Similarly I am considering this too, particularly between Qobuz and Tidal, for the reasons already mentioned. I have basically discounted Spotify as the other two appeal to me more.
I am ‘new’ to the streaming world, relying on good old LPs and CDs, but we want a smaller system for another room and feel that the flexibility of a compact streaming system will be perfect! Which leads me to the other big decision, which system?
Basically I have it whittled down to a Naim Muso, or spend more for a Linn Magik DSM with appropriate speakers. Both would fit in with the room, so it is really what sounds best, which is easiest to use and offers the best compatibility with Qobuz or Tidal.
I am rather old school and to be honest I get lost when ready up on the streaming subject and also Mrs M just will not tolerate any niggles and inconveniences when using such technology. I will be buying from my local dependable and trusted dealer, though any advice or views on this would be appreciated before a visit them.
I’d say if these are the options go foe the Magic DSM or look at the Naim offerings in the price range. something that costs four times as much as a Muso is obviously going to sound a lot better.
BUT as always, go do a demo of the options first and hear them first hand and then you will know.
I have Musical Fidelity A5 amp just upgraded from JS Audio I hope to keep this for at least another couple of years, it performs very well and I would have to spend north of £5000 to improve on it IMHO. I am judt hoping to improve my current streaming set up without spending that much if I can.
I have the Muso in the lounge. I use it more for occasional listening / background music. As good as it is it is nowhere near my main system which is quite humble to most on here. Depends on what you hope to achieve I suppose. My Bluesound Node through the main system is very good I’m just looking to improve on it in the long run
Yeah, I do feel that that would be the case between them. The reason why I am considering the Muso is that there is a perfect place for it without any room rearranging. With the other systems I will have to rearrange things, TBH not that much, though it would be worth it for the performance gains!
Knowing me I will probably have my mind more or less made up before I go for a demo! LOL
I see what you mean about the Muso, it would be perfect for that use. I would like the system to be of an appreciable quality, other wise it will not get used properly if you know what I mean!
If I could turn back time I would probably have put the £900 spent on the Muso into an Atom or Nova with some decent speakers. Still no real regrets it gets used on a daily basis but for serious listening it doesn’t compare to the main system. Some good savings to be had at the moment on used Atoms and Novas…just a thought
Making up your mind before a demo is the way to the upgraditus side!
Demo first, and if the dealer knows you and is willing to let you try the items in your home it is even better. Then you know exactly what you need to buy and won’t have regrets later.
This forum is absolutely peppered with threads of people who buy something and a few months later want to upgrade again due to regret.
That was challenged on the thread where the claim was made. (At least that’s where I saw it.) The claim related to volume normalization.
Yesterday I listened to a Qobuz playlist I made of classical guitar albums. I shuffled the track list and found that I was having to adjust the volume from track to track. Ultimately I had to turn shuffle off and play entire albums.
The second part of this comes from Naim. But even my $35 ChromeCast Audio pucks can do 96/24. Are you claiming that Naim doesn’t match that? What is your source?
I have never used spotify so I can not comment on that product. I started with Tidal years ago and when Qobus became available in the US a few years ago I did a side by side demonostration between the two streaming services.
For me with my system, my room and my ears I found Qobuz to sound much better. It was also less costly then Tidal. I have been using the yearly subscription to Qobuz which works out to $10.83 per month.
Best to do a side by side trial on your system in your room on you system if you want to be certain what will work for you.
If you’re looking to spend that sort of money, I’ d consider an Eversolo DMP-A6 which will replace your Node and has an excellent tranparent dac. Mine works extremely well as a source for a Supernait 3.
You could even use the A6 dac and stream using the node if you prefer.
Currently using Roon with Qobuz, very happy with this, except that Roon is very expensive relative to what it is worth, will quit Roon+Qobuz in a heartbeat if Spotify goes lossless.
Qobuz changing the files was proven false. All they did is add the meta data to apply volume leveling. It is not turned on by default. So if you use roon, can apply and don’t have to adjust when listen to playlists. This is a good thing.
I find Qobuz is better overall if using roon since have access to more hires albums. However, if using native app, Tidal is better and offers Tidal Connect. Naim still needs to roll out update to take advantage of hires files. And lastly, Spotify mentioned eventually offering hires albums for higher price, but no timeline given. Lossless was first mention like 3 years ago and nothing to show for it.