Hello-
Were these all streamed through the same device when you created this list of preferences? I’m wondering if any of the Qobuz streaming settings may have not agreed with those of the streamer used.
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Yes all on my NDX2, immediately after my Core was installed. But I’ve noticed the same on my Qb2.
Am I alone but is streaming now (Qobuz & Tidal) more resolving, higher sound quality than local?
Not here, in fact I’ve stopped my Qobuz subscription.
That might also depend on how your system is setup (cables, switches, etc.), differences can be important. If I’m not mistaken some people have optimized both local and streaming to the point that they sound very good and differences aren’t huge. But this isn’t the usual I think. Most people seem to prefer local in general.
Maybe in your case streaming sounds better, but I wonder… Have you compared a hi-res album from Qobuz and the same WAV album (bought from Qobuz) played locally with the USB and a UPnP server like JRiver or Audirvana in the first place? You need to play the exact same master to get to your own conclusion. Maybe you’ve done that, no idea.
I have tried to optimise my system & then added a melco N1 thinking it would be better, it is very good but qubuz & tidal do have the edge, to my ears. This isn’t a problem as I can stream.
Never tried any Melco, everybody says they sound excellent. By the way as long as you are happy with the result, that is what matters. However it would be curious to understand why you prefer streaming.
When I added a Melco N1 it elevated local streaming SQ above that of Qobuz.
Even when I was using an UnitiServe, I preferred local streaming, but Qobuz was catching up.
Now with the N1 (and a EtherRegen switch with a Farad Super3 linear power supply) things have again moved in favour of local streaming.
As everything comes through the N1, it and the EtherRegen (which sits immediately before the N1) also improved Qobuz streaming IIRC.
I have recently added a Chord EE1+ between the N1 and my NSS 333 streamer, again elevating the SQ of local and Qobuz streaming. Local streaming is still superior though.
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It seems strange that a streamer costing 8k doesn’t include filtering and isolation that the EE1+ contains.
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Naim are keen not to aggressively filter as that can kill dynamics and rob music of some life.
The Chord ground array products are available to borrow from dealers to see if they work in your particular set up.
The EE1+ worked a treat I’m my system.
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Listening again today local is improving & much closer to streaming. Same tracks, same volume, played back to back, now they are different but equally satisfying. As has been said many times, there is no substitute for listening & your own ears in your own room.
The number of things that can affect this comparison is enormous. Streaming is pretty good in general to be honest, but local is still better in my own experience. Who knows how it’ll be in the future. The important thing is that you find what works for you, your ears have always the priority. Having said that, it’s always important trying to understand why we perceive these differences.
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