Hi Alfie,
The bit in bold though is the million dollar question... Exactly how much NEW
real music (not audiophile tinkly-tinkly pap) is available as high-res downloads, compared to the same on CD?
For me, no matter how good high-res downloads sound, unless I can obtain the
same quantity of choice of new music, as is available now on CD (and/or CD and vinyl together), then I'd simply not be interested! Choice seems rather limited at the moment, and I'm not convinced it's likely to get better to the degree I'd require to wholeheartedly embrace the format.
As for the audio performance aspect of high-res downloads, I can't really comment as I've yet to hear any reproduced through a genuinely top-notch system (something I could actually live with), so until then I'll reserve judgement.
However, what I will say is that I'm sceptical of an entity which may well start its life as 'high-res', being diluted into something rather inferior, as it makes its way through the replay chain of (noisy, non-audiophile friendly) paraphernalia attached to the average computer streaming set-up, and its inherent sonic compromises.............
What use is there in sampling the finest claret after it’s been strained though a sweaty sock?
Marco.