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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
audioman58's avatar
audioman58
3,900 posts
 

You didnot mention if you had to have MQA engaged , many dac makers will not pay for what is a enhanced but still compressed Version with  MQA 

I never had tried Tidal. Because Briscati, or Denafrips and many others will  not pay   MQA  and their fee . Please explain what version of Tidal and monthly charge is needed ?

audioman58's avatar
audioman58
3,900 posts
 

If you want to get a program that will truly improve your music 

check out HQ player , for $200+ Once you read a few reviews and check it out 

for yourself  which  you like best it is a dramatic increase in fidelity across the board. 

stevehardy1 OP
77 posts
 

One track does not an informed decision make.Good enough for some to opine about.

Wow, so very profound.  Thank you for your insight. 

headphonedreams
523 posts
 

I have Tidal but have not tried Qobuz yet. Another thing I thought was I interesting was when I got a cd player after a few year without one. The same track on cd sounded clearly better than on Tidal. I tried with multiple tracks and have still not found any track where Tidal is better.

I still use Tidal because of the great selection of music and sometimes I am just lazy and won’t bother to go get a cd. Also I now have a newer dac that only can be connected to my streamer so I can’t compare apples to apples anymore. I did rip some discs and they sound great.

tomcy6's avatar
tomcy6
2,542 posts
 

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.

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