HIGH-RESOLUTION AUDIO
Headphones
Sony High-Resolution Audio
The Way The Artists Truly Intended
High-Resolution Audio
Peak quality. Re-introduced.
CDs offered good sound, but had limited storage. Later, MP3s made sharing easier, but there was significant loss in sound quality.
With lossless capture, High-Resolution Audio returns to the rich, full sound of original sources.
Audio file (MP3, AAC, etc.)
Original
High-Resolution Audio
What is High-Resolution Audio?
High-Resolution Audio refers to a collection of digital processes and formats that allow the encoding and playback of music using higher sampling rates than the standards used in CDs.
The graphs below start with the original analogue sound waves, and illustrate the low sample rate of CDs compared to the greater frequency used to record High-Resolution Audio. There is no single standard for High-Resolution Audio, but the most commonly used specifications are 24 bit/96 kHz (3.2x more data transmitted than CD) and 24 bit/192 kHz (6.5x more data transmitted than CD).
Original analogue recording
CD: 16 bit/44.1 kHz
High-Resolution Audio at 24 bit/ 96kHz
Better quality sound—however you listen
High-Resolution Audio music may be encoded in any of these six popular formats. Sony products are compatible with all of them so enjoying your music is simple and convenient.
Six common High-Resolution Audio formats
Used in professional equipment for making Super Audio CDs.
A PC-friendly format created for use in computers.
This format was developed for the Windows operating system.
A file format specifically for Mac computers.
"Lossless compression" preserves quality.
A lossless compression technology used by Apple.
Expanded wireless enjoyment
Listen to your favorite music in a wireless setting, whether it’s stereo, surround, multi-room, or via streaming service. Discover new wireless experiences and enjoy a new level of musical freedom.
Buying your High-Resolution Audio files
Enjoy the exciting world of high-resolution music—now. Music services companies offer extensive libraries of High-Resolution Audio files for sale; search them to buy your favourite genres.
High-Resolution Audio products
Whether you want on-the-go convenience or the full power of a home system, Sony High-Resolution Audio products let you hear music as the artist intended.
On-the-go
Home and office
Create the system that’s perfect for you
Enjoy high-resolution sound with a system from Sony that matches your listening preferences.
Mobile Options
HEADPHONES
High-Resolution Audio with headphones
For effortless top-quality sound on the go, simply connect your Xperia™ Smartphone, Walkman® or tablet to the headphones.
XPERIA Smartphone /
XPERIA Tablet
Walkman
Cable A
Cable B
Headphones portable
amplifier
Headphones
Amplifier and headphones
Access premium-quality music on your Xperia™ Smartphone, Walkman® or tablet with the portable headphone amplifier and MDR headphones.
XPERIA Smartphone /
XPERIA Tablet
Walkman
Cable B
Cable A
Cable C
Micro component
systems
USB B
Smartphone with CD receiver
Connect an Xperia™ Smartphone, Walkman®, or tablet with this compact system built around a Hi-Res CD receiver; add an amplifier and speakers of your choice.
XPERIA Smartphone /
XPERIA Tablet
Walkman
Cable B
Cable A
Cable C
USB DAC amplifier
USB B
Smartphone music with DAC
Combine the mobility of your Xperia™ Smartphone, Walkman® or tablet with the power of a High-Resolution Audio USB DAC amplifier and speakers to enjoy music as the artist intended.
XPERIA Smartphone /
XPERIA Tablet
XPERIA Smartphone /
XPERIA Tablet
Walkman
Android Walkman
USB B
Wireless Speaker
Cable C
Cable A
Cable B
Cable C
Wireless convenience
Play your Xperia™ Smartphone, Walkman®, or tablet through a High-Resolution Audio-capable wireless speaker for great music without an entire system.
Home and Office Options
Network Transfer
HDD Audio
Player System
HDD Audio Remote
HDD audio player system
This straightforward, relatively compact system is built around a combined analogue amplifier and 500 GB HDD (hard disk drive).
Network Transfer
HDD Audio Player
Amplifier
HDD Audio Remote
Added storage
An audio player combined with an analogue amplifier and 1-terabyte hard disk drive (HDD) delivers High-Resolution Audio with room for all your favourite music files.
Cable A
USB DAC Amplifier
USB DAC amplifier
An analogue amplifier combined with a high-performance USB DAC (digital-to-analogue converter) connects to your computer via USB cable to play High-Resolution Audio files as well as standard MP3.
USB
Amplifier and headphones
Access premium-quality music on your computer in moments with the High-Resolution Audio portable headphone amplifier and MDR headphones
LAN Cable
Broadband Router
Wireless Speaker
SongPal
High-Resolution Audio wirelessly
Connect your laptop or desktop to a High-Resolution Audio-capable wireless speaker for a convenient way to enjoy great music without an entire system.
Audio file formats overview
Want to learn more about the different formats used for High-Resolution Audio? Download this informative PDF.
Locate a store near you to experience High-Resolution Audio