Digitest

Finally getting around to comparing different configs on my streaming setup. Just did one tune so far will do more and add to this thread. Picked Dire Straits In the Gallery. Track rated high on the Dynamics database and it’s my favorite DS tune.

 

Hardware:

Mesh network with Node hardwired. All nodes in direct line of site of each. Fiber optic trunk a block down the road then DSL from there to my house.

Roon server SGC ST i5

Streamer Bryston BDP -Pi

Wadia 321 DAC

Rogue RP1 (Mullards)

Quad Artera Stereo Amp

Focal 926 speakers.

Cables (PS Audio, Kimber, Marrow)

tracks volume leveled with phone app.

P6 TT/ Ania Pro

REL T/9x

Coax connections used.

Qobuz (tracks appeared to be red book)

 

I compared streaming directly through the Bryston/Pi with MPD from Qobuz, Then ROON to the Pi from Qobuz, Then ripped file storage on the Pi with MPD. Then finally Vinyl. Not sure where I got the CD but it indicated that it was a "remaster" and I dont have the CD so could not compare playing the CD directly but I doubt it would have been and revelation as the Bryston CD player is very basic optical drive attached to the Pi.

No big surprises really. The ripped remastered sounded the most airy and clean and distinct, best separation but could also be interpreted as hard. I imagine might result in fatigue sooner. The Qobuz via ROON and the Pi/MPD was very close if I had to pick a winner I would go with the Pi/MPD still not as good as file but a little softer. The Vinyl, well is vinyl, smooth, liquid, organic . Probably listen to it all day and not get tired but not as analytical as streamed. Looking forward to trying a jazz track next.

 

Edit:  Just did quick and dirty comparison of using the Qobuz app on my iPad and going USB to the Wadia.   This time I used the track Water of Love.   First listened strait stream from app to DAC.  Then downloaded the CD quality file local on the iPad.  Then compared that to a stream from ROON.  just on a quick listen I don't think I could tell a difference between strait stream and local file (need more scrutiny) but when I went to the  Roon I picked up improved sound stage, bit better defined base guitar and the decay on Knoflers plucks were more pronounced, notice that right away. But the stream through the iPAD Qobuz app would be a good cheap way for someone to get their feet wet with streaming if they have a USB capable DAC.  Im surprised how good it sounds for the little wafer it is.  

Note: The Wadia Upsamples 

Note 2: I have also tested various configs with the RP-1 out of the system and going directly from the Wadia via XLR but I always go back the Tubed RP-1 and RCA.