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Yet another Qobuz vs. Tidal debate

I'm not convinced that I'm getting "CD Quality" from either service even though I've paid a premium for it.  In terms of the catalog, Tidal has Qobuz beat hands down.  Not even close IMO.  I like the user interface a little more with Tidal.  Similar artists populate right under the album listings.  However, Tidal is expensive when compared to Qobuz, if you're a long term subscriber. With Qobuz I received a considerable discount with a 1 year subscription.  I was paying $24 month (with taxes inc) for Tidal and that was a year ago. It's probably gone up from that. $300 a year buys a lot of CD's (especially when I usually buy mine used).  Has anyone else been as disillusioned as I am?     
russellrcncom
big_greg
6,670 posts
 
Things seem to be back to "normal" with Qobuz for me, which is no dropouts. 
russellrcncom OP
318 posts
 
I'm using a Netgear 1200 for an ethernet extension and I noticed that when streaming the green lights were turning to amber.  According to the manual, I shouldn't be using the Netgear with a surge suppressor.  I tried it without the surge suppressor and it did seem to help with eliminating the drop-outs and the freezes I was getting.  
What I can't understand is that there are times when the streaming works fine WITH the surge suppressor.     
barts's avatar
barts
730 posts
 
I just purchased a Bryston BDA-3.14 which has native Qobuz software.
Signed up for Qobuz "Studio" (the highest level) for $149 a year.  Well
I must say that the SQ of the hi-rez is simply amazing.  Familiar albums
are new again. Even the Redbook CD ones sound great.  The BDA is hardwired ethernet and I've had no problems with dropouts.

Bought a small HP laptop 11" just for this purpose.  I have no clue how other systems work, but the BDA is a node on my home network.  The laptop is used to login to Bryston (the company) which recognizes the BDA is mine.  So, in simple terms, there is no computer in the chain, the only function the laptop serves is to act as a sophisticated remote control for the BDA-3.14 software (ie. stop play skip, create playlists, store files locally if desired).  The BDA has 10 inputs, I'm only using one.

BTW, this will not cure all your dropouts but Bryston told me to use Chrome on the laptop because their techs tell them Qobuz may have problems with other browsers.  YMMV.
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