2. digital
  3. 180198-96706

Streamed music sounds awful in my system and I don't know why ....

cd's spun in a transport are so much more satisfying.  Streamed content lacks body, bass, and correct timbre.

DAC is the Moon 780 driven by Moon's transport with Audience Front Row loom. Streamed source originates  from Windows Media Player platform into the same DAC 780 via CAT 6 cable hardwired into a Spectrum router.

If I wanted to upgrade the streaming experience, where would I start ?

Rest of system -Shindo Giscours pre-amp, VAC Phi 300 amp, Purist speaker cables feeding Wilson Sophia 3's.

Thanks for any guidance.

 

 

 

 

 

dr-john
4afsanakhan
136 posts
 

Dr John,

Try Qobuz, even on a laptop feeding a DAC via USB should be decent enough. You can chase improvements by throwing a lot of money at the problem, and you should see some minor benefits. A very good CD player is going to sound more musically complete and satisfying in my experience. I do stream music because it is so convenient, and the results can be very good indeed. Comparing albums streamed with same albums on my CD player sounds more complete on CD though. 

itsjustme
683 posts
 

So you didn’t tell us the streaming source, streaming format, or player settings. You didn’t mention what you’ve done to isolate ground and noise.

Kinda like asking about your vinyl playback setup and saying "33 1/ rpm"

 

I'd be very wary about WMP in any serious chain,,,, older versions didnt even support USB high res audio media format 2.. the absolute basics

Learn ye about digital!

fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,640 posts
 

You don't need Roon or a high priced streamer. If you can't figure out how to make the streamer you have work, ask for help. Or just accept the BAD sound.

buellrider97's avatar
buellrider97
508 posts
 

Kill your PC, almost anything will be an improvement. I’m only one step ahead of you. I ran a stripped and optimized Windows laptop streaming Tidal. I upgraded the USB cables 3 times and had a noticeable difference. I recently switched the laptop for a Pro Ject Streambox Ultra II, it was a major improvement. Now consider that the people above me have listed some significantly better equipment and they are  experiencing better results than me ! Small Green computer, Audio Troy are solid people that know their stuff. Also in retrospect I have a $2000 Shiit DAC and the Project is $800. Then ad 1 audiophile power cable for the DAC and a linear power supply for the Project and a $300 USB cable , your at $4K  ! If I had a do over I’d get a complete unit in the $5K range. FWIW, I have a nice Thorens TT and a good cartridge, and I enjoy the SQ of streamed music as much, and it’s a lot more convenient. Happy Listening, Mike B. 

baylinor's avatar
baylinor
1,538 posts
 

@OP

As already told by many, obviously your issue is streaming from your PC, you need a separate streamer. However you don't need to pay 5k or more for it as many recommend. Take a look at my streaming setup in my system. Not counting the DAC, I have only around 2k in it including cables. And it sounds just great. As good as my vinyl rig and cd player, just a slightly different presentation for each. However I did spend a good sum of money building the proper listening room, so I don't have to buy top of the line equipment or accessories to make up for the shortcomings of the listening environment. Foundation first.

More to discover