AUDIO FORMAT

PCM 24-bit / 192 kHz (High-Resolution Audio)

PCM Lossless

Specifications

FamilyPCM
Bit depth24
Sample rate192,000 Hz
Bit rate9.216 Mbps stereo
Lossless?yes
Extensions.flac, .wav
SpecificationAES3
Developerindustry standard

Overview

24-bit / 192 kHz PCM. Bandwidth covers 20 Hz – 96 kHz, dynamic range theoretical 144 dB. The standard delivery format for HDtracks, Qobuz Studio Premier, native-DSD-to-PCM conversions, and most studio archive masters.

Audible benefit over 24/96 in playback is debated and inconsistent across listeners; the file-size cost is meaningful (50% more storage than 24/96). Best argument for 24/192 in 2026 is future-proofing rather than audible improvement.

All flagship DACs in the database (including the desktop reference DAC and the reference portable DAP) support this rate natively. See also PCM 32/384.

Typical use cases

  • high-end studio masters
  • classical recording

Supported on these devices

DEVICE

Reference Portable Digital Audio Player (Dual ES9038Q2M)

Dap

DEVICE

Mid-Tier Compact Balanced DAP (ES9219C)

Dap

DEVICE

Desktop Reference DAC (Dual ES9038Pro)

Desktop Dac

DEVICE

USB-C Dongle DAC with Dual CS43131 and Balanced Out

Portable Dac

DEVICE

Desktop Integrated DAC + Headphone Amp (ES9039Pro)

Dac Amp