If any of you actually read these notes, you've probably figured out that I'm a CD-toting, vinyl-loving, audio snob. Snobbery isn't a bad thing when it elevates your quality of life. And I'm not so out of hand that I refuse to listen to an MP3 now and then. For those of you who really haven't thought about what format you're listening to, here's a little challenge.
If any of you actually read these notes, you've probably figured out that I'm a CD-toting, vinyl-loving, audio snob. Snobbery isn't a bad thing when it elevates your quality of life. And I'm not so out of hand that I refuse to listen to an MP3 now and then. For those of you who really haven't thought about what format you're listening to, here's a little challenge.
Find a good stereo. This could be your mid to hi-fi system at home, a really good aftermarket system in a car or a sound room at a store (with a nice owner who will let you fiddle around with the gear a *** Select a song you know really well and make some MP3s of it at 128kbps and 256kbps. If you're lucky, you can find the song on vinyl (if you're using a home or store setup) and DVD-Audio or SACD, too.
Ask a friend to help you switch from different format to different format while you're wearing a blindfold. Pay attention to the sonic character of the song and see if you can tell the difference between the formats. I find low-end MP3s to be incredibly hollow and lacking, especially when you compare them to the fullness of a good-ol' analog record. Listening to them for a little bit is fine, but after a while, I get tired and want to switch to something else.
If you can't tell the difference between a 128kbps MP3 and a CD on a good stereo, then I don't see why you shouldn't listen to MP3s! They're incredibly convenient, and save you the hassle of lugging those CDs around. But, that still doesn't let compressed music off the hook. One thing I didn't know about MP3s is how they're changing the way music is recorded. Read this fascinating article from Rolling Stone (http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/17777619/the_death_of_high_fidelity/print) to learn more about MP3s and the death of high-fidelity.