What are the specs of a digital only stereo system?

[johnpj]

I am looking at the Holden Astra Wagon 2018 in Australia to buy but was surprised to see a digital only stereo system without even an audio input jack. The only analog audio in it would be the AM/FM radio. I want to know if it can play 24 bit audio. I really don't want to have only 16 bit audio all the time. It would be a deal breaker for me. Unfortunately I have become accustomed to playing 24 bit audio, either from files like that or the enhancing switch you get on a Sony player. A quick glance at the car manual at the showroom only seemed to list files it can play. I'm not sure if flacs were mentioned. There is a USB jack. So is 24 bit typical nowadays or not? I've searched on the web for more information but I can't find any.

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[stephgirl 10+ year member]

No 24 bit is not typical on new cars. This car from Australia. Sounds like you looking for the High Definition sound. You need to re-read that dealer brochure and see what files format it will play. Or ask the dealership if they know. Yes many FLAC files are 24bit but your HU has to be able to read and play them. I have a High Definition sound system in my vehicle. I have a Pioneer HU that will play 24 bit FLAC files. They are stored on a Western Digital portable hard drive that works in my USB port and plays. I have a older Sony MP3 walkman player that has the USB cable and works in most new car systems but it is MP3 format music. Many new aftermarket HU will play 24 bit FLAC files. Go down to the car dealer and try that Sony player you said you have if it has a cable with USB on it and plug it into the new car USB port and see if it works. I would think that the Sony player would do the work by reading and playing the music then sending it out the USB cable to the factory HU.

To have a 100% full 24 bit and High Def sound system you need to have all the part. Head unit that will play 24 bit hi def files.
Amplifier that is Hi Def certified. And Hi Def certified speakers. You can use non hi def equipment like speakers or amps but you will not be able to have the hi def experience. In my vehicle i have the Pioneer HU and two Kenwood Hi Def amps and also Pioneer Hi Def component speakers. So if you really want High Definition 24 bit FLAC sound then after purchasing the car go find a local car audio shop there in Australia and see about installing a Hi Def sound system. The major 3 brands like Pioneer , Kenwood, Sony have Hi Def equipment for sale and think you should be able to get it there in Australia. I looked at the Australia web pages of Kenwood & Pioneer and they show the same equipment i have.

I looked up this Australia car and the specs show a Digital Radio (DAB+) That is a digital broadcast radio system. Similar to are HD radio here in US. It is a digital FM radio signal. Look it up on internet for more info.

Hope this help