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

[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,

 

[u-sound]

you started 7 threads with a total of 11 posts, whats your intention?

 

[preston8452]

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

 

[joeinid]

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

Absolutely!

 

[preston8452]

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.

 

[u-sound]

thats cool. did you learn anything yet?

 

[preston8452]

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...

 

[u-sound]

yes there are multiple opinions and experiences.
imho, networking is key!

 

[Nikhil]

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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[preston8452]

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
'

 

[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...

 

[u-sound]

thats the problem, good network is very expensiv if you want it to be magic.

you want at least 2 very expensive switches, good cables (doesnt need to be uber high end ones).
and vibrationcontrol on the switches is key again.

 

[u-sound]

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...

well yes, speakers and amps are still most important.
however, as for streaming the network is the bottleneck.

 

[preston8452]

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?

 

[u-sound]

no, the more the better. you can easely use 3 or 4.
then again better only 1 top switch then 2 lower ones.

 

[Nikhil]

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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[wklie]

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.

 

[Alkyogre]

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?

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.

 

[rbbert]

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.

 

[Alkyogre]

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.

you forgot the dac.