What is a high-resolution music player?
A high-resolution (hi-res) music player is a digital audio player designed specifically for playing high-resolution audio files. While a regular mp3 player can play compressed audio formats like mp3, a hi-res player can play uncompressed or lossless file formats with superior fidelity such as FLAC, WAV, AIFF, ALAC, and DSD.
Hi-res audio contains more data and a higher sampling rate than compressed formats, capturing the nuances in music with more accuracy. The essential features of a hi-res music player include support for high-resolution file formats, an advanced internal DAC (digital-to-analog converter), high-quality components like the amplifier, and wired connectivity options like USB DAC. These allow the player to handle hi-res files properly and convert the digital signals into rich, detailed analog sound.
High-Resolution Audio Format
High-resolution audio refers to music files that have a higher sampling frequency and bit depth than conventional digital audio files like MP3 and AAC. Some common high-resolution audio formats include:
- FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) – An open source lossless format that compresses audio without losing quality. FLAC files are typically 50-60% the size of uncompressed audio.
- ALAC (Apple Lossless Audio Codec) – Apple’s equivalent lossless format to FLAC. Works seamlessly with iTunes and iOS devices.
- WAV – An uncompressed audio format that represents audio in raw PCM (pulse code modulation). Very large file sizes but maximum quality.
- AIFF – Audio Interchange File Format developed by Apple. Like WAV, it’s uncompressed.
- DSD (Direct Stream Digital) – The format used for Super Audio CDs. Very high resolution using 1-bit sampling at 2.8224 MHz.
In contrast to lossy formats like MP3 and AAC that compress audio by stripping away data, high-res formats aim to preserve all the fidelity and dynamics of the original studio master recording. The higher sampling rates and bit depths allow the reproduction of the full range of sound frequencies audible to the human ear with minimal artifacts or noise.
According to Wikipedia, high-resolution audio is defined as “lossless audio capable of reproducing the full range of human hearing”, generally 20 Hz to 20 kHz. This requires a minimum of 44.1 kHz/16 bit sampling rate (CD quality audio), but higher resolutions like 96 kHz/24 bit are considered true hi-res providing even better quality.
Benefits
The main benefit of high-resolution audio is improved audio quality compared to compressed formats like MP3 or AAC files. High-resolution audio has a much higher sampling rate and bit depth, allowing it to reproduce the subtle details and dynamics of music more accurately. According to Descript, hi-res audio provides “crisper details, smoother sound, and an overall greater sense of space and dimension.”
With its higher sampling rate, hi-res audio can capture more variation in sound wave frequencies per second compared to compressed formats. This allows it to more precisely reproduce the nuances in instrumentation, vocals, and spatial cues. The greater bit depth also enables hi-res audio to render a larger dynamic range between the quietest and loudest sounds. This gives music more room to breathe and avoids compressing the subtle volume gradations.
By capturing more musical data, high-resolution audio provides a listening experience closer to the original studio master recording. The improved clarity and detail let listeners hear more of the texture and tone in vocals and instruments. The end result is a more natural, realistic, and immersive listening experience compared to compressed audio formats (Descript).
Requirements
To take full advantage of high-resolution audio, you need music files recorded in a high-resolution format as well as audio equipment capable of reproducing the increased resolution. High-resolution audio files have a higher sampling frequency and bit depth compared to conventional formats like MP3 and AAC.
Whereas CD quality audio has 16-bit depth and a 44.1 kHz sampling rate, high-resolution formats start at 24-bit depth and 96 kHz sampling rate. This allows them to capture finer detail and resolve high frequencies up to 40-50 kHz, near the range of human hearing (Wikipedia).
To hear these advantages, you need headphones or speakers that can accurately reproduce higher frequencies. Look for ones that specify frequency response up to 40 kHz or more. You may also need a digital audio player or DAC that supports high-resolution playback without downsampling the audio.
With the right equipment, high-resolution audio provides a more immersive and lifelike listening experience by better capturing subtle details in the original recording.
Popular Models
Many top brands offer feature-rich high-resolution music players designed for audiophiles and music enthusiasts. Popular choices include:
One of the most highly-praised music players is the Fiio M11 Plus [1]. This portable audio player supports native playback of DSD, DXD, WAV, FLAC, ALAC, AIFF, and many other high-resolution formats with selectable filters up to 768 kHz/32-bit. It features dual AK4493 DAC chips for enhanced audio quality and a large 5.5″ touchscreen display.
