Sound Quality of red book CDs vs.streaming

rvpiano

any new gear in 2021 ?

Happy Listening!

One word, compression. Either by the streaming company to save on size when streaming.
Or because they used the compressed later release version of the music they stream, even though it’s the same piece.
The uncompressed harder to find versions always sound better.

I would hope that the major streaming services that tout the quality of their music are not compressing the files during the upload process; ie, Qobuz who offers CD quality and hires. Although limited compression may be required and acceptable.

As far as the selection of albums available, it's getting harder to find an original release. Most versions are now over-compressed with poor dynamic range. This is the case for the rock/pop genre, even some jazz such as the ECM remasters.
 I can always find a better quality release in my CD collection.

@lowrider57,

Streaming files are no different than CD or Vinyl pressings. We have great sounding albums on CD’s or Vinyl’s and bad one’s too. I am not saying there is no truth here, there are plenty of rock albums that don’t sound good on Streaming but they also suck on other formats too. Some of us are fortunate enough to own good copies that sourced from original master tapes. IME, there are plenty of great sounding files on Qobuz / Tidal that sound as good as CD or better.

Some people loves to make unnecessary ‘noise’ about compression...funny thing is they don’t even have a streaming setup. They are just too stubborn to get out of their comfort zone and adapt to present or future.

jafant,

Thanks for asking!
I’m not sure if I mentioned it before, but I bought a Benchmark DAC3, and a GeerFab digital extractor.  Both units made a big difference.
How about you?

Lalitk,
Maybe you should try a Top of the Line Spinner/Dac like Esoteric with a Clock and compare it to your streamer. Dealers that carry both streamers and Esoteric/MSB/Gryphon etc will tell you there is no comparison. Me thinks some people arent stubborn to change...they simply can afford the best and not compromise. Streamers are great for experimentation but not for sound quality. I think people are just too lazy to get off their butt and put a new disc in every 45 minutes.