Downloads Versus Streaming

@kota1 really, that close comparatively. My streaming sounds a bit thinner and brighter. There’s also more distortion. 

Not sure why CD’s would be preferable to a download unless that person had a disc spinner.

@lalitk Yes, I have a Linear Power Supply attached to my Pi. I do not have Ethernet filters. I’m using a Wireworld Platinum Starlight USB cable from the Pi to my DAC.

@kota1 I'm using something like the eau2. Which piece did you buy?

@lalitk I'm happy with the Wireworld but I'm also using an ISO Regen with LP1 and that adds an improvement to my DAC from the comparisons that I've done with or without. I also have an  XLR Akiko tuning stick in the DAC and I am happy with that. My local library sounds very good, it's not bright, it's full and rich with a low noise floor, good detail and wide sound stage. That's with the described above. I would like to at least try the ENO.

@lalitk my SSD is in a box and connected to the PI via USB cable. I was thinking about a better USB from the SSD to the Pi but in a way, that makes no sense.

Thanks to all for the suggestions. My thought was that I could purchase a better streamer as well as something like the ENO or Ether Regen. What doesn't make sense to me is why I would need a better streamer if it sounds good coming from my SSD, isn't it sending the digital signal to my DAC the same way?

Is it worth it though to spend say, $3,600 on a streamer rather than buying CD’s and downloads? The thing about digital components is that we are in a digital renaissance and the streamer of today, will be half the cost ten years from now while newer technologies become the new standard. I bought my first DAC in 2011 when DAC’s were hardly heard of, now it seems like every company makes a DAC or streamer. And, Qobuz doesn’t offer DSD or boutique remasters like Analogue Productions, MOFI, etc... A lot of approaches going in different directions, if that makes sense.

@kota1 I was thinking about the NAIM.

@jbuhl I was using an M1 Mac Mini.

@grannyring & @verdantaudio Thanks for sharing your comparisons. What about a DSD comparison with high resolution files? For me, DSD sounds better than any other format. Good remasters also produce favorable results.

@jbuhl I appreciate hearing from someone else using the Pi. I do admit that Roon has the best cataloguing software I've ever used. But I initially dropped Roon because I was not able to play DSD files through Roon. After which, I realized that MPD sounded exponentially better anyway so I found a work around using playlists and Rigelian. Bryston told me they're planning on releasing an MPD update that will be far better than anything they've ever had. I apologize for not being all that tech savvy, could you please clarify what your referring to when you said;  

'Upgrading to a mesh network and having the Pi connected directly to a node'

😎 I’m listening to a DSD download of Bill Evan’s ‘Waltz For Debbie’. Its hard to believe a fifty nine year old recording from a night club could sound this amazing. Glad I spent the money!

@jjss49 Will you tell us what you did to reach this level of streaming quality?

Streaming is very convenient and the quality is obviously precarious based on equipment, cables, etc… If I were to continue buying downloads and CD’s, I wouldn’t be depriving myself. I’m really curious however about the future of streaming and whether the file options would include DSD, labels like the now defunct Andante, or remastered audiophile labels like Analogue productions and whatever else. Hopefully there will be an abundant source of whatever anybody wants. 

There's been mention regarding certain files on Qobuz that equal or surpass files stored on a hard drive. I'd be interested in knowing which files those are. What streaming titles are your favorites? Thank you again to all those who've shared.

@lalitk Thanks there's a lot on that post, probably much more than I need. I was asking for recommendations, not based on favorite music from an artistic slant but rather favorite streaming titles based on quality of sound. I have experienced what others on this post have mentioned, that many files contrast from one another in sound quality despite the file format. I had made the assumption that 24/ 96 files would sound much better than 24/44.1 files but this was not the case. Would I have a different experience if I were to do the same comparisons with other titles, other labels... I'm assuming that I would.

@lalitk I don't know why you think that, the same level of compression happens on CD's and I'm guessing can occur with downloads, so my comment wouldn't indicate siding with one format or another. Compression is very real and often abused. So I'm just pointing out another possibility as to why one recording may be difficult to listen to and why another sounds great, even if it's from the same tape master.

Yeah, problem is that certain information about the remastering / recording process isn't usually available. Labels are not responsible in any way to be forthcoming about taking shortcuts or making compromises, you take your chances. Fortunately, where I live we have brick and mortar record stores where someone will say, 'No don't buy the later Led Zeppelin remasters because they are compressed and the remixes differ wildly from the originals'. I will say that I feel more vulnerable on Qobuz and that's why I trust when people comment about the catalogue being a mixed bag. But there are plenty of options on Qobuz for twelve dollars a month so, 'whatta ya gona do'?

@jbuhl So I take it that you bought a component from Roon or someone else that serves as the Roon Core and sounds better than your experience using a Mac computer? If so, it makes a good deal of sense to me that your experiencing better results with a component dedicated to Roon, given it's filters an other audio design properties. Which makes me wonder if it's worth spending money on a filtering device between the modem and the Pi?

@lalitk I come to find out also that many titles, even on major labels, are being hyper compressed. That would certainly negate any benefit from higher resolutions.

@jbuhl All-right, not cheap but still within reach. Does it elevate audio quality to where it's equal to MPD? Also, I'm assuming you can now play DSD files via Roon when using the Sonic Transport? To be honest and it's a long way off but I'm rather focused on the NAIM ND5 XS2 just because, I believe I could convince my local dealer to let me take one home for an audition. I'd really like to see how much of an improvement I'd hear when comparing it to the Pi.

As for Small Green Computer, these small boutique type companies just seem to keep sprouting up. It's encouraging.

@jbuhl So you've found a way for the Pi to work for you, which was something I was really interested in hearing about, thanks!

@mapman if done right is a big if but yes, that’s a huge consideration when making a decision to purchase. 

@lalitk which is the very reason why I look at labels Qobuz and Tidal don’t have the rights to. For example Analogue Productions is releasing their remix/remaster of the Steely Dan catalogue. However, Walter and Donald already did remasters of their releases with David Geffen getting a hand in either their current or future projects and they’re already of the highest quality as you can imagine coming from those two. So the question will come down to which label is preferred. Steely Dan is available via streaming but these Analogue Production remasters will not be. Now should I get caught up in whether the rereleases are 24/96 or if they’re 16/44.1? I’ve been buying PCM and SACD hybrid CD’s for some time and I can say that many of those 16/44.1 have merit based on the quality of the remix alone not to mention the cleaning up process that’s done on them. What I’m suggesting is that younger folks might be inclined to believe that higher bit rate and resolution rules the day and I personally don’t believe that to be the case.

@curiousjim My experience has been that all streaming services are about the same. Please let us know what you find out and feel free to mention certain titles, thanks!