Thread: How to properly stream TIDAL, Qobuz, Deezer, et cetera?

Hi guys,

So I've been meaning to ask if there's an optimal way to stream these streaming service, if you know what I mean..., like some players which directly support TIDAL or Qobuz or Amazon Music and stuff, but what if I stream TIDAL through Roon, would the sound quality get better? and why?
I know that Roon does a lot of signal purification jobs during the whole transmitting process, still, I'm very much confused hahaha, since the cloud service is the original place of the music files, no? how come during the transmission the sound could be optimized!?

If that's a true fact that it's possible to level up the sound quality better than the original, so the theory can also be applying on the hardware parts I presume, like I can buy an real nice hi-end router to upgrade the network quality from the beginning, then the DC power supply, audio grade network switch, specialized cables, all the way to speakers, is that right?

Best,

Hi, my intention is to learn the opinions from other members, so I could gain more insights... would that be okay?

Originally Posted by preston8452

Hi, my intention is to learn the opinions from other members, so I could gain more insights... would that be okay?

Absolutely!

Originally Posted by joeinid

Absolutely!

Many thanks, much appreciate it, I actually just started using digital streaming system like 2 months ago, still figuring stuff out, not sure if I'm a veteran enough to give proper insights to others' posts yet hahaha.

Certainly, learned that " Network Switch " is still a big controversial topic to all audiophiles hahaha... I mean, I personally bought one, but maybe bc my system ain't too " Hi-Fi " yet, so the improvement wasn't that obvious, but it did optimize the sound quality in a way...

You don't have to use Roon. It doesn't necessarily improve the sound of a streaming service like Tidal.
Roon is a "software transport" i.e. helps in delivering the content to different devices in your network with a nice user interface.
You can listen to any streaming service directly using their interface with no loss in quality.

When it comes to streaming you will definitely benefit with paying attention to the power on all your network devices.
Streaming services can be noticeably improved using an LPS to power your existing router and network switch.
Audiophile grade gear does a lot of this for you via upgraded parts - clocks, power supplies, etc.

Streaming sound is affected a lot in HF specially. Cleaning power alone will get you clarity in shimmer and decay of cymbals.
Transients like strings and piano clean up with added texture and clarity at the top of the notes.

Adding a reclocker typically adds weight and definition to the sound.
Instruments separation and more meat to the sound are typical benefits.


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There are also some crazy expensive cables and such... I'm still a newbie, so I bought a very entry network switch I think, it's called Bonn N8, but I haven't spent money on the cables yet, some cables even more pricey than the streamer itself omg haha
'

Thanks for the inputs man, that's what I thought so too, but still, also lots of folks say other DACs and Speakers are the only crucial factors to sound quality...

2 switches? I haven't used two in a roll actually haha, well but the it seems some users do connect the 2 Bonn N8s in series, they said the network quality got purified even more, I ain't sure about that, so I only bought one lol... wouldn't 2 be a bit extreme?

Originally Posted by preston8452

Thanks for the inputs man, that's what I thought so too, but still, also lots of folks say other DACs and Speakers are the only crucial factors to sound quality...

Like everything in audio, don't try to do this all in one go.

DACs, amplifiers and speakers are the basic building blocks of your setup.
Each being a subject all it's own and you get gains with each component.
But the laws of diminishing returns apply.

Improving your cables and other accessories gives you further refinements as you go along.

Enjoy the journey!



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Originally Posted by preston8452

I know that Roon does a lot of signal purification jobs during the whole transmitting process

It does not, unless you consider (user configurable) changing the music data by DSP or volume leveling to be purification.

Improving the power supplies to:
Streamer
Switch
Router
Modem

will probably improve your streaming audio, although it may never quite match the sound of locally stored files

IME, the benefits of improving the PS to the components I mentioned are in descending order as I listed them. Others may feel differently, either from experience or theory.

Originally Posted by Alkyogre

you forgot the dac.

Not unless he means the dac within the streamer/network player , like a Lumin for example

There's really no "proper" way to stream. Meaning not many do it the same or use same gear. Some guys are really into computers and use that method, I am not a big fan of computers especially mixing with my audio system so I chose a streamer, still computer based on inside but I find it much simpler to use.

The music maybe in the cloud you just want to maintain it's integrity the best you can until it reaches your system. Some people may have additional software or DAC that upsamples the song to a higher resolution or other manipulation, improvement is subjective to the listner.

Streaming is here and has been, pick your method and get started.

I don't look at streaming as any different from other sources, meaning you pick your gear in the set up and tweak/improve as you go.

If you have a budget set that imfo would help. You can get streaming music with a Bluesound Node or go up to Lumin or Aurnder. It also depends on the rest of your system, I recommend your streaming be inline with the level of the rest of your system. Another consideration is whether you just want to stream from music services or store your own music to a HD.

I started with my Streamer which also has the HD built in. I have to use a Ethernet Bridge. I was up and running. I found upgrading my Ethernet cables just to an affordable Bluejeans made a nice improvement. I also added the Ether Regen which is a switch that made a very noticeable improvement. I also have an upgraded USB cable between streamer and DAC but I began with that, huge improvement over a stock cable and I've compared it to a couple others, my Audioquest Diamond hasn't been bested yet. I also don't care to spend more on that either.

I have a friend who has upgraded power supplies, filters and all types of gadgets. Another friend who uses a computer and nothing more than what it takes to get sound. So many ways one can choose.

Originally Posted by preston8452

Hi guys,

So I've been meaning to ask if there's an optimal way to stream these streaming service, if you know what I mean..., like some players which directly support TIDAL or Qobuz or Amazon Music and stuff, but what if I stream TIDAL through Roon, would the sound quality get better? and why?
I know that Roon does a lot of signal purification jobs during the whole transmitting process, still, I'm very much confused hahaha, since the cloud service is the original place of the music files, no? how come during the transmission the sound could be optimized!?

If that's a true fact that it's possible to level up the sound quality better than the original, so the theory can also be applying on the hardware parts I presume, like I can buy an real nice hi-end router to upgrade the network quality from the beginning, then the DC power supply, audio grade network switch, specialized cables, all the way to speakers, is that right?

Best,

Originally Posted by Alkyogre

you forgot the dac.

It didn't cross my mind in this context; I assumed (perhaps incorrectly) that DACs "around here" (i.e., this forum) are already going to have a high-quality LPS (or even 2 as in my case)

Originally Posted by Alkyogre

exactly on this question I had a discussion. I own 2 bonn linns hooked to the silent angel forester. This setup is what the shop advises to me

But really I doubt this, hooking the second switch does not do anything to my ears,

The forester does interfere to my speakers giving a slightly background low tone

But the question was this: how can a second streamer improve the sound? The best switch is no switch, why do you need 2? I don't know and cannot hear any improvement.

At the moment I am using 1, hooked to the original powersupply.

That does sound kinda suspicious hahaha, but there still some reviews said that connecting 2 does outperform 1, I haven't decided if I will buy another Bonn N8 yet, so like now I had a Munich M1T, which is a Roon Ready streamer, and one Bonn N8, switch, and a linear power supply, Forester F1, and I use the I2S digital output to connect to my PS Audio DAC, then to the KEF active speakers, the sounds are fine, but just I couldn't hear the differences between using Roon to play TIDAL and directly playing TIDAL via the app hahaha...

Aqua LinQ with HQPlayer Core module.

Trueee, HQPlayer does improve the sound quality.