Enjoying high-quality sound is like enjoying a delicious meal. It's not enough to have good food; you also need a chef who knows how to bring out its full flavor. That's why, even though music services now offer Hi-Res audio, it's useless without a suitable audio system. Here's everything you need to know about Hi-Res players.
What is Hi-Res sound
The acronym Hi-Res stands for High Resolution . Therefore, Hi-Res sound or audio is simply high-resolution sound, and the idea is to assure the user that the listening experience will be identical to the original recording. But it's still worth explaining how a recording is made.
When you enter a studio to record, what takes place is an analog process that records the waveform of the different sounds that are produced. These can be those of a musical instrument, voices, etc. This process is capture by that wave completely without any kind of compression or alteration of it.
So far so good, but in order to enjoy this recording on devices that we use daily such as televisions, mobile phones and many other players, it is essential that it has been previously converted to digital format. That's when all this high-resolution sound quality stuff comes in.
When an analog waveform is converted to digital, a process called sampling takes place . This process divides the waveform into small sections that correspond to different frequency ranges. The higher the sampling rate, the more faithful and accurate the generated waveform will be. To give you a better idea, imagine a bar graph. The more bars, the more faithful the resulting waveform will be to the original analog waveform.
Well, most of the audio we capture with everyday tools allows us to reach sampling rates of 44,1 kHz. That means 44.100 samples are generated every second. However, high-resolution audio, or Hi-Res, increases that number to at least 96.000 samples, or 96 kHz.
This increase logically also implies a larger file size. And of course, that until not long ago was a problem. However, now it is much easier due to the capabilities of new devices, storage systems and something that is also key in all these products: compression.
Current compression algorithms make these high-quality files much easier to manage and take up less space without affecting final quality. So that you can not only store several Hi-Res tracks on supports that we had been using for the popular MP3s, but also transmit them over the Internet if you need a connection with a significant bandwidth.
So, by combining the ability to capture audio at the same quality as it was originally recorded with all these algorithms and technical improvements, we arrive at services like Spotify, Tidal, or Amazon Music HD that are able to offer very high sound quality.
Is there a real difference between normal audio and Hi-Res?
The answer to whether there are real differences between standard audio and Hi-Res audio is yes, of course there are. However, it's important to note that to appreciate this greater fidelity in the representation of each and every frequency, simply accessing a Hi-Res music service or downloading it as a file isn't enough. Having a sound system comprised of a compatible player and headphones or speakers is essential.
Therefore, if you access the Hi-Res audio option on Spotify, Tidal, or Amazon Music HD, among others, you'll need a player and sound system capable of reproducing all those frequencies that allow you to enjoy many nuances that previously went unnoticed. Or, as they say, a much wider and richer soundstage.
And we have not commented on anything, but it is also important that you train your ear and take the necessary time to sit calmly and listen to those notes that you did not hear before or were not able to locate with the same precision that you could do now.
What is needed to listen to Hi-Res audio
As we have already said, to enjoy high-resolution audio it is essential to have a player and a sound system (headphones or speakers) that are capable of reproducing all those frequencies that other devices cannot due to technical limitations.
These devices are usually easy to identify because they have some kind of seal or indicator showing that they are Hi-Res audio ready . If not, if you have doubts about whether or not it is capable, then you will have to visit the manufacturer's website and check the specifications to see if it is.
Once you have it, there are many services like Tidal, Spotify or Amazon Music that offer the possibility of listening to Hi-Res audio streaming. Although you can also do it through applications for your computer that are compatible with the different formats used for this type of recording, as long as you have a compatible sound card.
For example, for Windows and Mac there are apps like Audirvana, Amarra, Fidelia, BitPerfect, and Pure Music that allow this, although there are others. All of them must support the FLAC, ALAC, AIFF, WAV, DSD DFF, or DSD DSF formats, which are the ones most commonly used.
What to consider when buying a Hi-Res player
If you don't have any equipment capable of processing Hi-Res content, or if you're looking for a more specialized device to enjoy at home and even while traveling, etc., you can purchase one of the many available on the market today. However, you should keep a few things in mind :
- Compatible formats: as we said, at least you must have support for FLAC; ALAC, AIFF and WAV which are the most popular
- If it offers the option to connect to internet services, it must support those that you are interested in using such as Spotify, Tidal or similar
- Output connections to be able to connect speakers or headphones of different types as long as they also support Hi-Res sound
- Do you need portability? There are options as a portable player and other fixed ones, here it will depend on your needs
- Price: it is obvious, but the cost of players with Hi-Res support is usually higher than a normal one. But if you like to enjoy the highest quality, the investment is worth it in the long run.
The best Hi-Res players
Below we make a selection of the best Hi-Res players on the market. With it we hope you find the ideal option according to your needs and even budget.
Cambridge Azure 851N
Cambridge is a highly respected brand in the audio industry, and its Azur 851N is one of the most interesting players on the market. It's designed for home use, not a portable solution, but it offers a wide variety of audio output connections, including XLR, RCA, coaxial, and optical. The input signal is digital, and Spotify is among the services it supports for playing high-resolution audio. Simply connect the player to your network via Ethernet cable, and you're good to go. Enjoy!
