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Ok now I am frustrated with streaming

Help me out here please. I was really enjoying getting into streaming. Just purchased a Node 2i 2 weeks ago and have been enjoying it. Testing Tidal and Qobuz, leaning toward Qobuz. I was testing both wifi and ethernet connection. I seemed to pick up some noise and distortion on what I thought was the ethernet so I have been listening on wifi. I really enjoy finding new music on the streaming service. Tonight I was enjoying Sierra Hull because I listen to a lot of Alison Krauss. I was listening to Sierra Hull's new 25 Trips album and got to track 7 Escape and I heard a bunch of static/distortion, almost like a blown tube, except I have solid state equipment. I switched to Tidal to see if it was a problem with the Qobuz stream and same thing. Hooked up my MacBook pro to rule out a problem with the Node 2i, same thing. Now I am listening to Clapton's Unplugged and I hear the same thing. Is it my internet? I have a brand new modem, a Motorola MB7621, and a brand new Asus AC3100 router. I did a speed test and we are getting 237 mbps. My daughter was watching Netflix on a TV upstairs at the time, when she was finished I did a reboot of the cable modem and reboot of the Node 2i and then it was fine after that. I listened for about an hour after that. Is it my internet speed? Do I need to call Comcast/xfinity and up my speed package? Is it something else? Its getting frustrating and its not supposed to be like that, I am at the point where I may just send the Node back on the return policy and stick with CD's. 
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vinylshadow
426 posts
 
Or, you can buy a Google Chromecast for $35 and plug it into an HDMI port and "cast" through Wifi whatever you want. It will only be 16/44.1 though.
I've read hints that Google will be coming out with an updated Chromecast that will support 24/96 like their old Chromecast Audio did. But you'd have to use Qobuz as TIDL(which I use) will not cast beyond "HiFi" due to MQA licensing b.s...

But, I do have a home theater processor that has HDMI ports so maybe it's different.
bobby1945
79 posts
 
I get distortion on specific streams also when streaming from TIDAL via ROON.
I have come to the conclusion it is embedded distortion as a result of DRC.
Most recordings have been compressed so much during mastering that distortion is inherent in just about every recording.
CD's are not the solution , they are part of the problem. So are digital downloads .
First pressings of vinyl seems the best consistent  SQ
bobby1945
79 posts
 
As a post script check out Bruce Springsteen TRACKS.
Disc 4  Track- Over The Rise.
I detect zero distortion.
kairosman's avatar
kairosman
265 posts
 
Been streaming for 5+ years (still have CDs but don't use much now) and zero issues - but, I have been obsessive/compulsive over my setup top to bottom. I even invested in a custom ethernet switch with internal clock and separate power supply. IMHO all the components in the digital string must be regularly optimized. So the convenience of streaming comes at a cost in O/C behavior, but then that's no different really than the analog-only folks who do the same thing with their rigs.

Except I have MILLIONS of high rez files at my fingertips - and thus never a day passes that I don't stumble on some hidden auditory diamonds.
richtruss
163 posts
 
I’ve been streaming with several streamers since 2008. I’ve never experienced distortion or dropouts. I’ve always found wired Ethernet sounds better than WiFi, by some distance. I’ve been researching improving sound quality for wired Ethernet and eliminating RFI and unwanted noise picked up in the cables. This works really well and in my opinion an essential bit of gear to put between your streamer and Ethernet wire. Www.networkacoustics.com
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