I find Mr Matt Finley's archived contribution that's linked to this post to be exceedingly useful on a practical, technical standpoint.

However, I say that I myself find myself to be highly annoyed with the question itself every time it surfaces on the forum, because as a dyed in the wool audiophile with perfect hearing and immaculate taste, I simply cannot comprehend the lack of self-respect that would come from groveling in the dirt with pigs.

Asking whether some cheap bargain basement variety of an audio file is that the same caliber as the audiophile version is like asking what is the better choice at University, Cambridge, or any good school at Oxford, or Pink Hill Community College in Redneck County?

Or what is the more suitable beverage? Real Champagne from France, or bubbling sewage water from the local tap? Or what is the better musical choice for an evening of listening? Live tickets to the London Philharmonic, or some squalid bohemian evening sitting on some vinyl couch listening to Spotify?

You shock and offend the delicate sensibilities of the true audiophile by even raising the question.

It is a horror.

Any true audiophile knows that it has nothing to do with the sound itself, and everything to do with the absolute obstinate personality that refuses to compromise its dignity and roll around on the ground with common grunts!

There! Steady on man and choose your crowd before it chooses you!!

David Snyder
Songwriter/Renaissance Man
Studio + Fingers

https://davidsnydersongs.com/
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