On some tracks, I can hear a huge difference between the CD converted in FLAC and the same song bought on Qobuz in 24/96. And I'm sure it's not a placebo effect, as I've invited some friends to tell the difference between files, and they were never wrong, always prefering the depth of the 24/96 files.

So I'm sure that I hear the difference between CD and HD, but I'm quite sure that what I'm hearing is the difference between 24 and 16bits, and not the difference between 44,1 and 96kHz sampling rate, but that's personnal, maybe some people here can hear the difference.

So I can assure you that 24bit files are played as 24bit files.

On my Encore, all sampling rate are read between 44,1 and 96kHz, but not higher. That also seem to indicate that the Encore actually reads the file as it should, not downgrading to 44,1kHz, because if it was doing that, why not doing it on 192kHz files?

If you want to test with some files, don't hesitate to download the free frequency test album from Qobuz : if you already have an account, enter the qbzfreq2 gift code. (and if you don't have an account, why not being sponsored by me with

Thanks a lot for your input Mbee. I have also made some comparisons and do think that HD files sound better compared to CDs. I was just worried that it might be a purely psychological thing! I'm glad your experience tells you the same, also with the 'blind tests' you have conducted with your friends.

As for Qobuz, I am a big fan! I have used this website quite a few times already, here's hoping that they will extend their HD catalogue even further!

Cheers, VANTAGE

 

The Absolute sound had a series of 4-6 articles discussing the all-about computer audi, formats, bit rates, mastering, ripping, storing, cabling, powering, etc., in the last 6 months. I personally found it to be fascinating. Look at issues 11/11, 12/11, 01/12, 02/12, 03/12 and 06/12 (especially revealing about what goes on/goes wrong before you get tat CD or computer file. Very technical, but not behind most here.

Does anyone know where I can get a definitive listing of the exact audio formats supported at present by the BS5/BM/5? I am especially interested in if WAV files of 176.4/24 bit are supported.

B

Thanks for the tip!

Now getting a complete list of all formats supported by BS5 / BM5 might be tough, since my experience (see above) has told me that even B&O has got it wrong :-)

Vantage

BS5 up to 192kHz 24bit FLAC

BS5e up to 96kHz 24bit FLAC

BS5e: no down sampling of 192kHz files (any files above 96kHz), there is simply no sound to be heard

 

my own experience with both systems (ripped DVD Video/Audio, BR and SACD as well bought HD files)

 

 

see

/forum/beogram/beogram-4002---texts-for-restauration#post-2227181 (post of Geoff Martin from Stuer)

Good stuff, thanks a lot Carolpa, you really made my day 🙂

I will continue hunting HD files then...

Cheers, VANTAGE

@Frisp

was the file a 24bit 192kHz 2 channel music file? Or was it a multichannel file? The multichannel file will not be audible!

 

the answer of B&o is in that way strange, that it is more complex to downgrade steaming music then put additional codecs in the system.

Note: the BM5 is build around a VIA board with HD capabilities/spec's.

Frankly speaking, I don't know and I'm not sure I get the meaning of the last part 🙁, except from the fact that it does look as if the BM5 is able to play HD files.

However, I have just tried a 24bit 192kHz file from the Linn site (http://www.linnrecords.com/linn-downloads-testfiles.aspx)

and it plays beautifully.

Thanks.