, that's what matters
What about the DAC which is limiting, most filters are dropping before 20Khz...
Modern DACS will go much higher than that in order to deal with high-res and DSD.
I'm kind of lost now. You said they couldn't record in hi-Res in the 60-70-80's? It seems strange to me. But anyway can you susdgest me how can I check if the flac file that I have are actually hires or not please? Thanks
I did say that. I said that untill recently nobody was using high-resolution mics, that is a frequency response of at least 40Khz. In the past I am sure that there are a few recordings done with extended frequency response but it wasn't a standard procedure.
A way to check the frequency response of a file is to open it in Audacity, a fre open source program, and run a spectrum analysis.
Thank you for the info.
Hi, Really enjoyed this video, very informative. I am currently searching for a high end Gaming Headphone set with High-Res. I looked at the SteelSeries Hi-Res at 40K Hz. that has many good reviews, However I was wondering if there are any others you or members here can suggest? Thank You for your time guys...
Hi James, please don't get this wrong. I don't want to be snobby but just simply Frank. Gaming does not need high resolution. Those frequencies are never going to be present on a game (and in most of today's music). Better focus simply on a good quality cans generally speaking. I think that the good old audio technica ath-m50x or the beyerdynamic dt 770 pro would do a splendid job!
@@anadialog Thank You for your quick reply. I just finished checking out both of your suggested websites. I may just go with the Ath-M50X, they looked very well built and sure the sound would be just as amazing. No mic's on them but I'm just a casual gamer and like you enjoy my music. Thank's Again, Jim P.
First of all very good videos! I really like the stuff you're doing! :)
I'd like to add some points to your Bluetooth section. Yes, currently this is not HiRes compatible, but that's not because of the wireless transport itself. The wireless transport does not affect audio quality of let's say a flac file you're streaming (wich would actually be possible) at all. All codecs they use today unfortunately do affect audio quality very badly, because of the very small bandwidth and all compression that is needed as a result of that. And of course DACs they use inside, as you already said. But if you were able to stream a lossless format due to a very high bandwidths being available over bluetooth one day, there would only be the headphones themselves lowering the audio signal reproduction.
I agree! In fact I wrote (yet!) 😉
Lol mine Sony Mdr 1a are 2 Hz - 100kHz, I can hear difference in sound when I swap cable...
Wow! Great cans. Congrats! I hope you try to play high res music with them...
@@anadialog well Im having hard time finding free hi res files but still I enjoy them... there is major difference beetwen any other headphones even when not listening to hi res files. Im runing them on Samsung galaxy note 8 which claims to be 32bit/384khz with dolby atmos and suprisingly it is pretty decent... music, movies, games, incredible quality with great 3D sound positioning (FPS games) and with dual microphone i can record almost 100% clear sound when played on headphones... Im satisfied with my "portable" set. I cant imagine downgrading back to 40khz.
Hey I got sony xb 900n over hear on 3 even though hear on 3 had hi res Audio. Both were priced same do u think I am going to miss out a lot just because xb 900n doesn't support hi res?
Well, if you are going to listen to high-res music, the answer is yes. All high-res music? No, especially newer recordings of classical music and jazz but not only.
@@anadialog thanks 👍
Hi 👋🏾 may I ask you a simple question? I’m a musician but I’m rather new to the sound engineering world. Why do you say that’s important to choose headphones that goes at least up to 40 kHz (or even above) if we can hear sounds that go up to 20 kHz? 🤔 It might sound like a stupid question but I really don’t understand
It's a very reasonable question. Well, first of all I was saying that because high-res audio gear standard must be capable of reaching that frequency extension. Second, high frequencies beyond 20khz, as well as those below 20Hz, greatly influence the audible spectrum, enhancing it and creating new harmonics. In any case I made a video where I go more in depth and present scheintific proof: th-cam.com/video/Btn572ZIC8k/w-d-xo.html
So, I have a Hi-Res pair of headphones. However, I have a AMP/DAC, which has a sampling rate of 35-192khz, a response frequency of 20hz-20KHz and a bit rate of 16-24. Would that be good to use for those heaphones?
Sure!
@@anadialog But, with the specs, would that AMP/DAC be considered Hi-Res?
@@1Dub79 high resolution is digital, amp is analog. If the DAC (digital to analog converter) can handle 32bits/192khz then, yes, it is a high res DAC. That signal will be converted to analog and sent to the amplifier, which will amplify it and send it to the loudspeakers! If the headphones have a frequency response up to at least 40khz, then those are high res as well! Apart from that. The frequency response of amplifiers are usually very broad....are you sure it is only 20hz-20khz? What is the model? If the frequency response of the amp is correct, you are going to lose some higher frequencies...
@@anadialog That makes sense. I've heard similar, before. Here is the link for the device. Scroll down to see full specs!
www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01MXJ83G4?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title
@@anadialog If this one doesn't fit the criteria, let me know of a few amps or DACs, around the $100+ range, which do! Thanks!
The funny thing is, you could actually *easily* get more than capable high resolution data rates over wi-fi these days, but still consumer grade engineering codecs and standards chop up and compress audio for the hell of it. I have no idea why the bit rates are as low as they are on Bluetooth though. I guess to save power maybe, but many of these same devices have high speed wi-fi, so yeah...
