You aren\'t the only one - I also listen primarily to 24bit sources because I enjoy the added resolution and can tell the difference. Sometimes its obvious, sometimes not so much - depends on what you\'re recording. I also do some mid/side recording and the m/s>stereo mixdown definitely benefits from the higher bitrate. Same thing goes for any processing like EQ. I\'ve been recording 24bit since 2001, maybe early 2002, and have just started to torrent 24bit sources since the "user base" has finally begun to grow.
The argument for 96k and higher sampling isn\'t as significant. I think the main issue is that PCM decoding typically uses a very sharp low-pass filter to eliminate some high frequency nasties and at 96k its threshold is pushed way out of audible range. There are also some arguments that involve spacial cues, imaging, etc.
both you and mike make some good points which I enjoy discussing on the forum.
m/s recordings are great; I wish more people would utilize this technique. I\'ve experimented with an alternate use with the m/s decoder and plugged in (soundboard-audience) > stereo mix. you can download one here:
http://www.archive.org/audio/etree-details-db.php?id=5822.
I don\'t own a figure8 mic so I can\'t do it the standard way.
I also record live 24bit multitrack. Because mixing involves automating individual levels as much +24db and adding plugin effects, it\'s nice to know that a bounced mix utilized full bandwith. but at the same time the difference is still very tough to discern. Here\'s a hidden gem on lma. looks like only 2 people downloaded it:
http://www.archive.org/audio/etree-details-db.php?id=5716BTW: best Cosmic Spaceway Rhyme, full of emotion, nice tempo.