For several years I have been a paid-up subscriber to jazzgroove.org which means that, by logging in, I get (what they call) ‘audiophile’ quality and no tiresome reminders to consider donating.
As, for me, the ND5 XS 2 is a sigificant investment, I am interested to know if there are any owners of the ND5 XS 2 out there who are also jazzgroove.org premium members. Does it work?
I have read the one or two references to jazzgroove.org on this forum but I really would appreciate some comfort that I will be able to continue enjoying jazz groove.org if I splash out on a ND5 XS 2.
Hi, I’m a Jazzgroove subscriber and use Jazzgroove with ND5XS2 and via the Naim App. For flawless operation, the ND5XS2 should have the latest firmware installed (version 3.10.1). The Jazzgroove website includes installation instructions for integrating and activating the five Jazzgroove streams (radio stations) in the Naim app. The installation takes a little time, but it is clearly described and works well for me in my daily routine. Jazzgroove also delivers outstanding sound quality. Enjoy!
Never used Qobuz or Tidal, but it is certainly the case that the sound on Apple Music is better, ‘cleaner’, tighter and less bassy than on Jazzgroove. I would agree with you that the bass level on Jazzgroove can be a little more than ideal, although on the whole the sound quality is reasonable, given that it is an internet radio station and not a hi-fi focussed streaming platform. I am not too concerned because if there is a track I like I can easily note it down then get the higher-quality version from Apple (or anywhere else) for really serious listening. I don’t think that JG offers a particularly high-resolution stream, even for subscribers (I am one) with access to the FLAC stream. I should imagine that they consider what they think their market is, and look at what they can afford to provide, and attempt the best-fit. Whatever their strategy I think we can be sure that it is not to provide ultra-high resolution for people looking for the ultimate in sound quality on the very best hi-fi equipment.
I like Jazzgroove and have come to know a vast amount of jazz music as a result of it playing for hours in the background. Yes, I would love it to be even higher in terms of sound quality but it is what it is, and at a reasonable price.
I stream all their channels in FLAC I’ve found a huge amount of jazz records through their channels
Their FLAC streams also sound coloured in the low end compared to same album on Tidal. Overall it sounds very good through but I’d prefer less DSP used. However sometimes their magic make old or less than perfect albums sound very good instead.
In my experience, older jazz recordings in particular sound significantly better via Jazz Groove than via Qobuz (high resolution). I have regularly noticed this when I have listened to the same recording via Jazz Groove and then via Qobuz. With new recordings, the result is not so clear; Qobuz sometimes also has excellent quality here. Apparently Jazz Groove uses DSP. Here one can discuss whether it is partly too much. I find the Jazz Groove recordings very often very good. I am not a studio technology expert, but I think resolutions like MP3, Flac, hihres etc. only account for part of the sound quality. The other part is the equipment used for playback, and possibly also the technology used to digitise older recordings. Jazz Groove still seems to me to be one of the best radio stations for audiophile listening. I am surprised that older recordings often sound flat and dull on Qobuz. I often hear that they sound so much better on vinyl… I don’t have any vinyl myself, so I can’t compare it or judge it technically
I agree that in general JG sounds better on older records than new. I guess it’s because old recordings often were more lean sounding than those made today.
I’ve found a huge amount of jazz records through their channels 