Qobuz Connect - is it good?!?

Network Audio
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Since the QC release, I’ve been using all my streaming services pretty heavily. Here’s my take: They all sound great!

But no, really, they all sound absolutely fantastic. Even Spotify sounds wonderful, generally speaking. As I’ve always said - pick the UI, algorithm, and company philosophy you prefer and go forth in musical bliss. For me personally, that’s QOBUZ…

But if we’re talking about the differences I’ve heard between the standard 3 that come up in convos, Q, T, and S. (I’ve got Amazon and iTunes as well; I just don’t use them, really.) The new Qobuz Connect is the clear winner in separation and layering. It’s just a smidge “cleaner” maybe, but it seems to allow for a more noticeable separation and layering, maybe just letting those micro details shine through a touch more.

However they built their software it was worth the wait.

Roon (with any service) is a bit more rounded and slightly softer. I love the sound of Qobuz and ROON, but I now prefer the speed and sound of QC.

Tidal C is basically identical to Qobuz C, just without that little kick in the space, layering, and micro detail. Spotify is good, but you can clearly pick up on the compression of things when you focus in.

Using the services in Roon or third-party apps such as EverSolo, Atoll, etc., is basically an equalizer, as they seem to lose some of their individuality, but overall, I still prefer Qobuz.

But again, I wasn’t mad at anything overall. Toe tapping in all scenarios. And man, the differences here are just on the edge of my ability to perceive them. Noticeable when focusing, disappears when you’re not critically listening.

But yeah, there’s been about 4-5 people I know who have picked up on it and the standouts of the new Qobuz Connect release, so I’d say as a peer group, it’s pretty solid. But based on preference, YMMV…. But it appears that Qobuz Connect kind of set the bar for a few folks around here.

Of course, we’ve got Steve Huff, who prefers Spotify on his $100+K Nagra system over all other services, so yeah… grains of salt for sure.

What a great time to be an audiophile! What are you guys hearing? Would love to hear your thoughts.

Great job Qobuz!

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Glad to see Qobuz Connect. Been waiting a long, long time for this. I listen to mostly to jazz and classical, so I prefer Qobuz over Spotify and Tidal. The Qobuz C works like the others, and unlike the native streamer connect apps, you can read the booklets in Qobuz, which is a joy. I’ve had no technical issues with Qobuz C.

My only wishlist item for Qobuz C would be that it stay connected to the streamer when not in active use, or at least have an option for it since I use a dedicated iPad for streaming. My Millenial son laughed at me and jokingly called me “old man” because the connect-to-streamer is a simple click away on my iPad :joy:

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why does Spotify downgrade higher res streams delivered by Qobuz? (downgrades everything to 44.1/16)

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@akro -

Sorry, my reply game on this forum sucks right now!! HA… Anyway-

iirc - Spotify is coming in at about 320kbps, which is only a fraction of the quality of a CD at 16/44.
I know it does not translate exactly that way as there are a TON of other variables.
But roughly speaking, I think some lossless files at 24/192 would be close to about 8000-9000kbps if streamed. I think the Spotify philosophy of sound is 320kbps lossy is good enough for the mass consumer and will even sound decent on some high end systems. :wink:

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Is there any difference between Qobuz connect and regular Qobuz when it comes to SQ? I stream from my PC so I’m not sure I could use Qobuz connect. Is it something I could use on my PC? I use Amazon music when not critically listening and Qobuz for when I am. I also use my HD for critical listening and it sounds a bit better than Qobuz. There is a pretty noticeable difference between Amazon and Qobuz to my ears. It would be nice to close the gap between my HD and Qobuz.

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It’s early and I struggle too before my coffee :laughing:

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From the feedback I am getting from my community, as well as my own critical listening over the last few days, there is in fact a difference in sound just in using ROON/Qobuz and then switching in real time to Qobuz Connect, using my AirLens streamer and DS MKII dac.. I have to beleive that these different software programs, third party apps, and different streaming services all sound slightly different on a highly resolving system. At least that has been my experience.

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Yea, I am only half way through my coffee.. HA.. Cheers

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Cheers! Is Qobuz connect something I could use with my PC or is it only for streamers?

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As I understand it, it is only when using an external streamer. It is basically software that direct connects the native Qobuz app to a streamer and eliminates the need for a 3rd party app where you log into your Qobuz account on the app and then interface with the streamer.

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I figured it was just for streamers… Oh well, lol

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Akro - For example, on Neil Young Archives you can see in real time the Kbps -
You can see a 24/44 track is streaming at almost 1700kbps vs Spotify at 320Kbps. And that is just at 24bit 44K.. Some of the 24/192 tracks get into the 8 and 9K region.. Compression is the friend of Spotify and WiFi.. :wink:

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I probably should not admit this, but using Spotify (3 month free Premium), my stage width is strengthened and cleaner, and get better instrument/performer separation (as compared to Roon/Audirvana).

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wth is that box?

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I will never argue ones experience! :slight_smile:
I mean Steve Huff is running a $100K+ Nagra front end and prefers it over all else..
Sounds good Sounds good.. :wink:

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playing local dsd files seems beyond Spotify

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Agreed! My PSA DSD library is superb on ROON/AirLens/DSMKII

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It is the Neil Young Archives website

Allows you to switch between 320Kbps and the master file. It is a pretty stark difference.

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Heard the Qobuz Connect is now available direct from Qobuz. Not sure how this would affect me. I use a PS AirLens; DIrect Stream Mk1; and Roon. Am subscribed to Qobuz through Roon. ($15/mo).

Would appreciate advice.

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What device is running Roon Remote? Assuming iOS or Android. Replace that with Qobuz app. It is supposed to be able to see your Airlens and send info directly to it. No roon needed. So technically if you like it, you could end that $15/mo. Now moving your playlists etc over…thats another story.