Re: OT: Mp3 quality


"DSK" <dsk@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:dw4Rf.4696$X7.939@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

RCE wrote:
Nor could I if listening on a system that can't resolve and reproduce the
difference. It's only going to sound as good as the weakest link.

So now you're insulting my stereo??



No, no ... not at all. I am simply trying to point out that an mp3 or mp4
(for Harry) is an inferior version of the original, uncompressed file.
Whether you can hear the difference or not (or care) is a personal
preference issue.



I have done this test several times in my car (which has a JBL stereo) &
at home (where I have a Carver amp & Klipsch speakers). I have done this
test with recordings ranging from guitar & flute solos to jazz to
classical to bluegrass. I have never met anybody who could consistently
pick whether they were listening to CD (which is just a *.wav file anyway)
or an MP3.



The
ear/brain is an amazing combination device that will adapt very quickly
to compensate for the quality of the source, including mentally "adding"
things that you know from experience should be there.


Uh huh. And a recording of music that the tester has never heard before?

You are going a long way out on a wobbly limb to justify your 'sound
quality' snobbery.


I realized when I started posting my thoughts that it may be interpreted
this way. It certainly isn't intended to be snobbery. I have enjoyed a
life-long interest in audio systems and music reproduction and am simply
offering my thoughts on the subject. Kinda like what wax is best for your
boat.

I've had (and still have) many different amps, speakers and sources
including Carver, JBL, Klipsch, Martin-Logan, Bose, Yamaha, Denon, Rotel,
B&K Components, Adcom, Krell, Polk, Velodyne .... you have no idea. And
none of this is in the really "good stuff" category that true audiophiles
pursue. Currently I am using a system with some French speakers made by JM
Labs. in our living room that are really very good and I use the Klipsch in
my "den" with Mirage surrounds. I've had the opportunity to listen to
various source materials played on many of pieces of equipment. I'll give
you an example. The Martin-Logan SL3 Electrostatic speakers are fantastic
for acoustical music and for some types of classical stuff. But they stink
at doing loud, electrified rock music. Your Klipsch will really bring out
brass instruments and highs nicely due to the ported horn type tweeter they
are famous for. All of this stuff can resolve the difference between a
compressed and non compressed version of a music file when used for the type
of music they are designed for.




You should try something the other way around. Make a mp3 file from a
quality CD of some music that you have never heard before. Without
listening to the CD, use only the mp3 versions for a few days or weeks.
Then play the original CD on a decent system. Objectively, what sounds
better? I am willing to bet you will hear things in the CD version that
you never noticed before in the mp3 version.


An interesting idea. So far I have not caught up to converting all my old
familiar faves, but I will takes some time to try out your test.


My problem with mp3s is not that they are useful and efficient in terms
of file sizes. I would just hate to see the higher quality recordings
become obsolete because nobody wants them anymore or because the industry
decided for marketing purposes that recording at 44khz or 88khz is "good
enough".


So would I.

Stop by, we'll try out your ears. I bet a lot that you have a surprise in
store.

Wouldn't be the first time.



Regards
Doug King



.

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