Downloads Versus Streaming

Thanks to all for the suggestions. My thought was that I could purchase a better streamer as well as something like the ENO or Ether Regen. What doesn't make sense to me is why I would need a better streamer if it sounds good coming from my SSD, isn't it sending the digital signal to my DAC the same way?

A great streamer isolates, buffers, and translates the incoming signal. It sounds like it is not doing a good job on the streaming side. It sounds like you may be able to make up for that by doing things with your network. Or, as I mentioned, upgrade your streamer. It would not surprise me if an Ethergen would help… but my feeling it would just help a little. But the only way to know is to try it.

I suspect that all streaming services, even High Resolution ones, need to do some compression in the route from their servers to your listening room.  CDs and downloads sound best in my system but Qobuz isn’t that far off

I do not believe there is any compression at all from Qubuz or Tidal for that matter. By todays standards the bitstream for music is minuscule. My streamer worked seamlessly while I can’t refresh my   News page on my iPad. Since high Rez from my streamer matches or exceeds CD and vinyl on my system it makes me pretty confident in believing this.

Local tracks usually sound slightly better than streaming. Not a big deal. I have acquired < 40K curated without downloading except for a few freebies.