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Salvuryc
6
Nov 19, 2017
Prefer 128 bitrate over 320 or WAV The NPR how well can you hear audio quality test https://www.npr.org/sections/therecord/2015/06/02/411473508/how-well-can-you-hear-audio-quality
It gives you some options, I performed better with my Moto X and aiaiai TMA-2 setup, then now with the NAD D3020 plus HDXX.
I seem to prefer the lower bitrate songs with the Sennheisers. I wonder it is because I'm still not used to the new sound signature. Or to used to the old 128 KB. I have been trying it with my own preferred songs and there I seem to like the higher bitrate when the recording is good. I fear that the songs in the test Katy Perry, Coldplay (that crackle...) and Kanye are just really bad recordings. The more organic voice I had correct immediately.
Would anyone else care to do this test and share their findings?
knombertus
3
Nov 19, 2017
SalvurycMy resulst were: 320, WAV, 320, WAV, WAV, WAV. #4 was a complete guess though. I just couldn't concentrate. The difference between 320 and WAV seems to be very subtle to me, but 128 just didn't feel right in most cases.
I am listening on Teufel Aureol Massive (which are very bassy, closed headphones) and a Fulla 2. I'll save a bookmark and repeat the test, when my 6XX arrive.
Wolffi
20
Nov 20, 2017
SalvurycTried the test several times. 1x with focusrite scarlett 2i2 into Sony MDR 10RC, 1x Focusrite into Shure SE215 and 1x with Focusrite into Quad 33/303 into Dynaudio audience 5. With all three tries I chose WAV/320/128 atleast once. The differences are very small. Although with some samples it was very clear which the 128 is. I guess the Focusrite is a weak link in the settup because it is a fairly cheap audio-interface. (also going to try the test with the speaker settup again. Couldn't blast them at a reasonable volume at this time of day.)
eabarth
19
Nov 20, 2017
SalvurycI guess you like garbled cymbals. 128 kb/s is unlistenable to me because of that. I don't think I've heard a 128 kb/s MP3 that doesn't have a crunchy upper range or isn't just noticeably compressed or loud. Even back when I was a kid and everyone was using Napster, I tended to stick to the CDs I owned.
Arcendus
161
Nov 20, 2017
SalvurycI *strongly* urge you to avoid 128 kbps and just try to get used to 320+. Objectively, 128 kbps does a real injustice to music.
Salvuryc
6
Nov 21, 2017
ArcendusI understand, also the mechanics of what gets filtered away by the MP3 format.
When I listen to Jazz at the Pawn Shop or the Birdman soundtrack (used to drum myself) I hear clear difference especially on my Bower and Wilkins Speakers. I've made them into 128Kbps mp3's and have the original Flac files.
I can immediately tell the difference there. I'm specifically referring to this NPR test.
I was surprised by how often I choose wrong there. So thank you for replying but I would happily hear your results actually.
Salvuryc
6
Nov 21, 2017
eabarthHow did you do on the test itself? Was it easy?
I feel the music they choose made me choose wrong. How about you?
Salvuryc
6
Nov 21, 2017
SalvurycI've done the test a few times. The one with the female vocals I get right. However the Kanye song is really bad, same with the coldplay one, there is just a painful crackle in the recording even on the WAV file. The others, since I've done the test a few times now I still have above average that I get an MP3 (128 or 320). And to hear the difference between WAV and 320 Mp3 is very though.
Salvuryc
6
Nov 21, 2017
knombertusCool, I will try to do this test later when I'm more used to the HD6XX. I am looking for a similar test but with just a lot better music. I like to listen to well recorded music in the first place. I am guilty of listening to some roots reggae, which is known for its bad recording style. However not all songs come through nicely in the HD6XX.
Once I listened to a high quality file from Miles Davis, Kind of Blue. This was in a store where my girlfriend and I listened to Avratz and were blown away. Miles Davis, well I asked to turn it off. It was so bad, the speaker was a Sonus Faber Cremona with a matching setup. These speakers were so revealing. The trumpet was just too sharp. Really really unlistenable. Whilst I still love this album to this day the experience showed me how important good quality recorded music is for high end gear.
eabarth
19
Nov 21, 2017
SalvurycI haven't done this particular test, but I've done one in the past and ended up picking all 320 or lossless. I can see having a tough time choosing between 320 and lossless depending on the content. If the audio is sparse enough, sometimes 128 can be all that is needed, but that's rare.
I can do this test later if you want, but keep in mind I don't have my 6xx yet, so I'd be using HD595.
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