I've got the Depeche Mode remasters. They include a CD and a DVD. The DVD includes the album songs with a PCM 24bit@48Khz format.

Now, i'm not knowledgeable enough for a blind test. So, based on your experience and knowledge i'm asking you the next questions:

Given the same master source, is it expected to be an audible difference between PCM files on a 16bit@44.1 khz vs. 24bit @ 48khz?

Now, if i use WAV files ripped from the 24bit file to create a high bit rate (256kbps) AAC or MP3 file, would there be an audible benefit vs. using the 16bit files?

Thanks,

Pepe

Well, if the 16-bit 44.1KHz versions were made correctly, there shouldn't be an audible difference. The CD format is made to represent the extreme limit of the human ear. That being said, errors can sometimes be introduced when mastering the CD version of audio when compared to a version that more matches the digital master.

I myself tested Nine Inch Nails - The Slip and I cannot distinguish between the 24-bit 48KHz WAV files and the Apple lossless files. The best thing that you can do is conduct the test. I know you said that you didn't want to but why would you want opinions from other people when we aren't the ones who are going to listen to your music? The best thing that you can do is listen to your own ears, not ours.

Audible difference exists in very dynamic material, such as movie soundtracks. Loud or moderately loud music will do away fine with just 16 or perhaps less bits.

However, given the availability of a better source (I'm assuming the content is the same), I'd take the 48000/24 copy just for the sake of taking the best there is.

I don't think you'll hear any difference, although sometimes audio DVDs and SACDs are mastered differently (especially when the SACD/DVD is mastered in digital surround).

Most people can't hear any difference between 96kHz/24-bit and 44.1kHz/16-bit. Some "Golden Ear" audiophiles claim to hear a difference, but AFAIK, this has never been proven in blind testing. (Of course, these audiophiles would never even consider using MP3, AAC, or any other lossy compression scheme.)

It's generally easier to rip the CD... It's easier to find free CD ripping programs, and the DVD might be encrypted.