The results of Mark Waldrep's "HD Audio Challenge" are live.
Mark Waldrep has always had respect, both in terms of the quality of his recordings and his generally "no nonsense", factual approach to marketing. In the years past he did believe that hi res did offer a slight audible benefit over red book CD. As he states, " I was convinced that high-resolution recording — real HD-Audio — would be perceptible." and "I was among the strongest advocates for this new and exciting “upgrade” to audio reproduction." However, a few years ago he (reliably/controlled) tested HD vs CD and kudos to him, he actually publicly admitted he couldn't distinguish them.
Now he's gone a step further, tested hundreds of others and states: "The hundreds of people that have participated in the second round of the HD-Audio Survey, have confirmed the results of the previous project. It is no longer possible to claim that “hi-res audio” is an important next step in the evolution of audio. HD-Audio is completely unnecessary for the reproduction of hi-fidelity."
Amazing considering his business model is based on hi res recordings. However, it should demonstrate that it is the actual quality of his recordings and production which makes his material sound great, ie skills and experience rather than choice of media.
Mark Waldrep has always had respect, both in terms of the quality of his recordings and his generally "no nonsense", factual approach to marketing. In the years past he did believe that hi res did offer a slight audible benefit over red book CD. As he states, " I was convinced that high-resolution recording — real HD-Audio — would be perceptible." and "I was among the strongest advocates for this new and exciting “upgrade” to audio reproduction." However, a few years ago he (reliably/controlled) tested HD vs CD and kudos to him, he actually publicly admitted he couldn't distinguish them.
Now he's gone a step further, tested hundreds of others and states: "The hundreds of people that have participated in the second round of the HD-Audio Survey, have confirmed the results of the previous project. It is no longer possible to claim that “hi-res audio” is an important next step in the evolution of audio. HD-Audio is completely unnecessary for the reproduction of hi-fidelity."
Amazing considering his business model is based on hi res recordings. However, it should demonstrate that it is the actual quality of his recordings and production which makes his material sound great, ie skills and experience rather than choice of media.