Downloads Versus Streaming

@goofyfoot 

Enjoy, what you have. There are plenty good suggestions on this thread for you to try it out at your own pace. I do own this album in Pure DSD and it’s spectacular! 

I agree with @ghdprentice on zero compression from Qobuz or Tidal. The differences one hears between recordings stored on hard drive and the one being streamed is possibly from having a different analog master. There are plenty of recordings that sounds stupendously sublime on Qobuz. Just like Vinyl, there is some care involved in setting up a digital streaming system. Once you do, you’re in for a treat! 

@goofyfoot

Your scenario is very much like comparing apples to oranges. Downloads especially DSD’s in most cases will always sound superior to Qobuz high resolution files. Having said that, there are many files on Qobuz that sounds extremely good and satisfying. I wonder what tweaks you’ve done with Bryston Pi?

1) Are you using a Linear Power Supply,

2) Are you using any Ethernet filters between your router and Bryston Pi

3) What Ethernet and digital cable you’re using between Bryston Pi and QB9

@goofyfoot 

How is your NAS (local library) connected to your system? 

@goofyfoot

Thanks for the info. I recommend installing a Ethernet filter like Network Acoustics ENO and switching to ENO USB III cable. Both of these items will likely address your concerns with streaming and improve the overall performance of Pi. I have used both of these products in the past and they are outstanding (especially the USB cable) and highly recommend them. I realize they are not cheap but they do come with 30 days no questions asked return privileges. If you can’t do both, I would start with ENO USB III cable.

PS: I have used WW platinum USB in the past and wasn’t too impressed. In my opinion, it’s what contributing to brightness and less weighty sound in your system.

"What streaming titles are your favorites? "

@goofyfoot

Please follow this thread for favorites.

"I had made the assumption that 24/ 96 files would sound much better than 24/44.1 files but this was not the case."

@goofyfoot 

Correct! It is not so much about the resolution but the provenance of that recording's original master. I have heard files in 16bit/44.1lHz that sounds simply amazing. For example, Shirley Horn's "Beautiful Love" or "If You Go" in 16bit/441kHz on Qobuz sounds stunning in my system. 

You can take look at my "Digital" system (under my username) to see the steps I've taken to ensure optimal streaming quality vs downloads. The devils is in the details :-) 

“I come to find out also that many titles, even on major labels, are being hyper compressed. ”

@goofyfoot

Why do I get the feeling that you have already conceded to the notion that downloads will always sound superior to streaming :-)

I feel like we are on two different islands! 

@goofyfoot

I see, well in that case we make the best out of what’s available and continue the pursuit. It’s probably why I continue to buy downloads, CD’s and Vinyl.