I used a coupon and got a copy of Fleetwood Mac's "RUMOURS" in Flac at 24 bit. Like most, I am very familiar with the album having first bought it many years back as a record. I also have the first release of the CD which is ripped into my server (16 bit).
While many would not call this an audiophile reference album, it is perfect as a test between 16 bit and 24 bit since I know it by heart.
Sitting out here on a nice sunny day doing the test, I can jump back and forth to compare songs with one mouse click. My porch system is very good. I would guess the retail around $8k (I assembled it used for much less) consisting of music server -> DAC -> crossover -> amp/subwoofer -> speakers. I use good cables, have a dedicated power line, etc. Over all, it puts out a better sound than most systems. All speakers are arranged to make the "sweet spot" my Adirondack chair. The system has a "clear" sound that picks up everything, so poorly recorded or compressed music sounds worse here than places like in my truck.
The test went on for several song comparisons, and now I have them all on shuffle trying to guess which is which as they come up. I can.
Can I hear a difference? Yes, and anyone who actually sits and listens to tunes as opposed to using them for background could. The difference is not earth shaking. The 24 bit sounds like more music is there. Maybe "fuller" would be a way to describe it. The detail is a little better. The players apear more apart and less blended into one sound.
Both sound quite good. There is no need to run out and upgrade. For future purchases I will buy 24 bit if available, but will not buy it often for Red Book CDs I already own - maybe for a few that I play often.
A side note is I have a very good Benchmark Dac-Pre. DAC If you don't have a decent Digital Audio Converter, no need to buy 24 bit recordings. Most computers can play 24 bit with the right players installed, but asking one even with a higher end sound card to make a difference is asking too much.
Hope you enjoyed hearing about my unscientific experiment. Post questions and comments below.
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