Music 128kbps vs 320kbps vs Lossless Blind Test

http://www.head-fi.org/t/646411/lossless-vs-128kbps-mp3-vs-320kbps-mp3-blind-test

I got some pretty interesting results. Any audio enthusiasts here dare to give it a try?

 

There really isn't that much of a difference. At one point I realized that 192 was the sweet spot for general audio usage as long as the rip from CD/Lossless was good.

And that's the hitch. I can't justify lossless because I just don't have equpiment. Not that I don't have it though. Pink Floyd is a joy in FLAC.

 

All his wav files including the source at compressed down to 44100Hz 16-bit

 

Isn't that standard CD quality audio?

 

anything less then 320/flac makes my ears bleed.

 

I tend to use 192kbps, mainly because I can't tell much difference any higher and it takes up too much space. If I have an album I really like I sometimes leave it as a cd rip, just in case I do notice a difference.

 

What's your setup like? My current setup is Xonar Essence ST with Sennheiser HD555. I always rip in FLAC.

I was thinking of upgrading to HD600, and I also really wanted to try out the Bottlehead Crack, it would be a fun build and I'd love to hear what the tubes sound like. I'm trying to convince myself not to spend all that money though

 

I usually run 192-320. 256 isn't a bad number though.

In fairness in my noisy hilux, any sound is better than none.

 

almost the same, Xonar Essence ST > Logitech Z-5500's

 

All depends on audio equipment if you have high end audio stuff. Anything compared to lossless will sound bad if your using ipod headphones your not gonna notice the dif between a 128bit or a lossless.

 

Also depends heavily on your hearing of course

If your ears can't tell the difference then using a £10 vs £1000 setup will just be you being poorer

 

Cool, I also have Z-5500's, but I don't get to use them as often because they're too loud for everybody else

 

tell me about it, the output on them is terrific, I live on a street with elderly folk.



sums up my road nicely

 

^Haha, exactly.

Best speakers for the price I think. And I always feel like speakers just have something that no headphone will ever match.

 

**** me sideways.

How anyone can compare and of those I don't know. It's like going from **** Creative speakers to a full A/V setup with a half hearted middle step.

 

Just had a quick listen to Group 1 using my DT770s and not sure I could tell a difference...

I'm half falling asleep though, so will give it another go tomorrow.

 

I'll be interested to give this a try *later today* and see if there's any difference!

 

I can tell easily tell audio going from 128 to 320 and if i'm actually listening, from 320 to lossless. Depends how well mastered and how familiar I am with the music is though.

Group 1 was fairly easy, as it was a pretty complex piece and the lossy formats smeared it all over the place in areas. I'll try group 2 and 3 later.

I tend to archive(and play off my PC) in FLAC, but use 320 MP3s for my portable players, simply to save space.

 

it really depends on the track, with something that's not mixed particularly well i'm fine with a 128kbps rip, but for jazz, classical, etc i prefer 320 or FLAC rips

 

128 is OKish but if their is a choice of a high bitrate say 320 I will go for the higher one.

My pc sound system is total overkill lol I have a full AV setup for my pc its like being in the Odeon LOL