@dannad
For just regular HD (CD quality), I don't think there is any difference.
dannad,
Nope, not talking MQA. Don't use MQA, prefer not to. Yes, hearing a difference for sure. Yes, specifically talking "
regular HD CD quality" - FLAC Lossless only and yes, hearing a worthy difference.
re: Tidal vs. Qobuz sound with CD quality tracks (16/44.1) only;
Update:
Checked with a few critical-listener colleagues today who are using my exact same MHDT DAC (16-bit R2R Ladder tube design) and (both with similar type all-tube audio systems) hear a distinguishable difference at CD quality level with Qobuz vs. Tidal. Both report it's not the same to them either. In fact, one switched from Tidal to Qobuz today as a result sampling 3 well regarded albums. He indicated "
instantly hearing a quality improvement with Qobuz over Tidal with regular CD bit/transfer rate". And, he too is a long term Tidal consumer like me. We are now of the belief Tidal is doing something during digital transfer to alter even CD tracks, somehow. Will need to read up more on Tidal's software engine.
Listening now:
Just sampled several tracks I've played for the past year with Tidal Hi-Fi. With Qobuz there is this a notable naturalness to strings and voices - more similar to CD through my same DAC with a tad more enjoyable tone and texture there. I use string/eectric guitar and piano keys as a reference too. My ear is particularly tuned to these instruments, fwiw.
TIN PAN ALLEY - Stevie Ray Vaughan:>>Listen to this track on Spotify Premium, then Tidal Hi-Fi, then
Qobuz Studio Premier and compare<<. Qobuz is simply more natural to me.
LANDSLIDE - Fleetwood Mac (2017 Remastered):
>>Listen to the tone of the strings and texture of her voice and compare<<. High strings offer a very nice tone and timbre on Qobuz.
Qobuz Studio Premier is nice. It also could be our MHDT DACs are helping to realize the difference in 16-bit FLAC. It’s
not smeared
with Qobuz CD-FLAC quality, at all. I don’t know what it is, but really like it. Tried Amazon, will revisit quarterly. Thought for sure Amazon would dominate soon, not yet IMO.
Glad to see the competition with streaming services heating back up!
