Hi-Res Audio Certification Updates for 2025
Published: June 25, 2025 | Category: News
The Japan Audio Society (JAS) updated its Hi-Res Audio certification requirements in early 2025, and the changes matter for anyone buying premium headphones this year. The new standard introduces three tiers: Hi-Res Audio, Hi-Res Audio Wireless, and the new Hi-Res Audio High Resolution Wireless with LDAC/aptX Lossless support.
What Changed in 2025
Previously, wireless headphones could claim Hi-Res Audio status with just 96kHz/24bit capability. The 2025 update requires wireless certifications to support either 24-bit/96kHz minimum or include codec-level lossless verification. Sony’s LDAC now qualifies under the new tier, and Qualcomm’s aptX Lossless (which achieves CD-quality lossless over Bluetooth) received official recognition. This means headphones like the Sony WH-1000XM5, Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless, and the new Bose QC Ultra Wireless all meet the updated wireless standard.
The Three Certification Tiers
Hi-Res Audio (wired): Requires 96kHz/24bit or higher ADC/DAC support. Look for the gold circular logo. Products include the Audio-Technica ATH-ADX5000, Focal Utopia 2024, and Sennheiser HD 800 S with a proper DAC amp.
Hi-Res Audio Wireless: Requires 48kHz/24bit minimum with Bluetooth 5.0+. The silver circular logo. Covers most modern premium wireless headphones including Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds and Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro.
Hi-Res Audio High Resolution Wireless: The new 2025 tier requiring LDAC, aptX Lossless, or LC3plus at 96kHz/24bit. Only a handful of headphones qualify so far: Sony WH-1000XM5 (with firmware update), Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless v2, and the new Bose QC Ultra Wireless.
Why This Matters for Buyers
The certification update effectively separates marketing claims from real technical capability. A headphone advertising “Hi-Res Audio” without the new wireless tier badge may only support SBC or AAC codecs at 44.1kHz — which is CD quality but not technically Hi-Res. If you’re using a source like a high-end DAP (Astell&Kern, Sony NW-A series) or a phone with aptX/LDAC support, the new tier ensures your headphones can actually deliver the extra detail.
My Take
The 2025 updates are a welcome correction to years of loose “Hi-Res” labeling. For wired headphones, the standard hasn’t changed much — if it was certified before, it still is. The real impact is on wireless: buyers should now look for the gold wireless badge or the new silver high-res wireless badge. Don’t buy a $400+ wireless headphone in 2025 that doesn’t carry at least the Hi-Res Audio Wireless certification. For the best experience, pair with a device that supports LDAC or aptX Lossless — otherwise you’re getting standard Bluetooth quality regardless of the headphone’s capability.
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