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Streaming to outboard DACs - file format issues

Hello,

I recently purchased a Node2i and prefer the qualities of my original Peachtree Audio Dacit over the built-in DAC (bottom end on Dacit is significantly better to my ears). I’m streaming to my DAC via Coax, and from my research the Dacit supports high res file formats via Coax.

However, I’m having trouble streaming high res files from various platforms. For example;

1. AmazonHD: Files won’t play. I can play the simple HD and lower files no problem, but none of the UltraHD play
2. Spotify: All files play
3. Tidal: Even with my settings set to Hifi and not MQA (the Dacit is not MQA compatible), some songs play and others don’t. Anything with a ’masters’ tag is 50/50 playing. This doesn’t make sense to me since I have my settings not to play MQA.

Is this just streaming in general? Are my issues with an older DAC or is it streamer based? I have some time to return the Node2i but would like to know where the issue lies before I do that, or buy a new DAC; is this a streamer or DAC or platform issue?

Thanks for your time,

J
halifaxj

Showing 1 response by mike_in_nc

mike_in_nc
1,186 posts
 
Sure, the DAC probably is the limiting factor, but whether it’s of any consequence or not depends on you. It’s quite uncertain whether anything higher than 24/96 adds value or sound quality to the experience. Some say they hear it; but most blind tests show the reverse. I don’t claim I can hear it. In fact, some (not all!) of the best recordings I have are Redbook quality.

Even the respected critic Anthony Cordesman says he can’t hear any improvement above 24/96; and Mark Waldrep of AIX has said he’s concluded that 16/44.1, if optimally resampled and dithered in production, is fine for distribution.

So, I’d say, relax and enjoy!
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