The main issue with digital audio is compounded compression. You have the recording and encoding to standard, let's say CD, then the conversion to file format, then streaming or playing standards, then converting to Bluetooth and its various standards and limitations, then playing and the sound of your drivers.
Any one of these could have decent throughput, but at each step you're losing another part of source clarity, so by the end you're literally at a fraction of a fraction of a fraction of a fraction of source, even if these are high fractions - unfortunately though, each one of these steps are usually straddling the minimal acceptable clarity margins, so by the end you're lucky if you still get something that sounds halfway decent. High frequencies are not the only sacrifices made here; it's across the board. The high frequencies are just not used so it's easy to see that they aren't there, and in terms of audio fidelity, easier to perceive the losses in clarity with the higher frequencies that are kept.
Anecdotally, I find most sounds (let's take TH-cam for example) are pressed toward the middle ranges, muffled, chopped, and garbled to some extent. Surprisingly, they can still sometimes sound decent, but the difference is usually obvious when compared back to back to me even comparing a CD ripped to 320kbps MP3 with that same file uploaded, converted, streamed, and decoded.
Amen!
@@anadialog Ha Ha. Yeah, I guess I was ranting to the choir, as it were. Cheers.
No, no! I was agreeing with you. A great and wise comment!
Hi new to this,
is Marshall Monitor II ANC any good?
Sure, but at that price you could get much more IMO. Plus noise canceling is not the best choice again IMO, you lose some detail. Beyerdynamic 990 DT, Audiotechnica M50x, Sennheiser HD599, or the Meze 99 with a little extra stretch are pretty good.
Knowledge conversation.
I have a pair of Grado 325e, and per your definition it is not high res as it only goes to 24000? Having several headphones, these are my favorites and they are incredibly fun. Subjectively only one better is my Audeze 4z (at a totally different price!). High-res or not, just looking at the frequency response alone cannot be the alone criteria for high-res headphones. Anyway, love your videos, keep up the good work!
It's not my definition! It's an international standard: high resolution audio equipment must be above 40Khz. Check this link: www.jas-audio.or.jp/english/hi-res-logo-en
@@anadialog Ok, you are right it is not your definition. ;) It might be an important measurement, but it is just one of several important parameters which constitutes a good headphone, or High-res headphone. I guess you alluded as much yourself in your video about the High-res logo being a marketing tool. Thanks for your reply!
I think there are fantastic headphones with 20Khz and crapy headphones that reach 80Khz...Yes, I was just reporting what the industry is classifying as high res, which does not mean high quality! Nevertheless, we must be aware that certain headphoens with a small frequency response will not reproduce the whole spectrum or most of it...
Hmm strange tho, the steelseries arctis pro wireless don't support hi res but they have a 40.000 hz reach.. how do you explain that then?
That is the frequency response of the headphones. The headphones therefore are highres but that does not mean they can handle a true high resolution wireless signal. Go with cables. That is the only way to get the whole package. For more info on high res I just released a new video: th-cam.com/video/cmbGjkuvikY/w-d-xo.html
Answered many of my doubts. Is there any wired earphone capable of hi res audio?
You mean wireless? If so check this video, also for a complete framework on high-res: th-cam.com/video/cmbGjkuvikY/w-d-xo.html
So a pair of $70 headphone from 7kH-50kH would be a good idea for direct recording A guitar from a line 6 hx stomp or helix unit? Just wanna buy ASAP if it will help my home recording yo provide the most true signal possible
Well, frequency extention isn't everything. Perhaps, a standard 20hz-20khz headphone well built may be much better and natural than a low quality high-res on the paper headphone. In other words, it isn't automatic. Sorry to throw in more doubts but you must be careful. In your case you want a studio monitor pair of headphones so search for that type!
Do the Sony 1000xm3s support HiRes audio?
Yes, they reach 40khz
Quick question: Is any hi- res game in consoles (current or next gen) that can take advantage of this?
I don't know for sure but I doubt it. Consider that most movies do go above 48Khz, slightly above CD quality. Probably the same for high quality audio games. In any case, better headphones better results!
Hi. I ve got a question. First u need to know that i own AirPods pro and listened to the sennheiser pxc 550 quite a lot but dont own them. I was never into hifi Hardware i just love to listen to musik. I want to upgrade from my AirPods to something better sounding. Those sennheisers sounded great but i want more(better sound, more fun,...) / i dont need Bluetooth, anc,... on overears. I just want to listen to musik. How much do i have to spend for a good (better than the pxc550) pair of headphones? Do i need an amplifier? What would u recommend?
Thanks!
Hey thanks for the video. I just want a good pair of headphones to listen to music at night (mostly jazz). I only have my amp headphones out. So what do i need to look for a specs ib order to choose my headphones?
Frequency response isn't everything. In any case, in order to reproduce true high-res music you will need a pair of cans that goes at least all the way up to 40Khz. But even around 30Khz IMHO you are already set. You should check for a specific type of headphones if you are interested especially in jazz. I would recommend a good planar magnetic but it needs power to run properly!
@@anadialog thank you. I don't want it to be necerarely hi res but a very good quality and i am learning step by step. I was consodering the meze 99 classics but i am not sure i havn't try it yet.
Those are very good