Tidal vs Qubuz - Steely Dan "Jack of Speed"


So I should have posted this a year ago, but never got around to it. I had a subscription to both providers about a year ago and was comparing audio quality between them. I queued up "Jack of Speed" on both and noticed a dramatic difference in the mix between them. The reoccurring trombone hook was burried in the Qobuz version to distraction, while the Tidal version sounded as I’ve always heard it. I then put on the original CD release & compared it to Qobuz. Totally different! I let the Qobuz free trial lapse & continued on with Tidal because of this. So, all of you Dan fans with subscriptions to both... Compare these tracks and let me know if you hear the differences. Would love to know your opinions.

stevehardy1

Showing 1 response by tomcy6

Steve, when I listen to the new Dion album, Stomping Ground, on Qobuz the channel balance seems to be set to the left.  It may be that that's the way the album was mixed or it may be that Qobuz got a bad file.  With the millions of tracks they have there has to be problems in there somewhere.  That's probably what you're hearing.

Audiogon has its share of internet characters and there are few threads that don't get some snark or other nonsense.  It's best to just ignore it if you can.  Some people just like to irritate others for some reason.