https://www.npr.org/sections/therecord/2015/06/02/411473508/how-well-can-you-hear-audio-quality

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How Well Can You Hear Audio Quality? : The Record A hi-def test for
your ears (and your audio equipment): Listen to these songs and see
if you can tell the difference between an MP3 and an uncompressed
audio file.
 

The Record

Music News From NPR
NPR logo How Well Can You Hear Audio Quality?

The Record

How Well Can You Hear Audio Quality?

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June 2, 20152:10 PM ET

Tyler Fisher

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Jacob Ganz.

Jacob Ganz

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Can you hear what goes missing when you compress an audio file?
Enlarge this image
Illustration by Claire O'Neill/NPR
Illustration by Claire O'Neill/NPR

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Recently, the rapper Jay Z relaunched the subscription streaming
music service Tidal, which includes the option to listen to
high-definition audio for $19.99 per month. Tidal's HiFi, with its
uncompressed audio files, promises a better listening experience than
any other streaming service on the market.

Many listeners cannot hear the difference between uncompressed audio
files and MP3s, but when it comes to audio quality, the size of the
file isn't (ahem) everything. There are plenty of other ingredients
to consider, from the quality of your headphones to the size of the
room you're sitting in to, well, your own ears.

Can you hear the difference? Take this quiz to find out. One hint:
Turn your volume up.

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