Although hi-res titles on Qobuz indicate streaming at 96kHz or192kHz, I’m not sure my system is reproducing those levels. Both my Arcam Rplay streamer and Schiit Gungnir multibit manuals indicate they accept up to 192kHz. But I can’t hear a difference in quality comparing hi-res to non hi-res files. Even if I do an A B comparison using the exact same titles with Qobuz hi-res and Idagio CD quality resolution, I hear no difference. There are no indicators to tell what’s happening, so I’m wondering if I’m indeed hearing in high resolution. Is there any way I can be sure?
@rvpiano, just to confirm, are you using both rPlay and Node as streamers only, going digital out to your Gungnir? Regardless, glad your streaming is sounding so good!
Files up to 16-bit/48kHz are streamed without compression or transcoding. High resolution audio files (24-bit/192kHz), are down-sampled to 16-bit/48kHz for transmission. This allows for the most reliable streaming experience over WiFi to multiple speakers.
For those who wish to hear high resolution audio as originally intended, Critical Listening mode in the DTS Play-Fi app will enable native rendering of high resolution files up to 24-bit/96kHz, without down-sampling or network synchronization adjustment.
I find the easiest way to to get hi res streaming is an IPad, camera kit, and a USB upsampling DAC like you see used for headphones.
I am streaming Qobuz hi rez files to Gungnir multibit dacs in two different systems with exceptional results. One uses an Anticable coax output from a Blusound node 2i the other via a MAC to Anticable USB to the Gungnir multibit. I think USB may be a bit better with good cables. You may want to try a different interconnect or power cable. I use Anticable power cords in both. No complaints at all. I replaced Tidal with Qobuz. MQA did nothing for me through the Blusound DAC. Don't give up on the Gumby multi. It's really good.
I find not all hi-res recordings sound better. Many do and you should hear it clearly if your system is right. Conversely, I find some ‘CD quality’ 16/44.1 recordings are better than the hi-res option. For my taste, some hi-res recordings are recorded too low in level and lose some dynamic impact as a result.
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