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RE: Sample files to compare streaming services

68.34.142.3

In Reply to: RE: Sample files to compare streaming services posted by AbeCollins on April 30, 2024 at 09:58:29

Abe, I'm not the best person to ask about streamers. I have been curious about whether there are observable sonic differences between files served up by Qobuz versus files served up by other streaming services when using the same hardware configuration.
But, I have the least possible interest in what hardware is used as the streamer.
I don't use streamer. I have no interest in having a "streamer." I simply use a NUC with Windows 10 and JRiver Media Center to serve up my files to my DAC. Most of what I listen to are files stored on hard drives. If I stream something (which I do only rarely), it comes through the NUC via a browser, not an app like Qobuz or Tidal.
This said, I have observed that the power supply will make a difference in what I hear. And, I have no doubt that care with the power supply, noise and internal wiring configurations in the digital components of the audio chain will have an impact on the sound. It's just that the quality of the DAC is so much more important to the overall sound, imo. On that issue, you and I agree completely.

Edits: 04/30/24 04/30/24

Follow Ups:

Actually... - E-Stat 12:55:09 05/02/24 (4)
Most of what I listen to are files stored on hard drives.
that is also considered streaming. Which means using a streaming protocol (DLNA, Airplay, Chromecast, SlimProto, etc.) on a networked computer as your music source. The content could be internet based services, radio or server stored digital files. I mostly stream FLAC files from an SSD based NAS using multiple endpoints which are also called streamers.
I prefer using tiny, stripped down Linux based platforms (140 MB) for playback instead of using a general purpose OS like Windows or MacOS (2+ GB). There really isn't a need for running hundreds of unrelated processes for music. They require far less power at 5-7V and generate less RFI.

Edits: 05/02/24
- Depends on who you ask I suppose.... - AbeCollins 14:02:25 05/02/24 (3)
  - To me "streaming" involves a streaming service.
  There's a distinction to be made.
  - So a music server with your own files on it played over your network to a streamer isn't really streaming by my definition.
  I've seen it used both ways with ambiguity.
  Are there official universally agreed upon definitions in the world of high-end audio?
  
  Edits: 05/02/24
  - RE: Depends on who you ask I suppose.... - Koscso Media Engineering 23:30:43 05/02/24 (1)
    I call Tidal, Qobuz, Apple Music, etc "streaming services" generally.
    
    Local, on-premise streaming using RAAT, NAA, Airplay, etc, is just multi-machine local playback.
    - +1 Good choice of words to describe the difference. Thanks! -nt - AbeCollins 20:38:59 05/04/24 (0)
      .
  - I choose - E-Stat 14:18:03 05/02/24 (0)
    Are there official universally agreed upon definitions in the world of high-end audio?
    
    industry standard terms for digital data transfer. Don't find a need for applications to change the terminology of how it sends IP packets. The distinction is LAN vs WAN sources of the packets sent via a streaming protocol.
    
    Indeed, usage is widely scattered. :)

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