Steven Wilson CD vs. High-Res: If SW can't tell the difference...

[abby normal]

the difference to me is that the hirez formats sound to me, "softer" in the trebles.

 

[jimfisheye]

the difference to me is that the hirez formats sound to me, "softer" in the trebles.

This is what I was talking about. So many CD editions have a bionic treble boost (along with the weapons grade brick wall limiting) that most people think the format causes that. You are hearing different intentional mastering work with the HD delivered titles you prefer. Neither 44.1k sample rate nor 16 bit sample size alters the high end like that.

This one you can prove to yourself with free software. Convert your favorite HD track (with the softer trebles) to 44.1k and then to 16 bit. What do you hear?