The Astell & Kern A&ultima SP2000 [2] is considered one of the best high-res digital audio players. With dual ES9038PRO Sabre DACs, advanced amp technology, and MQA support, it delivers extraordinary resolution, dynamics, and musicality. The polished metal design and intuitive touch interface optimize the listening experience.
Sony’s NW-WM1Z Walkman is designed for audiophiles seeking high-quality portable audio. It plays a wide range of lossless formats, leverages a S-Master HX digital amp, and has a gold-plated oxygen-free copper chassis for reduced distortion. The intuitive interface and seamless streaming integration enhance usability.
Native Support
High-resolution audio is supported natively by some mainstream operating systems and services. This allows you to play high-res audio files seamlessly without needing additional software or plugins.
On desktop systems, Windows 10 and macOS offer native support for high-res audio formats like FLAC, ALAC, and DSD files. You can play these formats directly in media players like Windows Media Player or iTunes without any extra configuration needed.
On mobile, Android has supported high-res audio playback since version 5.0 Lollipop. iPhones can also play high-res FLAC and ALAC files natively as of iOS 11. Streaming services like Tidal, Qobuz, and Amazon Music HD offer high-res streaming with no need for separate apps or plugins.
Having native support makes it easy to enjoy high-resolution music across devices without compatibility issues. It eliminates the need for special software and helps bring high-fidelity audio to the mainstream. As high-res adoption grows, native support has become key for convenience and seamless integration.
Accessories for High-Resolution Setup
To take full advantage of high-resolution audio, having the proper accessories is key. This is especially important for headphones, cables, and amplifiers which can make or break the listening experience.
For headphones, opt for models designed specifically for hi-res playback like the Sony MDR-Z1R which can handle frequencies up to 120kHz. Pay attention to the driver size and material – generally, larger drivers made of superior materials like beryllium will provide better sound. The headphone cable is also important – choose high-quality, well shielded cables to preserve signal integrity.
On the amplification side, choose a dedicated headphone amplifier or AV receiver capable of amplifying high-resolution files without coloration or noise. Models like the Sony TA-ZH1ES have specifically been designed for hi-res performance. Pay attention to the SNR specifications.
For connectivity, choose premium audiophile-grade cables and connections like XLR or high quality RCA cables. These will provide clean, noise-free transmission of the hi-res signal from source to amplifier.
Considerations
When deciding whether to invest in high-resolution audio, there are some important considerations to keep in mind:
File Sizes: Hi-res audio files are significantly larger than standard digital formats like MP3 and AAC. For example, a 3-minute song can be around 3-5MB in MP3 format but around 30-50MB in 24-bit/96kHz hi-res format. This means you need more storage space on your playback device.[1]
Costs: Due to the larger file sizes and specialized hardware required, hi-res audio typically costs more than standard digital music. Hi-res audio files from download stores are usually $1-3 per track. Hi-res capable players also cost more than standard models.[2]
Setup Complexity: Playing back hi-res audio requires specialized software, hardware, and audio components. This can make setup more complex compared to playing standard digital formats. You may need to adjust settings or upgrade system components to achieve optimal hi-res performance.
Future Outlook
The future looks bright for high-resolution audio as more consumers adopt high-res music players and streaming services. According to SVS, the convenience of streaming combined with the quality of high-res formats will likely increase adoption. New lossless streaming services like Tidal HiFi, Amazon Music HD, and Apple Music Lossless make high-res more accessible. Additionally, new formats like MQA aim to deliver studio-master quality in a streamable file size, allowing for high-res streaming without massive bandwidth requirements.
As high-resolution playback devices like smartphones add native support for formats like MQA and FLAC, it will remove barriers to entry and encourage more consumers to try high-res music. Portable audiophile digital audio players (DAPs) will also advance, with some models already supporting native MQA decoding. Faster broadband speeds, 5G networks, and expanding libraries of high-res content will further the reach. While challenges around consumer awareness and hardware support remain, the future is bright for wider high-res music adoption.
Conclusion
In summary, high-resolution music players are devices designed to play back high-resolution audio files, which have a higher sampling frequency and bit depth than standard digital audio formats like CD and MP3. The main benefits of high-res players are exceptional audio quality that captures every nuance of the original recording, as well as the ability to play a variety of high-resolution file formats.
To experience high-resolution audio, you’ll need player hardware and software capable of handling large file sizes and high sampling rates. Leading models include standalone players as well as digital audio players from companies like Pioneer, Onkyo, Astell&Kern, and Sony. High-end smartphones are also gaining native support for high-res playback. With the right gear, you can enjoy studio-quality sound on the go.