Downloads Versus Streaming

I'll echo the experience others have shared. This past week I decided to buy digital copies of a few of my favorite albums and had a chance to compare to the streaming versions (via Qobuz). Both had the sample bit and sample rates. My GF also listened and her impression was the same as mine.

I found that to my ears, there are slight differences but can't say if one is better than the other. The local copy had more detail, was slightly more analytical, bass was more nuanced, and overall sounded cleaner. The streamed version was a bit softer and 95% of the detail and clarity. Both have their place and on certain songs, the softer nature of the streaming version was preferable over local and vice versa.

Besides having local copies of select favorite albums, it's more so a compliment to streaming achieving a high level. The convenience factor, breadth of choice, and overall sound makes me not pine for local copies.

@christianb5s4 

Thanks for your observations. It sounds to me you confirm the state of the art. The components you choose determine the sound you hear and they can be close in sound quality. Therefore, carefully chosen streaming can probably equal or exceed the fidelity of stored files. Your choice of components determine the sound quality. In the past, CDs, then stored files would trump streaming. Today… it depends.

😎 I’m listening to a DSD download of Bill Evan’s ‘Waltz For Debbie’. Its hard to believe a fifty nine year old recording from a night club could sound this amazing. Glad I spent the money!

@goofyfoot 

Enjoy, what you have. There are plenty good suggestions on this thread for you to try it out at your own pace. I do own this album in Pure DSD and it’s spectacular! 

Streaming is very convenient and the quality is obviously precarious based on equipment, cables, etc… If I were to continue buying downloads and CD’s, I wouldn’t be depriving myself. I’m really curious however about the future of streaming and whether the file options would include DSD, labels like the now defunct Andante, or remastered audiophile labels like Analogue productions and whatever else. Hopefully there will be an abundant source of whatever anybody wants.