What are common hi‑res formats?

High-resolution (hi-res) audio formats go beyond standard CD quality (16-bit/44.1 kHz) to capture more detail, depth, and dynamic range from the original recording. They’re designed for listeners who want to experience music with studio-master precision - and who have gear capable of revealing those subtle improvements.

1. PCM-Based Formats (Most Common)

These formats use Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) - the same method as CDs, but with higher bit depth and sampling rates for greater fidelity.

• FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec)
  The most popular hi-res format. Compresses audio without losing data, saving space while retaining full quality. Supported by nearly all streamers, DACs, and media players.
• Typical resolutions: 24-bit/96 kHz or 24-bit/192 kHz
• ALAC (Apple Lossless Audio Codec)
  Apple’s version of FLAC - identical in quality, just optimized for the Apple ecosystem (iTunes, Apple Music, iOS).
• WAV (Waveform Audio File)
  Uncompressed PCM - bit-perfect and widely compatible, but large in size and lacking metadata support (album art, track info).
• AIFF (Audio Interchange File Format)
  Essentially Apple’s uncompressed alternative to WAV, offering the same sound quality but with better tagging support.

2. DSD (Direct Stream Digital)

A completely different method from PCM. DSD encodes the signal using a 1-bit stream at extremely high sampling frequencies (2.8 MHz or higher).

• Typical versions: DSD64 (2.8 MHz), DSD128 (5.6 MHz), DSD256 (11.2 MHz)
• Known for a smooth, analog-like character and very low noise floor at high frequencies.
• Playback requires DACs that support DSD natively or through conversion (DoP - DSD over PCM).

Note: DSD’s advantage isn’t always about “more resolution,” but rather its distinctive sonic texture - many listeners find it fluid and natural, especially for acoustic or classical music.

3. MQA (Master Quality Authenticated)

MQA is a proprietary format designed to deliver hi-res sound in smaller, streaming-friendly file sizes. It “folds” high-resolution information into a standard FLAC container and requires compatible hardware or software to fully “unfold” it.

• Used primarily by TIDAL HiFi Plus.
• Sound quality depends on how well the file is mastered and decoded - opinions in the audio world are divided on its necessity and transparency.

4. Why These Formats Exist

All hi-res formats aim to achieve the same goal: capture more of the recording’s nuance and dynamic range than CD can hold.

• Higher bit depth → finer volume gradation (less quantization noise).
• Higher sample rate → more accurate timing and smoother transients.

The differences can be subtle but rewarding on a well-set-up system with quality DACs, amps, and speakers.