Downloads Versus Streaming

@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.

So many variables with streaming, I agree streams can sound as good as downloads. My streams have taken recent uptick in that I can now use a variety of combinations of music players.  Both off the shelf and proprietary music players capable of very nice sound quality. If present stream quality not up to downloads experiment with various music players.

Streaming of red book CDs in my system sound exactly the same as CDs and streaming typically better because streaming has high Rez versions.. Actually streaming in my system sounds as good as my very high level vinyl playback analog leg.

It is like every other thing in high end audio… it depends on your components and interconnects. The streamer is every bit as important as the DAC… and the interconnect.

This has definitely not always been true and for a while only at a cost premium. But now it is relatively easy to achieve.

I highly recommend an Aurender streamer… I own two. Buy the best you can afford. In general, I recommend one at the price level or a bit higher than your average component cost. So, like amp, preamp, and DAC.

Alternatively, you can try to fiddle with your network to help make up for your streamer. I was in IT all of my life… I’m sick of it. You can use special routers, EtherRegerators. But a good streamer will negate the necessity.

My systems runs on a wall wart wifi extenders. I have a EtherRegen. I swapped it in and out over the last couple days. No difference. Many people experience differences. It has been my theory for a while that you have the choice of a good streamer or a less expensive one and fiddle with the network. I have tried and researched many streamers, my choice is Aurender (most common used at high end audio shows) and Linn (yeah, I know… who would have thought).

There is a huge payoff in getting streaming up to or exceeding stored files or CD… or vinyl for that matter. Your library goes from small to nearly infinite… instantly. Qobuz has over 1/2 million high resolution albums… plus likely virtually all the albums you own. Also, new music acquisition cost drops and your library only costs  $14.99 / month. So, if you acquire much music… you start saving money because of that streamer you bought.

@goofyfoot, ADD POWR is run by Bill Steinout. He sold his previous company, QRT to Nordost who is now selling the QRT line he developed. I am using his QRT Octave power conditioner which has now been renamed and being sold by Nordost. That is why I recommend his current company instead of the Nordost version, he took the tech and has evolved it.

@goofyfoot 

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

@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.

@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.

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

@goofyfoot re: what I did to make improvements was to put all my network and streaming components in line with an ADD-POWR power conditioner, I recommend checking out there website.

@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.

@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 I do have a disc spinner (Sony UHPH1 Universal player) that is very good to my ear. I think it may just nostalgia on my part or it could be the ripping process I use is less than perfect

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

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

If I had the same song on a CD, a download and streaming I would likely prefer them in that order. If I had my eyes closed I would have to be very attentive to pick which is which.