Downloads Versus Streaming

“I come to find out also that many titles, even on major labels, are being hyper compressed. ”

@goofyfoot

Why do I get the feeling that you have already conceded to the notion that downloads will always sound superior to streaming :-)

I feel like we are on two different islands! 

@lalitk I don't know why you think that, the same level of compression happens on CD's and I'm guessing can occur with downloads, so my comment wouldn't indicate siding with one format or another. Compression is very real and often abused. So I'm just pointing out another possibility as to why one recording may be difficult to listen to and why another sounds great, even if it's from the same tape master.

@goofyfoot

I see, well in that case we make the best out of what’s available and continue the pursuit. It’s probably why I continue to buy downloads, CD’s and Vinyl.

Yeah, problem is that certain information about the remastering / recording process isn't usually available. Labels are not responsible in any way to be forthcoming about taking shortcuts or making compromises, you take your chances. Fortunately, where I live we have brick and mortar record stores where someone will say, 'No don't buy the later Led Zeppelin remasters because they are compressed and the remixes differ wildly from the originals'. I will say that I feel more vulnerable on Qobuz and that's why I trust when people comment about the catalogue being a mixed bag. But there are plenty of options on Qobuz for twelve dollars a month so, 'whatta ya gona do'?

@jbuhl So I take it that you bought a component from Roon or someone else that serves as the Roon Core and sounds better than your experience using a Mac computer? If so, it makes a good deal of sense to me that your experiencing better results with a component dedicated to Roon, given it's filters an other audio design properties. Which makes me wonder if it's worth spending money on a filtering device between the modem and the Pi?