HRx Information/FAQs

Starting 2017, the Reference Recordings website will also offer 176.4 kHz/24 bit downloads of many titles. These files are the same as the files on our HRx Discs. You have a choice to buy discs or download files! Links showing available formats will be on the page describing each title.

Technical Overview

We supply files that have exact copies of digital data from our master recordings. These are loaded to a computer or server that has been set up with player software and a special sound card to provide precisely timed signals to operate an external high quality digital to analog converter (or DAC). Our releases are two channel, 24 bit high-resolution copies that are sampled at 176.4 kHz, the same PCM formats that have been used by the professional industry for many years.

Merits of the System

For the first time, listeners are at the top of the food chain. They will experience clarity, resolution, and a seductive ease of listening – the same presentation production people, like ourselves, hear at sessions and from masters. Older release formats had filters, tape recorders, record cutters, and coding devices further down the chain that obscured or veiled this experiential connection or collective consciousness.

Advances in the Art

High-speed data handling and powerful processing are fundamental to contemporary media. Technology is replacing old methods, which had to compromise sound in order to fit the recording to the early release formats. Consumer High Fidelity began in the 1950’s with professional equipment that was state of art for its time. High-resolution systems are emerging from a similar development path.

Typical Equipment

When we first made HRx discs available, we used a simple Dell computer with Microsoft XP operating system for playback. We downloaded and set up Media Monkey as its player. A Lynx AES 16 card was installed to provide a re-clocked ultra low jitter professional AES signal. A single cable routed this signal to an outboard digital to analog converter unit. We like the Berkeley Audio Design Alpha DAC, which can drive a power amplifier directly and eliminate preamplifiers and cables from the system. Programs are loaded from DVD recorded optical discs and the data becomes WAV files to the player. These are presented as a track list that can be played from mouse or remote control commands. This early computer music system still works fine, though there are many other high resolution playback options available now, including multi-format disc players such as the OPPO.

FAQ’s

What is HRx?

HRx is our trade name for high resolution audio WAV files on a DVD-R data disc. These files contain exact bit-for-bit copies of Reference Recordings’ master recordings. They are the ultimate in fidelity for two-channel sound!

Why did Reference Recordings decide to make HRx?

We have a virtually unbroken history of making the finest possible high resolution recordings. We started with analog tape. We weren’t satisfied with early technology, 16 bit digital recordings, but soon began making HDCD (High Definition Compatible Digital) recordings, in which the process was co-designed by our own recording guru Keith O. Johnson. In the opinion of many, these are probably the best digital recordings ever. Currently we record at 176.4 kHz/ 24 bits, with HDCD, and that is what we put on our HRx discs. Like any quality recording company, we have long been frustrated by the limitations of consumer formats: LP, CD, SACD, DVD-A, etc. No one but our recording and mastering team could hear the full beauty of our recordings! ALL of the consumer formats downgraded the true sound of the master tapes, either because of the limitations of the format itself or of the playback equipment. Computer music playback is the new frontier, and we applaud the brave audiophiles who are its pioneers! The WAV files on HRx are exactly the same as our master recordings. As long as the playback system you use does not convert or corrupt the bits, they will sound as wonderful as our original masters.

Will Reference Recordings stop making CDs or SACDs?

We make terrific CDs and SACDs, and expect to continue to do so for years. They provide a very satisfying musical experience for the vast majority of music lovers and audiophiles.

Will Reference Recordings make all its titles on HRx?

No, only selected titles will be released on HRx.

Are there differences between HRx discs and 176.4 kHz/24 bit downloads available starting 2017on the RR website?

The files for the discs and for downloads contain the same digital information and the music is identical. Uncompressed WAV files are large, so some people prefer a disc, which also comes in a DVD case with a printed booklet. That way, you don’t have to download files, just load them onto your computer or server, or play them directly in a compatible player. No download time, plus you have a backup. The advantage of downloads is that you can have the files quickly, without waiting for shipping!

Will Reference Recordings make all its titles on HRx?

No, only selected titles will be released on HRx.

What does HRx cost?

Reference Recordings sells HRx discs for $29.98 each (except HR-2011 Sampler which is $19.98). They are individually made, tested and packaged.

What is the resolution of HRx discs?

Current titles are 176.4 kHz/ 24 bits. There may be some HRx titles in the future which are 88.2 kHz/ 24 bits, because when the master tapes of those titles were recorded, 176.4 kHz was not yet possible.

What is the advantage of HRx and high resolution download files?

The advantage of 176.4/24 files can be illustrated by comparing them to Compact Discs. CDs consist of two channels of 16-bit PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) audio sampled 44,100 times per second. A 176.4/24 recording contains two channels of 24-bit PCM audio sampled 176,400 times per second.

This is a substantial increase in the resolution and bandwidth of the recording. The situation is similar to a printed photo: the more dots per square inch, the better the clarity of the photo. With 176.4/24, the depth and texture of the music will be more apparent. The realism of the music will offer you a more relaxed, effortless listening experience. You will hear extreme high-frequency extension and purity, as well as exciting dynamic contrast. You can really hear the difference!

How do you use HRx discs?

The DVD-R data disc is normally uploaded to a computer music server, which then will play the music files through your audio system. Some specialized players can play the files directly from the disc. One example is the OPPO player, whose models BDP-93, 95, 103, and 105 support HRx discs.

Do you need an internet connection for HRx discs?

No, the WAV files are on a DVD-R disc. Your computer DVD drive is used to load the files to your hard drive.

Can you play HRx on DVD, CD or SACD players?

No, they will not play on standard DVD, CD or SACD players. They will play on computer music servers, and on some universal players. Some companies are making stand-alone music servers, or one can be built using a computer with special sound card and DAC (digital audio converter).

You should check with the manufacturer for any special information about your player. In general, universal players will NOT play our HRx discs. HRx 176.4 kHz / 24 bit DVD-R Data Discs are burned on DVD-R media, but they contain computer data, not a specific format like Compact Disc, DVD-Audio or SACD. It would be like asking your CD player to play a computer CD-R disc that contains Word or Excel files. Some have asked if our discs are “Finalized.” That is the last process in making a CD, DVD, or SACD master which puts the track listing, timings, etc. into a header on the disc. Our HRx discs contain .WAV files, used in the music industry for master recordings, and do not have that kind of header. Track names and timings and cover images will not automatically be entered into your library, they must be manually copied.