Sony Support

Article ID : 00178500 / Last Modified : 25/05/2022Print

Frequently asked questions related to High-Resolution audio.

    You can find below a summary of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about High-Resolution (Hi-Res) audio.

    1. When I use a Hi-Res compatible playback device, do I need Hi-Res labeled headphones/speakers to enjoy Hi-Res audio, or does the technology work with standard headphones/speakers?
    2. If I stream Hi-Res audio content through my Hi-Res device, but use Bluetooth speakers, is the resulting sound Hi-Res?
    3. Is music automatically "converted" to high(er) resolution audio on tablets such as the Xperia Z3 Compact tablet?

      1. When I use a Hi-Res compatible playback device, do I need Hi-Res labeled headphones/speakers to enjoy Hi-Res audio, or does the technology work with standard headphones/speakers?

        In order to fully enjoy Hi-Res quality sound, all the equipment involved in your system should be Hi-Res compatible. If either of the components in your system is not Hi-Res compatible, the Hi-Res sound will not be reproduced. We recommend using products with the Hi-Res label in order to guarantee that all the devices in your system are Hi-Res compatible. However, some devices support Hi-Res even though they do not bear the label. If you are in doubt, please check the specifications of your device.

        Hi-Res label

      2. If I stream Hi-Res audio content through my Hi-Res device, but use Bluetooth speakers, is the resulting sound Hi-Res?

        Hi-Res audio cannot be streamed using Bluetooth speakers, because Bluetooth technology does not meet the Hi-Res specifications due to bandwidth limitations.However, devices such as the Sony NWZ-ZX2 Walkman with the LDAC technology offer an enhanced wireless listening experience for all your music. LDAC is a new audio technology from Sony that allows you to enjoy high quality wireless audio via Bluetooth, with 3x more data transmitted than with standard Bluetooth.

      3. Is music automatically "converted" to high(er) resolution audio on tablets such as the Xperia Z3 Compact tablet?

        Unfortunately, you cannot convert non Hi-Res audio into Hi-Res audio.
        However, devices with the DSEE HX feature will emulate the details lost during compression with MP3 files and similar compression formats, in order to offer a superior listening experience.