A digital file (not stream) is the best possible format, easily surpassing a CD. 24 bit/44 or 48 will do the trick, and for those that care, 24/96 is readily available.
Agree. Early 16/44.1 had so many errors. 24/96 if done properly should be better than any tape/vinyl/whatever (Digital Analog is better than any Analog). Nowadays, 16/44.1 should be ok for most everything except the highest dynamic range requirements after people have figured out how to use it. Then again, mastering for mp3 has us putting up windmills when nuclear energy is available.
Listen to how poorly the drums crackle and shimmer with reconstruction errors on this early 80's GRP 16/44 digital recording:
Dianne_S.mp3