Streaming vs. CD

One conundrum on this issue I have not been able to resolve in my mind is that almost without exception CD playback is always better than 'equal' streamed playback.  

I tried to isolate all the variables in equipment and playback and always got the same result.  Then I bought a Marantz ND8006 - and the same is true.  You may know that with this unit, as a CD and network player, the DAC is the same onboard.  But when I playback a CD against the same version of a song from Tidal or Amazon HD the CD always wins, better top end, more 'air', better imaging, timing etc. You may say that Tidal and Amazon HD are not actually CD quality - but they are pretty pretty pretty close.  Still the CD playback is easily distinguishable - and since it is all playing from the same unit it eliminates potential for other variables to influence the outcome (different cables etc).  Maybe there is still a clocking/jitter difference between the CD output to the DAC and the streamed signal to the DAC - but it seems not very likely.  

I have not yet compared it with a downloaded FLAC or other high res file but I wouldn't be surprised to still find for some strange reason the CD still sounding better again even on a unit like the Marantz ND8006  - bits are not just bits for whatever reason.  I don't get it. 

It’s now two years since my original post.  Since then I’ve acquired a whole new setup, including a new DAC (Benchmark) and streamer (Cambridge.) Now the SQ of streaming, using Qobuz or Idagio, is virtually indistinguishable from my CD transport (Cyrus.) I never though it was possible.  One factor in the equation was the purchase of a new streamer power cord ((Audioquest.). Made a major difference.

I second Rvpiano. I use a node2i and with an upgraded powercord and cabling I can't tell the difference between Tidal or Qobuz at 44.1 and the same mix played over my transport through a Doge 7 tube dac. Hires up to 192 can sound a little crisper and clearer then 44.1 but the same bit rates sound exactly the same from either service (although only Quobuz goes to 192 with my dac, tidal limited to 96k). Sounds almost comparable to dsd in fact but nothing beats SACD surround (ex. EJ Tumbleweed Connection through low jitter connection direct to AV is best I've ever heard). Surprisingly, the XM app sounds excellent and a little different than other service although only cd quality. It has a bassier more powerfull sound and I suspect either maybe some smiley face eq happening. I like smiley eq and need it in my car otherwise my Focals sound way too bright and I can't crank them. I still like to buy SACD for the surround content but see no reason to buy CDs with my current setup and all these services. We are living in a golden age for music selection AND quality!

Once again it needs to be said.
All this A/B’ing means nothing, if you’re not listening to the same issue of the album in both a/b’s. Are you listening to the compressed re-issues v the non compressed original release.
Give us which one in your opening before saying anything on which sound better, and chances are you can’t because you can’t get the provenance with anything streamed or downloaded.

EG:
https://dr.loudness-war.info/album/list?artist=the+traveling+wilburys&album=

Remember "If there’s no quite there’s no loud" (dynamic range)
Listen/watch this
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Gmex_4hreQ&ab_channel=MattMayfieldMusic

Cheers George

According to GoldenSound over at YouTube, you will never know if what you're hearing via Tidal is HighRes or upsampled Redbook. His investigation goes into great depth on the MQA rip off and Tidal doesn't come out looking all that good as a result.
https://www.realhd-audio.com/?p=7258
The video is almost 40 minutes but once you start, you won't be able to stop listening. 

All the best,
Nonoise