The hi-res audio state of play has never looked so positive. It wasn't that long ago that we could spell out several problems with high-resolution audio, from its unclear definition and lack of mainstream awareness to its expensive and inaccessible nature.
Now, however, its definition is widely accepted to be 'higher than CD quality' (CD quality being tied to definitions of 'lossless'), with it predominantly available in 24-bit form. The term 'hi-res' is now being bandied about by some of the biggest tech companies in the world. And music streaming services Apple Music and Amazon Music are offering playback of hundreds of thousands of albums in varying hi-res quality for the basic monthly fee, with the availability of hi-res no longer limited to the odd niche, higher-priced service or websites offering not insignificantly priced music downloads.
While some hi-fi hardware was primed for hi-res even before the music really took off (thanks to the futureproofed specification of the DACs inside them). now more and more audio kit supports hi-res as standard. Heck, your iPhone can now too. And yet there's still a problem with hi-res, and it concerns hardware.
The gaping hole in hardware compatibility
This story is from the April 2022 edition of What Hi-Fi Sound and Vision.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 2022 edition of What Hi-Fi Sound and Vision.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
7 Of The Quirkiest Hi-Fi And Home Cinema Products On The Planet
Enough of the serious stuff, time for some oddballs...
SCREEN STARS
These systems pick from the cream of the AV crop to provide the most immersive experience possible
Wire we waiting?
These high-end headphones will provide a real treat for your ears-maybe it's time to upgrade
5 SIMPLE DEMO STEPS TO HELP YOU REACH HI-FI SYSTEM NIRVANA
Choosing the right hi-fi kit can be tricky. We reveal how to audition and compare components with confidence
TEAMING WITH TALENT
With so many great hi-fi products on sale, matching them up can be tough. So we have done it for you
COMPACT DISC'S STAR HAS FADED, BUT WE LOVE IT ANYWAY
What Hi-Fi? explains why the original silver music disc still appeals
Sennheiser Accentum Wireless
The Accentum sound solid enough, but they're hardly a thrilling listen
iPad Pro 12.9 6th Gen
The best tablet for movies and music is now even better
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Out with the old Bose and in with the new
Q Acoustics 5040 Home Cinema Package
Want to inject some energy into your home cinema sound? Look no further