Qobuz is Amazing

Just read through this thread and it seems what is better for each of us is a bit system dependent. In my case a MacBook Pro, with little stored music, to an Ayre QB9dsd via USB. No MQA capability. I have Tidal, Roon and Qobuz 16/44. And a number of software programs including Audrivana. My best sound result, by a smidge, and aren't we all about small differences here, is Qobuz via Audrivana. I much prefer the Qobuz catalog. But usually, for ease of use, just bring up Roon/Tidal. I'm not into the metadata that much where Roon clearly shines. That said, I heard Mike's system yesterday and it's extraordinary, perfect sound. No USB connections, Tidal on a dedicated computer and the signal moves to a wonderful MSB DAC via ethernet connection.
 
Just read through this thread and it seems what is better for each of us is a bit system dependent. In my case a MacBook Pro, with little stored music, to an Ayre QB9dsd via USB. No MQA capability. I have Tidal, Roon and Qobuz 16/44. And a number of software programs including Audrivana. My best sound result, by a smidge, and aren't we all about small differences here, is Qobuz via Audrivana. I much prefer the Qobuz catalog. But usually, for ease of use, just bring up Roon/Tidal. I'm not into the metadata that much where Roon clearly shines. That said, I heard Mike's system yesterday and it's extraordinary, perfect sound. No USB connections, Tidal on a dedicated computer and the signal moves to a wonderful MSB DAC via ethernet connection.

Thank you. I’ll let you know when we have some of the other systems back together (post event).
 
I
Just read through this thread and it seems what is better for each of us is a bit system dependent. In my case a MacBook Pro, with little stored music, to an Ayre QB9dsd via USB. No MQA capability. I have Tidal, Roon and Qobuz 16/44. And a number of software programs including Audrivana. My best sound result, by a smidge, and aren't we all about small differences here, is Qobuz via Audrivana. I much prefer the Qobuz catalog. But usually, for ease of use, just bring up Roon/Tidal. I'm not into the metadata that much where Roon clearly shines. That said, I heard Mike's system yesterday and it's extraordinary, perfect sound. No USB connections, Tidal on a dedicated computer and the signal moves to a wonderful MSB DAC via ethernet connection.

I also ran with Audirvana on a Mac Mini connected via USB to my Esoteric Player/DAC for many years and was very happy with it. Now I’m running with the exact same front end as Mike and it’s magical. A real game changer. Thanks Mike for setting it up!

Ken
 
I also ran with Audirvana and a Mac Mini connected via USB to my Esoteric Player/DAC for many years and I was very happy with it. Now I’m running with the exact same front end as Mike and it’s magical. A real game changer. Thanks Mike for setting it up!

Ken

You’re very welcome. It’s definitely an evolution, maybe even a revolution in sound. Truly amazing.


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I also ran with Audirvana on a Mac Mini connected via USB to my Esoteric Player/DAC for many years and was very happy with it. Now I’m running with the exact same front end as Mike and it’s magical. A real game changer. Thanks Mike for setting it up!

Ken

You have what is considered the best of the best. Select II, duel powerbase with the rendering card and Roon Nuc. It's the end all digital setup Do you also have vinyl or tape. I donpt see any in your profile.
 
You have what is considered the best of the best. Select II, duel powerbase with the rendering card and Roon Nuc. It's the end all digital setup Do you also have vinyl or tape. I donpt see any in your profile.

Thanks, I couldn’t be happier with it. It’s a dream come true. I am purely a digital guy. Never got into vinyl. Love the sound of tape but prefer the ease of use of digital.

Ken
 
I just dumped my Vinyl. I sent the Allnic pre to a friend to demo, and sort of put aside the rest. I'm tired of fighting with vinyl. I'm tired of my digital sounding so much better and highlighting how bad my vinyl is. I could only imagine what a Select sounds like. Every time I have heard it, the associated equipment is so far beyond mine it's hard to sort what is doing what.
 
I just dumped my Vinyl. I sent the Allnic pre to a friend to demo, and sort of put aside the rest. I'm tired of fighting with vinyl. I'm tired of my digital sounding so much better and highlighting how bad my vinyl is. I could only imagine what a Select sounds like. Every time I have heard it, the associated equipment is so far beyond mine it's hard to sort what is doing what.

Yes, vinyl can be very frustrating when it’s underperforming. I think getting digital dialed in is far easier and you don’t have to revisit the setup as often.

The Select is indeed a special component. It is so transparent and liquid sounding that I find myself focusing in on the music and forgetting about the DAC most of the time. It doesn’t sound like tubes or vinyl, more like listening to master tapes on a RTR Deck. Voices and instruments emerge from a black background. I’ve been listening day and night lately. I never get tired of what I’m experiencing.

Ken
 
There is something about tape. I heard it a few times at a friends place. I'm starting to get it. It's a unique sound. I'm starting to understand the density. It's just there flowing along. I get why digital folk want to claim tape sound. Both have very low wow and flutter. I have been close to getting a machine, but akin to one of my post, I don't want a pile of tape to fuss over, protect and handle. That and I will probably get a nasty paper cut trying to feed the tape on the machine. Probably pass out looking at the blood. Ruin the new carpet. Stain the walls stumbling around my house trying to call an ambulance. I feel faint just thinking about it.
 
There is something about tape. I heard it a few times at a friends place. I'm starting to get it. It's a unique sound. I'm starting to understand the density. It's just there flowing along. I get why digital folk want to claim tape sound. Both have very low wow and flutter. I have been close to getting a machine, but akin to one of my post, I don't want a pile of tape to fuss over, protect and handle. That and I will probably get a nasty paper cut trying to feed the tape on the machine. Probably pass out looking at the blood. Ruin the new carpet. Stain the walls stumbling around my house trying to call an ambulance. I feel faint just thinking about it.

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I love mine!



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So I have to tell my wife no Porsche Macan Turbo S with performance package. She's not having a special Christmas.

There’s no Macan Turbo S. Only S, GTS or Turbo with PP.


Sorry, couldn’t resist. [emoji51]
 
She loves her Cayman S and I love my ML550. I will probably get the Macan in the last 6 cylinder iteration before environmental law says 4 cylinder Turbo only. Even then I will get the 3 year old lease return. I cant stomach $87k. Maybe $48k. I have done as such on my last 3 auto and been very pleases. Sight unseen purchases from the dealer on a lease return car. They come with 2 years factory warranty and are proveen to not be a Lemon.
 
We can all spend what we want, but priorities get in the way. I have a professional manager that does not make huge money, but in 2008/9 crash the portfolio went open by 6%, not down by 30% or 40% like most. I have friends who are not back to where they were prior. I'm almost double where I was. Anyhow, leave my invested money alone and at 60 I should retire on an income as large, if not greater than what we make today. That's a goal.

That and having 10 acre with a large garden plot including fruit trees providing most all our food. Mobile chicken huts too but not for eggs. Meat. I'm also building a custom house to sit on the land. And I need my Fishing, crabbing, shrimping boat.
In short, my life revolves around many priority.
 
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