Has anybody tried Qobuz Streaming service?


Hi and thanks for reading!

Has anybody tried Qobuz and compared it to TIDAL? I read that Qobuz streams 24/196 files which may be higher than even TIDAL Master quality?? If you have made the switch to Qobuz, was it easy to integrate into your streaming system?

I look forward to hearing from people who have tried Qobuz and either loved it or disliked it compared to TIDAL.

grm
grm
HG, i'm interested in Qobuz since I don't have a MQA dac, with no plans to buy one to access MQA on Tidal (I am a subscriber)
I’ve tried free subscriptions to Tidal, Deezer, and Qobuz. Tidal and Deezer have a deep rock catalogue. I was turned off by so much hip-hop being recommended by Tidal, plus they had a poor classical selection.

I upgraded my Qobuz to hires (Studio version) and the quality of the files are outstanding. I'll be staying with Qobuz hires.
Their rock catalogue is lacking, but the jazz and classical is very good. And I’ve noticed more titles being added.

On Bluesound Node the integration of Qobuz is identical to Tidal.



I've tried trial versions of Tidal, Deezer, Amazon Music and lastly Quobuz. I've decided that buying actual discs or downloading PCM and/or DSD is better for me than using a streaming service. Especially given that I'm mostly interested in audiophile reissues like MOFI, Analogue Productions, etc...which streaming services do not include in their libraries.
I admittedly like the idea of using a streaming service like Quobuz but personally don't find that the technology is where it needs to be (for me). I had several issues concerning instability and I noticed a difference in sound quality. For passive listening on something like a soundbar, it's fine.
Any streaming service (Tidal, QoBuz, etc) requires a fully operational network.  This means your modem, router, cable signal being in range and all other related parts must be working correctly.  

At the beginning, I had serious router issues and several Internet Service Provider (ISP) issues requiring several house calls to repair.  My first router dropped packets and my 2nd router could not handle the streaming load.  My third router, Luxul, is now working fine.

As was noted above, streaming issues concerning instability usually mean something is wrong with your network.  My ISP Tech updated my in-house cables and corrected the wiring in my outside junction box.

Yes, I had similar instability issues caused by a corroded outside ISP junction box and issues with an ISP down stream amplifier.  My cable signal strength also needed adjusting (this issue caused my instability issues). 

Streaming requires these parts to be operating at full capacity.  If you have instability issues, I suggest you investigate all the areas mentioned above.   No, it is not easy and requires a cooperative ISP Tech to help identify and correct these issues.  You should also confirm your modem can handle the streaming load.  If it is old, you might need to replace it.  

Once your network is correctly operating, you should be able to successfully stream these services.  Unfortunately, I had all the above issues and it took me several weeks to get everything corrected.  I am now streaming Tidal and Qobuz perfectly with no drop outs or related cable signal issues.  

It is not easy getting all these parts working.  You have to have patience and contact your ISP for assistance, when needed.  I fully explained my streaming instability issues were impacting my listening to my music and the ISP Tech knew exactly what was needed.  I suggest you start with your router first and then your cable company.  As I stated above, every single part in the streaming chain needs to be confirmed it is working correctly.  

Please contact me if you have any questions. 



hgeifman,
I recently had the cable technicians out to my house, one at the pole and one at the house due to weather issues. My router and modem were replaced. My download speed is around 250 mps with no latency issues. My Apple software is High Sierra.
The problems I had were in combination with using Audirvana Plus. I contacted Quobuz about those technical issues and I was told that it’s because the version of Quobuz that I was using was not licensed and that my problems would be passed on for further evaluation. But that doesn’t address the fact that my downloads sound better than what I heard while streaming. It’s not that Quobuz is bad overall, it’s just that it needs to improve before I’ll be willing to spend money for it.