2. digital
  3. 153907-141079

SPDIF to CDP vs direct CD playback sound difference

Recently I put together a Raspberry Pi network streamer for my father, who uses fancy speakers connected to Mark Levinson 390s CD player. According to him, although the sound quality is quite nice, it doesn't provide the full "sensation" of a sound coming from the direct CD playback when comparing a same track. I won't be home until a few days so I haven't had the chance to hear the difference myself.

For SPDIF output, I'm using Hifiberry DIGI+ PRO attatched to the top of Raspberry PI (ALSA, default config) and use Airplay (lossless) to stream TIDAL (lossless). Airplay volume is forced at 100% regardless of device volume.

I try to stay away from differences that I can't reasonably prove (because I'm broke) and I don't have the greatest ears either. That being said, I cannot understand how this particular audio chain can suffer such quality loss. Everything is digital until it hits the CDP, and I don't think there's a fault within its course. Hifiberry and toslink connection will add jitter for sure as it is not bit perfect, but it won't be anywhere close to being audible. One possibility is that the CD player is not handling digital input the same way as it reads a CD, but I doubt it.

Is there any hidden "gotcha"s I've missed?
snowmanp
snowmanp OP
3 posts
 
cheap streamer and hooked it up to a computer that’s used for things other than audio
Have you had any experiences with Hifiberry Digi+ Pro? Price doesn't equate to quality.

BTW, are you using ripped CDs and/or a subscription streaming service?

No idea what you're talking about either. Do you mean the high frequency digital imprints on streaming services? Or do you mean things like FLAC vs WAV?

If you have no rational advice other than to waste a whole lot of money on a overpriced device designed for "audiophiles", I think I picked the wrong forum.
snowmanp OP
3 posts
 
I looked around the forums after posting the prior comment and realized that your reply isn't anything out of ordinary on this forum, considering that it is completely filled from bottom to top with people paying $3000 for a barely $300 worth of hardware for the privilege of abstracting away high school level of competence in technology. These aren't high end amplifiers with diminishing returns, they are digital outputs. I'm sure those systems sound "fine", just like any computer that outputs 99.9% bit perfect digital would. Sorry for intruding on your garden, and I'll show myself out.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
cleeds
5,970 posts
 
soix

Well, you’d be absolutely wrong. I’m guessing you bought a cheap streamer and hooked it up to a computer that’s used for things other than audio.
The OP is using a Hifiberry DIGI+ PRO hat on top of a Raspeberry Pi, so that doesn’t seem to be the major issue. It’s the Toslink connection that I think is suspect.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
cleeds
5,970 posts
 
snowmanp
Sorry for intruding on your garden, and I'll show myself out.
You're not intruding. You just received uninformed advice, and that sometimes happens around here.
reubent
7,039 posts
 
I also suspect the Toslink connection/cable. If you have the ability to try a digital coax cable, give it a try and see if you get better results.
More to discover