How are you streaming Amazon HD?
Just from the App on my PC. Listening to UHD tracks. USB connection to dac. The system consists of a full stellar stack with m 700s and Wharfedale Jade 5s.
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Iâm streaming Amazon HD Mac App to DSD USB now. The app does not set the DSD USBâs bitrate dynamically, so I had to open up Audi MIDI Setup.
Unfortunately there have been too many changes to my system this week to tell if thereâs a difference to TIDAL or Qobuz, but it does sound pretty good.
It could be me to and my quick demo with USB from laptop to DSD but its very smooth sounding .Mids seem a bit more relaxed . That being said I will not continue unless I can do Amazon with a wireless app. Cords are not my idea of fun. especially short ones that I have to get up to change songs unless you que up your music . I cant see Amazon not approving their service for other hardware users. Hell Sony got through and they only allowed Spotify ! Step up time for Roon and Converse !
I Hear you CAP. Its amazing how different USB cables can have so great and an effect on the sound.
I have been A-Bing Amazon HD vs Qobuz on same tracks/sample rates. I really wanted to like Amazon HD because it is much cheaper for me as a Prime member. It just cant hold a candle to Qobuz in my opinion, less dynamism, texture and detail. It is a not a marginal difference either, Amazon HD sounds muffled to me compared to Qobuz.
What did yaâll think?
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There is a significant difference in an apples v. apples comparison? For example, the same track at 44.1/16?
Yes, sir. Been listening to the Beatles Abbey Road (Super Deluxe Edition). My favorite track on the album I Want You (Sheâs so Heavy) (2019 Mix) 24/96 on both platforms. The difference is stunning.
How odd.
I agree, was looking to see if anyone else had similar experience in comparing the two services.
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I agree 100% - to my ears in my system Qobuz is much better than Amazon HD.
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I wonder if this is teething/1st gen issues and will improve or this is what Amazon is going to fully offer. They do like their feedback.
Never count Amazon out on being able to deliver products for a fee. Theyâll get it right.
How are you playing Amazon HD?
On a PC/Mac with USB DAC direct connected?
On PC via USB to DAC, same way I run Qobuz.
It may not be an Apples to Apple comparison then.
Itâs being discussed on many forums at the moment (a complaint) that the Amazon app (PC and mobile) is not capable of automatic bit perfect playback.
Your OS maybe be outputting a different sample rate. Even if you manually match sample rates, itâs going through OS mixer.
Whereas Qobuz app is capable of âExclusive Modeâ bit perfect playbackâŚ
When the Amazon apps allow âExclusive Modeâ bit perfect playback, then the comparison will be Apple to Apple.
Itâs surprising it launched like this, considering the resources they can afford.
Not a problem for Spotify and Apple Music apps on the PC - expectations are naturally lower. But there are different expectations when launching a âHDâ music streaming service thoughâŚ
People need to write to Amazon and complain about this.
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I listen via a Mac and USB - to me, not as good a Qobuz via Roon.
See my post above - it may not be an Apples to Apples comparison⌠With Roon and Qobuz, you have âExclusive Modeâ bit perfect playback.
This is discussed a lot on the Roon forum and CA Forum.
People need to write to Amazon and complain about this.
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I wasnât saying it is or isnât bit perfect. You specifically mentioned PC so just giving another perspective.
But you commented on sound quality.
Their PC, Mac, mobile apps⌠all have the same problem. For now.
If playback is not bit perfect, this can be one mechanism for things sounding different.
People need to write to Amazon to make them aware that this is silly. Even the Tidal Desktop app has âExclusive Modeâ options with USB DACs and their mobile apps are bit perfect too (when you have sound notifications on silent).