Streaming vs. CD

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

Yeah, and P. McGowen (PS Audio) also bought into it at first probably because the $$$ signs were flashing. Then later when this got out even before this vid, he quickly pulled out.
Now the same is happening with these mega dollar boutique ac mains fuses, some that have around 1000% mark up.
There’s a moto with these guys "follow the $$$"

Cheers George