See offer on AmazonTechnics SL-G700
Like Cambridge, Technics is another classic brand in the industry. The Technics SL-G700 is a player that not only supports digital signals and services like Spotify Connect, Chromecast, Tidal, AirPlay, and other audio playback methods such as AirPlay or DLNA, but also the use of physical discs in CD or SACD format.
Pioneer N-50AE
Another great option if you're looking for a player with high-resolution audio support is the Pioneer N-70AE . This device, also designed for home use, offers support for Spotify Connect, Chromecast, AirPlay, DLNA, and a wide variety of output connections.
See offer on AmazonSony Walkman A100
Sony offers a wide range of Hi-Res players, but the Sony Walkman A100 is one of its most iconic models and, given its current price, one of the most attractive options. Naturally, there are more affordable models and many more expensive ones, but this one strikes a very good balance.
The Walkman A100 not only allows you to play stored high-resolution music, but also music directly from various streaming apps thanks to its Android operating system . A highly recommended option.
See offer on AmazonSony NWA105B.CEW
This model features the classic design and high-quality materials typical of the Japanese brand's players, offering 16GB of internal storage, expandable by an additional 128GB via an SD card. It supports playback of the most popular audio standards (MP3, WMA, AAC, HE-AAC, Linear PCM, FLAC, Apple Lossless, AIFF, and DSD4), a 3,6-inch touchscreen, Android 9 operating system, a variety of colors, and both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
It offers a battery life (according to the manufacturer) of about 26 hours of continuous playback and you can use a charger with a USB-C standard.
See offer on AmazonHiBy R2
Ultra-compact model, perfect for carrying in your pocket and practically unnoticeable, with a 2,45-inch touchscreen, 15 hours of battery life during which it can play music –32-bit/384kHz and DSD128 thanks to the ES9218 DAC– non-stop, compatible with a multitude of formats (MP3, AAC, DSF, AIFF, APE, FLAC, WMA, WAV, OGG), Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, and a microSD slot capable of storing up to 2TB.
See offer on AmazonHiBy R3 Pro Know
This player features a dual SABRE DAC with HyperStream architecture capable of supporting PCM and DSD256 at up to 32 bits (384kHz). It includes Bluetooth 5.0, which supports high-definition codecs such as UAT, LDAC, aptX, AAC, and SBC. It also has a 2,5mm balanced output with enhanced amplification and a 3,5mm output. Its microSD card slot supports cards up to 2TB, and the entire front panel is a 3,2-inch touchscreen. The battery provides up to 19 hours of continuous playback.
See offer on AmazonFiiO M11 Pro
Leaving aside players designed for home use, let's talk about portable solutions. If you enjoy the highest possible sound quality, you'll want to take it with you wherever you go. In that regard, the FiiO M11 Pro is a very good option, although its price is somewhat high (or perhaps not).
This player, shaped like a small smartphone or MP3 player, offers a touchscreen for controlling the device's interface, accessing songs, playlists, and more. It's designed to be used with both downloaded music (offering 64GB of storage) and apps like Tidal via Wi-Fi.
See offer on AmazonAstell & Kern KANN CUBE
This device is worth every penny if you pair it with the best accessories for powerful, professional, and crystal-clear sound quality. It features a Dual ES9038PRO DAC with ESS SABRE chips specifically designed for Pro Audio Equipment. It boasts Wi-Fi connectivity, a 5-inch touchscreen, and offers 5-pin Mini XLR outputs, 32-bit/384kHz playback quality, native DSD256 support, and 128GB of storage expandable via microSD cards up to 512GB. A true beast.
See offer on AmazonPioneer XDP-02U
Pioneer again, but this time with a portable player at a more affordable price (around €299) and with WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity options . In addition to 16GB of internal storage expandable with microSD cards, it also features a 2,4-inch touchscreen. An interesting solution for those looking for quality at a reasonable price.
See offer on Amazonsurfers f20
Very compact and with a robust design, this music player also allows you to listen to lossless music thanks to its PCM510xA 2.1 VRMS stereo DAC chip . It supports all major lossless music formats.
It also features a 2-inch screen and very smooth operation with a scroll wheel, mimicking the controls of Apple's iconic iPods. Regarding connectivity, you can output audio via a standard headphone cable, and you can also plug in a microphone to record. For wireless connectivity, it offers Bluetooth v4 and the APT-X codec, one of the most advanced for maintaining sound quality during wireless streaming. However, you will need to use headphones compatible with this codec.
This player has 32GB of internal memory , but you can use a microSD card of up to 256GB. Its battery can last for about 10 hours of continuous use.
See offer on AmazonOther Hi-Res Players to Consider
These are some of the most interesting Hi-Res audio players, but there are many more on the market. There are even solutions that allow you to enjoy this content through mobile devices that a priori do not support. And not because they don't have the capacity for it, but because the integrated DACs are sometimes limited.
Therefore, external DACs connected through the Lightning connection in the case of iPhones or USB C in Android terminals can offer that digital-to-analog conversion that allows you to enjoy the highest quality. So everything is to look for what type of need you want to cover. Of course, the idea is always to enjoy all this sound quality from the tranquility of your home, sitting comfortably and without thinking about anything other than what you are listening to.
The links to Amazon in this article are part of our agreement with their Affiliate Program and may earn us a small commission on their sale (without affecting the price you pay). Even so, the decision to publish and add them has been taken, as always, freely and under editorial criteria, without attending to requests from the brands involved.