Starting from a few well mastered 24/96 2ch sources, I've Resampled them down to 16/48 and 16/44

Comparing the 16bit to the 24bit originals, I think it's relatively straightforward to hear differences, as long as one knows what particular cues to look for etc........e.g. Cymbals, Alto Saxaphone, Female Vocals, extra Air & Separation etc.

However, I do think that DVD-A originally, and now HD Tracks etc. Have "encouraged" conscientious Producers to go find the original master tapes and maintain the highest quality possible from the Tapes to the final product (that doesn't mean that some labels haven't taken short cuts and greedily exploited the opportunity)

Likewise, the extra fidelity has encouraged some new Recordings using 24/96 or 24/192 Technology all the way thru the process (AIX and Chesky etc)

The above has resulted in "24/96" versions that are very noticeably superior to their older (and differently mastered) 16/44 originals

So, I do think that 24bit offers higher fidelity and performance than 16bit........but the extra Mastering care that 24bit has encouraged has a greater part to play in the audible superiority of 24bit Material

Last edited by Ronnie; 2011-07-15 05:27.
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