HD Audio: Its Time Has Come
Columnist John Caldwell says the HiFi benefits of high-definition audio are impossible to ignore.
Based on the reaction to my column from last week regarding the sonic quality of satellite radio , it seems like I struck a nerve with many of you. The old-school quality vs. quantity continuum of choice is being questioned. And that's a good thing. Thanks for the postings and interaction off-line as well. One noteworthy dealer made this remarkable observation and comparison:
Wow. Comparing HiFi to the founding fathers? Heady stuff, I must admit. But this dealer is right. Life is too short for mediocre audio. I'll always advocate for better quality audio because listening to music can be so emotionally satisfying when it's done right. Especially when HiFi isn't necessarily more expensive than the alternative. If there is one thing I've learned in being an audiophile for the last 30+ years it's that HiFi isn't necessarily a price point. It's an approach.
For more of John's thoughts on HD Audio, check out
http://www.electronichouse.com/article/hd_audio_its_time_has_come/C155
Columnist John Caldwell says the HiFi benefits of high-definition audio are impossible to ignore.
Based on the reaction to my column from last week regarding the sonic quality of satellite radio , it seems like I struck a nerve with many of you. The old-school quality vs. quantity continuum of choice is being questioned. And that's a good thing. Thanks for the postings and interaction off-line as well. One noteworthy dealer made this remarkable observation and comparison:
Quote:
There are elements of this industry which are fascinating and exciting. On the other hand, there are elements which make me want to puke. It would be nice if more people on your side of the line voiced their position as succinctly as you have done in this article. I know that I rarely sit on the side of indifference if there is something better to be had and do not hesitate to steer customers to the side of performance and fidelity. There is something to be said about making a moral stand. Seems to me that a bunch of fellows did that very thing in the mid 1700s, and thus an extraordinary new way of life and thinking was born, which serves as a beacon to us all.
There are elements of this industry which are fascinating and exciting. On the other hand, there are elements which make me want to puke. It would be nice if more people on your side of the line voiced their position as succinctly as you have done in this article. I know that I rarely sit on the side of indifference if there is something better to be had and do not hesitate to steer customers to the side of performance and fidelity. There is something to be said about making a moral stand. Seems to me that a bunch of fellows did that very thing in the mid 1700s, and thus an extraordinary new way of life and thinking was born, which serves as a beacon to us all.
Wow. Comparing HiFi to the founding fathers? Heady stuff, I must admit. But this dealer is right. Life is too short for mediocre audio. I'll always advocate for better quality audio because listening to music can be so emotionally satisfying when it's done right. Especially when HiFi isn't necessarily more expensive than the alternative. If there is one thing I've learned in being an audiophile for the last 30+ years it's that HiFi isn't necessarily a price point. It's an approach.
For more of John's thoughts on HD Audio, check out
http://www.electronichouse.com/article/hd_audio_its_time_has_come/C155
