In my audio system, I listen to a few radio channels from time-to-time via Roon Nucleus Plus Music Server and Ayre Acoustics QX-5 Twenty Streaming DAC. In my audio system, Tidal and Qobuz always sounds better than any of the radio channels to me. Also, although I just recently did a big write-up on this forum about how much I liked the sound quality of Qobuz over Tidal through my audio system, turns out, I was wrong. Ultimately, Tidal sounds best overall in my system. I still use Qobuz when an album isn't available on Tidal. Happy listening.
Streaming Tidal/Qbuzz Vs Internet Radio
My question is, why do some of the radio channels on my streamer sound better than Tidal or Qbuzz ? I have an Innuos streamer to a Schiit Yiggy and subscribe to both Tidal and Qbuzz. I listen to Radio Paradise and Dot 1 FM , and they have better sound quality than the paid services. Although this is not the case with most radio stations these two sound very good to me. Granted they play at a slightly higher volume, but when I adjust for this I still get a better soundstage, more detail and greater bass. When I play the radio channels on my small system I have to lower the subwoofer volume. On my larger system I do not run subs. So I’m curious if you’ve noticed this too, and any explanations would be appreciated. Cheers , Mike B.