“Liquid music” means playing music from digital formats such as tablets:
– MP3 (lossy, that is, with a more or less noticeable quality loss depending on the bit rate)
– FLAC (without loss, that is, without loss of quality)
The uncompressed format (eg WAV) is almost never used as it is too expensive in terms of space (for storage) and network bandwidth (for playback). In fact, liquid music is usually stored on the hard drives of regular PCs (or other digital players) and is often played on home Wi-Fi networks (as well as on the Internet).
As for the MP3 format, almost everyone agrees that the 128 kbps (CBR, constant bit rate) standard, extended until a few years ago, does not offer enough high-fidelity quality (may be good for portable players if you don’t have too many claims) Conversely, formats from 192kbps to 320kbps (top) can provide excellent audio quality, albeit more costly in terms of space and bandwidth. A good compromise is often the 256 kbps VBR (Variable Bit Rate).
The FLAC format is exactly the same as the digital original, in terms of quality. For example, 44-kHz and 16-bit files can be reproduced with the same quality as CDs, with the advantage of not degrading over time, since they are not subject to wear on optical media and consequent read errors (in addition from the obvious risk of permanent damage due to repeated use). But there is more. Without the limitations of CD support, which has meant that a full series of more or less general evolutions (SACD, DVD-Audio, Blu Ray, etc.) have been introduced, sample rates and number of bits can also be used . high, up to 192khz 24bit (historically used only in professional recording studios and now available to all fans).
In general, the long-time passionate audiophile is quite skeptical about the use of new technologies and, in particular, of liquid music. Neglecting “tactile” and “psychoacoustic” factors, this skepticism stems essentially from two factors:
1) The potential loss of quality compared to physical media
2) The complexity of management (installation, configuration, use)
Regarding point (1), as already mentioned, there are no intrinsic limitations in the formats, but clearly in the final quality other factors come into play such as the devices used for the reproduction (in particular the DACs and the analog output stages. related).
Regarding point (2), the problem exists and is not a trivial matter. It is also true that, once properly configured, a liquid music playback system can provide great satisfaction and be extremely more practical and flexible in use than a traditional hi-fi system.
Basically, there are 3 aspects to manage to enter the world of “high-end liquid music”:
a) How to get music files and / or convert your own discs
b) Where to store the files and, therefore, where to reproduce them
c) How to play music files
Point (a) is perhaps the most complicated, since it requires a minimum of familiarity with the PC. In general, in fact, music files need to be purchased online from online stores (just think of Amazon, iTunes, etc.) in good quality MP3 format (generally at least 192 kbps). But to avoid the burden of buying back what you already have, especially if it is in CD format, it is more convenient to convert (or “extract”) your CD case using special PC software, which runs from the classic Windows Media Player (available on all Windows PCs) to free and widespread Exact Audio Copy, excellent for lossless FLAC format. It is also possible to buy music directly in high definition (for example, from the HD Tracks site) and, for those who have the time and the desire, digitize their vinyl in HD format using acquisition cards with high-quality analog-digital converters .
Item (b) is still quite cumbersome, as few audiophiles will be willing to connect their “regular” PC to the hi-fi system, for various reasons: limited storage space (especially on laptops), mediocre level DACs, absence of RCA outputs, slow power, background noise, absence of remote control, non-immediate playback start, etc. Therefore, they will most likely choose to store their music library at:
b1) a large external USB hard drive of at least 1TB (I suggest this WD My Passport) to connect it to a hi-fi component that allows liquid music playback.
