When you hear ‘hi-res audio,’ think of it as the audio world’s version of 4K or 8K video. It’s about capturing and delivering more detail from the original recording. Where CDs use 16-bit/44.1 kHz audio, services like Qobuz deliver 24-bit/96 kHz or even 24-bit/192 kHz. That means more snapshots of the sound every second and a wider range between the quietest and loudest notes. For the listener, this translates to clearer vocals, more realistic instruments, and a sense of ‘being there’.
Consumer takeaway: Hi-res isn’t hype—it’s simply a more faithful copy of the studio master. With good speakers or headphones, the difference is real.