How to Make Your Music Sound Hi-Res Without Spending Much

Listening to music in high resolution (Hi-Res) doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With a few smart choices and simple upgrades, you can dramatically improve your audio experience without splurging on expensive equipment.

1

Download and play Lossless audio formats

If the audio itself is very compressed, it doesn’t matter if your hardware is expensive or if your audio setup was professionally installed. There are many different audio formats. If you want to listen to Hi-Res music, you have to listen to lossless audio formats.

Although compressed audio formats such as MP3 and M4A require less storage and are conveniently available in all music streaming applications, you will have to jump if you want to enjoy listening to music in high resolution.

Go for lossless audio formats like FLAC, ALAC, or WAV. These audio formats require more storage space because they are not compressed and contain more data. You can find lossless music on streaming services like Amazon Music HD, Tidal and Apple Music.

Make sure your playback device supports these formats. Many modern devices do, so this update might cost you nothing more.

2

Replace the stock ear pads

Stock earpads in most headphones are made of cheap materials that wear out quickly. Replacement can significantly improve comfort and sound quality. Look for memory foam headphones with velvet covers for balance and durability. So, you have to try and experiment with the ones that conform to your head and create a tight seal around your ears. This should enhance bass response and reduce external noise, which can affect your listening experience.

3

Use a Wired Over Wireless connection

Most Bluetooth audio devices compress music to lower signal bandwidth and provide a consistent experience. This ensures fast response times and longer battery life. While convenient, compression reduces audio resolution. More premium wireless headphones and speakers can support LDAC, but unless you’re willing to pay for them, you’ll want to stick to a wired connection when playing Hi-Res music.

4

Try it with EQ software

No audio equipment provides perfect sound out of the box. Equalizer (EQ) software allows you to adjust audio frequencies and customize your listening experience. You can start with free EQ tools like Equalizer APO (Windows) o eqMac (macOS). Many smartphones also have built-in EQ settings.

Boost the bass for electronic or hip-hop tracks and boost the treble for classical or acoustic tracks. When using EQ in Hi-Res audio, remember that less is more. Too much bass can muddy up treble, and too much treble can make the sound harsh or hard to hear at times. Aim for a balanced approach that complements the type of audio and your personal preferences. Experiment with small adjustments and try on different tracks to find the ideal settings for your ears.

5

Adjust the speaker placement

Speaker placement has a huge impact on sound quality. Even the best speakers will not work well if placed incorrectly. Here’s how you want to place your speakers:

• Position the speakers at ear level for optimal sound projection.

• Keep them equidistant from your listening position to maintain a balanced stereo image.

• Avoid placing the speakers too close to walls or corners, as this causes bass distortion.

• Speakers angled slightly inward for a more focused soundstage.

Experiment with placement until you find the setup that works best for your room.

6

Line speakers with internal damping

Cheap speakers often vibrate or resonate, distorting the sound. Adding internal damping materials can minimize these problems. You need to open up your speaker cabinets/enclosure and line the inside with foam or polyfill. These materials absorb unwanted vibrations, resulting in a cleaner sound.

7

Get a cheap DAC

If you have done everything in the list and you are still not satisfied with the audio quality, you should buy a dedicated DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter). Most DACs built into phones and laptops prioritize cost over performance, which can affect sound quality. Upgrading to a dedicated DAC can transform your listening experience.

A good DAC uses “audio quality components“which makes it the most expensive upgrade on this list. However, some DACs are relatively inexpensive for what they offer. For an affordable DAC, check out the FiiO JadeAudio KA3 for phones and laptops and the AIYIMA+DAC+A1 for the installation of speakers.

Improving the sound quality of your music does not require a large budget. Try these tips and rediscover your favorite songs in a whole new light. Great sound is not about expensive equipment; it’s about making the most of what you have.