2. digital
  3. 182109-179465

Using streaming as a main source ---DSD, FLAC, MQA Streamers and DACS

As I read these forums, and watch copious amounts of Youtube, I'm struck by what a bad idea some of the streaming / digital formats are doing. I'm trying to build a system where I have a streamer, dad, and amplifier (with pre-amp) as separate components but what I keep finding is that the streaming/digital world is totally confused.

--MQA--

MQA seems to be both advancing with new MQair support and dying (few audiophiles seem to like it).

-- DSD -- 

Seems to be favored by High-end audiophiles but not streaming services. 

-- FLAC --

FLAC seems to be pushed by Qobuz which seems to be the preferred service for high quality audio (but not for music recommendations). 

 

Choosing a Streamer / DAC is a nightmare -- given the industry going back and forth on quality, formats, special licensing. Does one choose the formats they want to use and then find appropriate DAC etc or does one choose a DAC that sounds great and then accept its limitations.

I don't understand why streamers don't commit to upscaling to 24/192 or DSD256 for any format so the DAC peeps can focus on a single format. 

So how does one decide where to start? 

 

 

 

 

kiwiscott

Showing 1 response by mahler123

mahler123
3,542 posts
 

OP

 

 The hobby is supposed to be fun.  Compare the shopping process to buying a car, and the decisions there? SUV or Sedan?  EV?  Hybrid?  Not to mention the different brands and features?

  I’m not a car guy.  I just want to get from point A to point B, safely, as economically and comfortable as possible, and be reasonably eco friendly.  I would much more like to obsess over audio.

  Once you hit a certain price point whatever you buy will probably give you a lot of satisfaction listening to music.  Then it’s a question of flavors.  Do you prefer well made vanilla or chocolate?  
  All of these formats don’t sound exactly the same, but they all hit a certain standard of acceptable quality.  The music is the thing.

  There is a lot of good advice in the previous threads.  I just want to remind you to have fun.  If you get frustrated just buy something, listen to music, and relax.  After a few years you might want to try a different flavor for the heck of it

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