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Why Streaming Service Sounds ‘Flat’ vs Tune In /Local FM /Radio Paradise

I use a Bluesound Node, first or second gen I believe.

I use the S/PDIF output feeding my Esoteric K-07X CD/DAC using it as a DAC.

I find that CD’s, most things using Tune In, and local FM listening sound better than  streaming either Tidal or Qobuz. 

For the life of me, I can’t figure why that might be, since all are using the K-07X internal DAC. I can understand the CD, as it’s internal, with no S/PDIF cable to possibly muck things up. FWIW, I’m using the Illuminati/Kimber D-60 as my digital cable.

Any thoughts appreciated.

james_edward

Showing 2 responses by soix

soix
8,809 posts
 

As others have mentioned, the Node is a mismatch in your system and a bottleneck to your streaming performance so no wonder you’re underwhelmed.  I’d recommend looking at Innuos because they’re great streamers and their Sense app gets very high marks for both sonics and for being very user friendly, which is apparently important in your situation.  I’d also check to see which digital input on Esoteric might be preferred between SPDIF and USB as some DACs are set up to work better on certain inputs.  Hope this helps, and best of luck.

soix
8,809 posts
 

I also have the Innuos zenith mk3 streamer and concurr the sense app is terrific. However, my Innuos does not support wifi, it is strictly ethernet connection, so no good for the OP’s situation.

There’s an easy workaround by using either a Wi-Fi extender or Mesh system and run an Ethernet cable from that to the Innuos. This has the significant added benefit of sounding much better than using Wi-Fi over the air. Actually the OP should try this with his Node as it’d likely provide a nice performance boost. 

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