What is High-Resolution Audio?
The short answer is, “lossless.”
That might sound like a made-up word, but what it refers to is a fullness of sound that comes from all the data provided in an original studio recording, in digital form. The term comes from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), who defined it thusly:
“Lossless audio capable of reproducing the full spectrum of sound from recordings which have been mastered from better than CD quality music sources, which represent what the artists, producers, and engineers originally intended.”
This isn’t the kind of sound available from your phone — streaming music services intentionally limit the amount of data in the audio files they stream. That’s where the “loss” comes in; the sacrifice of sound quality for file size.
In the case of said streaming services, certain components of your home theater system can enhance those files. This makes it possible for you to experience your own everyday playlists in studio-quality sound. Or if you’re so inclined, you can start with high-quality audio files, pair them with the right equipment, and make your home theater systems sound even better.
Quality, and How To Get It
When it comes to high-res audio files, there are a number of formats and services to choose from. Each one is a little different, but the foremost thing to consider will be compatible with your system. Certain file types, like MQA (Master Quality Authenticated), are small enough to be streamed while simultaneously providing lossless audio. Other types, like ALAC (Apple Lossless Audio Codec), are proprietary. They’ll only work on Apple devices.
There are several options in the hardware category as well. Digital Audio Servers, for example, offers the ability to transfer downloaded audio files from your phone, tablet, or PC, giving you the ability to listen on your home theater systems without booting up your computer.
If the computer is your preferred device, you can use a DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) to either play high-res audio files or enhance the quality of normal audio files, though it should be noted here that most stock computers tend to have inferior DACs and circuitry, as they aren’t built with high-quality audio in mind. If the best quality is what you’re after, then the best option is a dedicated home theater system.
Decisions, Decisions
The good news is that, in the world of high-resolution audio, there’s a wealth of options to choose from. Whether you are looking to enhance the quality of the sound system in your home or hoping for a superior listening experience on the go, or both, the next step is to contact an expert. If you are in the market for a home theater in Phoenix, call Mythic Home Theaters for a consultation. Mythic offers the highest quality custom home theater in Phoenix, employing a team of passionate experts ready to deliver a personalized product.
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