Which Sounds Better Streaming or CDs?

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nicoff

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Streaming vs CDs which sounds better?

Here is someone’s take:

 
My experience is similar to that of the YouTuber. I cannot tell a difference between streaming (Qobuz) and CDs.
That said, I hardly ever use Qobuz anymore. That’s because even though Spotify is not CD-quality, it has become my go-to music service due to its huge music catalog, accessibility (you can access it anywhere and it seems as if everyone uses it). Also, Spotify’s algorithms for finding new music are fantastic making it easy to find new music.
 
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On comparisons like that there are too many variables to come to any real conclusion. You might be able to tell which you prefer in your own system with the components you chose but that's about it.

For me streaming is so close that I'm not putting in any effort to play a CD
 
A big variable to me is streaming may have a better master .
A CD player not transport is a complete echo system made to playback CD .
Streaming while complex has many more ways to get a sound that's in someways better .
Music streamers are even more complex as they are only part of a chain .
But to be able to stream in most cases you have a server / streamer .
burn some CD s off your server and play as a CD . You might be very surprised
 
I have been back and forth several times as to which sounds best. Initially CD sound was clearly the best to me. As I added/upgraded things in my room, it seemed apparent that I really can't tell much difference with my current room setup! Granted, there were lots of upgrades along the way. I'm not sure any one thing turned it for me. Clearly acoustic treatment was big. The recent addition of the two subs sealed the deal for me. The sound to me is so close, I doubt that I could pick which source from a blind test.

What was really interesting to me is that my CD source I believe is considered a higher level unit by comparison than my streamer. While I have seriously considered moving to a streamer that I would think to be more comparable to my CD player, I asked myself "why?" and just shelved that idea!

Just enjoy either or both......this is a great hobby and I am glad to be in it!
 
One reason I prefer streaming is the same reason I don't use vinyl; I rarely listen to complete albums and like to curate a mix of artists. Also, my local library consists of PGGB remastered digital files that are PCM 705.6/769 or DSD512. I also enjoy Qobuz for exploring new music. I used to use a computer based audio system with JCAT USB AND NET XE cards power with a linear power supply but last year I migrated to a Holo Audio Red which is Roon Certified and has been measured to have some of the lowest jitter available. To manage ethernet gremlins I added a Matrix Audio SS-1 Pro switch with femto second clock and internal LPS.
 
Speedskater said:
If both are done correctly and from the same audio master, why then no differences.
Click to expand...
Because thanks to the behavior of physics the correct source cannot exist. For instance: if you put voltages on a wire, then it creates a small magnetic field which influences the wire located next to it.
For cd players there is also the issue of moving parts.

Then all the digital signals must be converted to analog which also can cause errors
 
I just updated the last ethernet cable that connects my switch to my server. It has made a huge difference for Qobuz. Out of town now but plan on testing - as best as I can - matching releases via Qobuz and my Antipodes server. Th WW Plat 10 Ethernet cable was revelatory.
 
For me, they both have potential to sound amazing. It really just depends on the setup and how fine-tuned everything is. It can be easy to do one type better than the other... which is probably why some people seem adamant about their preference being best. I've experienced that in my own system as well but it vanished after upgrading the other type of chain.
 
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