Downloads Versus Streaming

Yeah a Small Green Computer Sonic Transport (SGC ST).  Runs bit calmer, way more stripped down.  Don't have to worry about all the Mac updates and baggage  that platform brings along.   Stability is rock solid as well (so far) and support is good.   Dedicated device only way to run a ROON core IMO.  Sometimes you see them on the used market.  Been really happy with mine.

@jbuhl All-right, not cheap but still within reach. Does it elevate audio quality to where it's equal to MPD? Also, I'm assuming you can now play DSD files via Roon when using the Sonic Transport? To be honest and it's a long way off but I'm rather focused on the NAIM ND5 XS2 just because, I believe I could convince my local dealer to let me take one home for an audition. I'd really like to see how much of an improvement I'd hear when comparing it to the Pi.

As for Small Green Computer, these small boutique type companies just seem to keep sprouting up. It's encouraging.

The SGC/ST like most of this stuff was an incremental bump and got things close enough to MPD that I stayed with Roon.   Roon also opens things up for sprinkling other low cost endpoints around the house like old Sonos zp90s that can be picked up for dirt cheap.   Got those endpoints in the garage and work station.   I do not stream DSD.  I no longer buy downloads due to unpredictable/unknown quality of the source.   I am at a point where I am good with red book,24/96 and  vinyl.

@jbuhl So you've found a way for the Pi to work for you, which was something I was really interested in hearing about, thanks!

@lalitk 

Correct! It is not so much about the resolution but the provenance of that recording's original master. I have heard files in 16bit/44.1lHz that sounds simply amazing. For example, Shirley Horn's "Beautiful Love" or "If You Go" in 16bit/441kHz on Qobuz sounds stunning in my system.

Finally this was mentioned.  Not sure why this doesn't get brought up more in these discussions.  Provenance / mastering is everything, NOT the format or resolution (although there are merits for sure) generally speaking.  Really, its what version is one referencing (the catalog number).

There are 20 versions of say a Beatles, Zep album, whatever.  One, two or three of those versions sound excellent, the rest sound either OK, meh or absolute crap (compressed to hell). 

So when comparing a local file vs. a streamed file, it has to be apples to apples with regard to the version of said song/album.  However this can get tricky, because the streaming services don't usually provide the meta-data.  To make matters even worse, you have no control or are ever aware when the streaming file/album changes e.g. today the album might be "catalog #1 from Capitol" next month they may replace that version with a remaster (different catalog # / label) and could be worse or better.

I have streamed a song/album that sounds better than my local file version and vice versa.

Although I am streaming more (qobuz), my local library is pretty large and that won't be going away anytime soon, if ever.  I still purchase the stuff I like since the artists are getting so royally screwed by the current streaming model.

All that being said, streaming isn't going away and to get the most out of it, requires  planning and good component matching (much of which has been already stated)