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

I’m wondering if @cleeds isn’t closer to the truth, especially if the OP is listening to music at low levels and/or in the background.

What the OP needs then is a loudness button.

OK- so what would be a step in the right direction as a streamer? I use a Luxman integrated L-590AXll, Spatial M3 Turbo S speakers, and an Esoteric K-07X CD player that doubles as my DAC. 

I know that’s a wide open question, but maybe to narrow it down- I need the interface to be user-friendly, since it’s the way my wife uses the system. I also have no way to run wire to it, so wireless connectivity is a must. 

 

 

Just saw Erik’s post after mine- no, I listen at various levels, and rarely very low. Average 75db, and into the 90’s at times. I’ll mention ‘The Jazz Groove’ as one of the Tune In stations that sounds quite good. 
My 900.00 Pro-Ject turntable combo with Ortofon 2M Bronze also sounds superior.

 

I would recommend any Aurrender streamer. If you can’t afford a new one, get a used one. I have tried them at every level and own a N100 and their flagship W20SE now. I have also tried a number in between the $3K and $22K range… each significant jump in cost results in better sound. 

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.