2. misc-audio
  3. 166459-89202

Streaming an aid to enjoyment

Although records, CDs and SACDs sound better on my system, I prefer to stream because I don’t get as involved in the SQ as much. My enjoyment is enhanced when I don’t expect to be wowed by the sound and just listen to the music. Streaming allows me to do this much better than other sources do. Not that streaming sounds that much inferior, it’s just that I allow myself to relax and concentrate on the music. I actually enjoy the sound more, too.
How about you?

rvpiano

Showing 3 responses by ghdprentice

ghdprentice
7,987 posts
 
Full disclosure, I tweaked my system as well... I have an ISO ReGen, and a fancy Ethernet cable. I was buying an expensive piece of equipment, not the streamer) and my dealer threw them in. Some of my equipment was breaking in and I did not do any critical listening to see if I could hear the difference. But simply the purchase of either of my Aurender streamers had elevated streaming of Red Book CD and the Red Book CD equal.
ghdprentice
7,987 posts
 
I think most people agree that CDs shouldn’t sound better than streaming. There are clearly a number if variables to get there. I am sure  @Trmp350 s approach did the trick. But it need not sound that complicated. Replacing Ethernet switches and using an ISO Regen is not a requirement. At the highest level it is just get a high quality streamer... after that it is like all of high end audio... little tweaks help further improvements. 
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I did not need to fiddle with my network other than to put in a plug in wifi repeater in an outlet next to my audio system and plug the streamer into that. But that was just because my router was on the other side of the house upstairs and I didn’t want to install an Ethernet cable in the walls.
ghdprentice
7,987 posts
 
My streamer sounds the same as a red book CD, but much of the time my streamer sounds better because it is being fed higher Resolution files from Qubuz... Tidal is good also, just not as many high Rez titles.

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In this day and age, if your CDs sound better than your streamer... time to look for a better streamer . You don’t have to go as far as I have to get there. Then you have nearly infinite music and suddenly all those discs are just collecting dust. Totally worth the time, effort, and cost. For the price of one CD per month you get nearly infinite music... the streamer starts paying for it. I have tried a few... I recommend looking to Aurender.
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