BBC 320kbps aac

Posted by: Mr Underhill on 11 January 2016

I have been listening to the available BBC Prom 2015 concerts via iPlayer, most recently Prom 61.

The quality of the music is very good. Prom 61 includes Bartok's 2nd Piano Concerto, a work I had never heard. I have now listened to it three times, it is very good - with some excellent fireworks and drama folded in.

I recommend these streams, unfortunately I have only been able to find them for classical music. iPlayer has a number of classic rock concerts, but at much lower quality.

Posted on: 11 January 2016 by Mr Underhill

Just analysed the file - no 15k filter.

Posted on: 12 January 2016 by Mike-B

Mr Underhill posted:
Just analysed the file - no 15k filter.

I posted on a related subject a few days ago ......... I'm beginning to favour iRadio over FM as it has better HF & does not seem to be so affected by compression.

I keep meaning to find out what BBC HLS frequency range is, is the 15kHz (19kHz pilot tone) filter applied for all services, it doesn't sound like it on DAB or Radio.

Posted on: 12 January 2016 by Simon-in-Suffolk

I quite like the HLS streams, and yes they have a wider frequency response and better noise figures than stereo FM, but to my aging ears it just doesn't have that organic naturalness of FM VHF.. I guess I simply don't prefer the DSP and lossy compression processing of the lossy streams.( I think the BBC use or did use Fraunhofer processors for lossy and Optimod for PCM/analogue). although it's very good.. But all things being equal lossy just doesn't make drama or music as a good FM signal into a good Tuner, with lossy compressed alternatives sounding a little sterile by comparison, and when I have the choice I nearly always opt for FM which must be telling me something..

However on BBC Radio 6 we only have web based streams for it, and arguably if used more for background music it's absolutely fine..

Now I hear the Beeb are experimenting with FLAC web radio.. Now that should be a real contender to uncle FM.

Simon

Posted on: 12 January 2016 by Mike-B

One reason I'm beginning to take BBC R3 HLS/HD over FM more seriously was the SQ during the proms, I was flicking around between both & found the HLS stream was better; the clarity, especially in the higher frequencies, was most noticeable, sound stage & more distinct separation of the various sections was also better. I wondered at the time if this was some dastardly subterfuge to entice FM enthusiasts over to the other side. Since then I've been comparing from time to time & it is variable, & I've not since found a live broadcast as a good as during the proms.

Posted on: 12 January 2016 by Mr Underhill

Having had my chimney demolished care of my aerial I no longer listen to FM.

These 320kbps concerts are good enough to get me excited by new music, keeping me engaged and delivering some dynamics. Amongst others thoroughly enjoyed the Bartok above, the Yo-Yo Ma Bach cello suites and the Fiddler on the Roof concert with Bryn Terfel.

......fingers crossed for flac!

Posted on: 12 January 2016 by Alan Willby

It's close - but to my ears Radio 3 through my Roksan Tuner is better sounding than the 320 stream. That is in spite of it not matching the background 'silence' of the digital medium - it would be further ahead if it could. I was lucky a few years back in finding a specialist who managed to set up a dedicated FM aerial that really works.

Posted on: 12 January 2016 by Simon-in-Suffolk

Yes, I agree a nice well I installed Yagi really does seem to make the difference on FM.. and of course it doesn't need to be the size of Jodrell Bank to be good and effective...

Simon