Mark Waldrep AIX Records HD Audio Challenge II
 

Those of you familiar with Mark Waldrep from AIX Records, , AKA Dr. AIX, might be familiar with his HD Audio Challenges.

Mark did the Challenge I over the summer of 2018 with 6 audio files, now he has just started the HD Audio Challenge II. So I thought I would post it here for those who might want to have some fun participating.

He has "taken the native 96 kHz/24-bit PCM masters and down-converted them to 96 kHz/16-bit, 44.1 kHz/24-bits, and 44.1 kHz/16-bits (CD “Redbook” spec). Then he converted all of down-conversions back to 96 kHz/24-bits so that all of them are precisely the same size, he has been very careful to ensure that they are the same volume."

If you go to the bottom of the page linked at the bottom of this post, you will see details of the Challenge II, and a spot where you can sign up to receive a link from Mark to download all of the files. He currently has about 500 of us who have downloaded the files, and are in the process of trying to see if we can hear a difference between the 2 recordings of each song. He also has a form on his web page that, after listening, you can fill out and choose which of the 2 sections you thought was the better quality. He would like to get 1000 or more participants.

He has / will be send updates as the Challenge moves along, and will eventually make the results available to us.

Enjoy!

http://www.realhd-audio.com/?p=6713

or

http://www.realhd-audio.com/?p=6749

Thanks for the post. :thumbsup:

Ron

Whom Can You Trust



http://www.realhd-audio.com/?p=6345

......................it appears Mark "Dr. AIX" Waldrep, Ph.D. is not a fan favorite here. :scratch2:

Ron

He is well respected and to me, a voice of reason and an approach grounded in fundamentals. Count 1 fan here.

He is a straight-shooter. However, I am not sure how valid his challege test will be. Participants already know there will be two versions of each song. Consequently, they will be listening intently trying to hear a difference. Many will expect a difference whether there is one or not. When not sure, some will just guess.

Different audio gear and listening environment.

He's not a fan of MQA.

To say the least.....................this audio stuff is a hobby for many, but don't forget it's also big business for some.

Ron

Smart man...

I encourage others to sign up and try the challenge. It's interesting and the music is good.

There are 20 songs with 2 versions each. The original master is the 96/24 PCM 2-channel stereo mix. The other one is a downconversion to 44.1/16-bits which was then put into a 96/24 bucket.

As of now, I’m having a hard time telling any listening difference, using my PS Audio DirectStream DAC w/Bridge II streaming Roon, or bypassing Roon and using mconnect Control. :scratch2:

Ron