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Sound Quality of red book CDs vs.streaming

I’ve found that the SQ of my red book CDs exceeds that of streaming using the identical recordings for comparison. (I’m not including hi res technology here.)
I would like to stop buying CDs, save money, and just stream, but I really find I enjoy the CDs more because of the better overall sonic performance.
 I stream with Chromecast Audio using  the same DAC (Schiit Gumby) as I play CDs through.
I’m wondering if others have had the same experience
128x128rvpiano
ianrodger
164 posts
 
I stream Tidal via an Antipodes server/streamer which is full CDs ripped in FLAC, by the Antipodes.
There is no obvious difference, to me, between these FLAC files and Tidal.
However, CDs ripped by the Antipodes DO sound better than previously recorded FLAC files ripped in and transferred from my PC. Due, I would imagine, to better hardware and programming in the Antipodes.
I use a Denafrips Pontus DAC.


lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,411 posts
 
@kalali,
Another reclocker is the iFi SPDIF iPurifier which I own. “

Ditto. It actually makes the Chromecast Audio sound pretty darn close to Node2 using the same (non-MQA) outboard DAC and using the optical TOSLINK connectivity. The improvement using it with the Node2 is not as significant but still worth it.

Using a LPS instead of the stock wall-wart will improve the SQ of the reclocker. I added one and have experienced a much wider soundstage, improved dynamics and inner detail.
Very impressed with the improvement in sonics of my system.


rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,653 posts
 
Brayeagle,

The good news is most streaming services I looked at amazingly carry multi performances of the same work. If you’re into classical, there’s one that’s far above the rest:  IDAGIO.  It has numerous search engines to find anything you want, and is devoted solely to classical. Only $10 a month!
Another good one is Qubuz, but it’s not just for classical and it’s more expensive.
wolf_garcia
6,686 posts
 
I use streaming for background music with the same DAC used for the CD player (my DAC has 2 sp/dif inputs), and CDs for serious listening. Redbook CDs have been getting some props lately from interesting people like Alon Wolf among others. A good spinner with a good DAC can sound great, and I think the rumors of a "CD Revival" fad are pretty funny.
sorlowski
236 posts
 
In my experience good quality CD transport sounds better then good media server see thread: "Aurender N10 and audiophile network devices ". But Aurender when streaming from Tidal sounds excellent. I do not have explanation why. It is just what me and my audio-buddies are hearing on our sessions. IMHO even best digital is inferior to similarly priced turntable which is inferior to similarly priced R2R. Which is a pity because of inconvenience.
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