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My streamer doesn't have a good fantom centerDSP

All vintage analog system, Cambridge Audio streamer using built in DAC. Radio (yes, I listen to it regularly) and Vinyl both have huge sound stage, great image, it sounds like voices are coming directly out from my audio rack. However, when playing my streamer, it's more like just L/R speakers. That center image isn't always there. 

My streamer software/firmware are up to date, cables are connected correctly, use Tidal Connect with MAX bitrate. It does sound great, very clean, clear, great dynamics, good sound stage, but the center is just not right. 

My thoughts are that my speakers are setup correctly, due to the other sources working just fine. Not using any signal adjustments in the streamer (DPS, EQ).

Thinking might need to invest in a better streamer? Mine is a budget one after all. 

mswale
audphile1's avatar
audphile1
8,015 posts
 

That’s not how digital is. Even at modest price points you get decent performance. 
Are you using an aftermarket power cords on Cambridge? Is it plugged into some power strip? 

gkelly's avatar
gkelly
1,053 posts
 

Because of different resolution rates on songs from different albums is why I don’t do playlist on a streaming service. Just like you described one song is glorious, and the next is like listening to a string and tin can. That effect still remains, even though it gets somewhat better when you upgrade to a new streamer. My suggestion would be to listen to albums when it’s digital time. 

erik_squires
17,557 posts
 

It's just weird to have the speakers disappear, then come back, then go again. It kind of kills the vibe.

This doesn't tell me it isn't the room or speaker placement, honestly.  This just tells me the room/speakers are better for some than others. 

Try this, if you can.  Put the speakers about 3-4' apart and sit close to them.  See if that gives you a much more consistent experience.  If it does, it's your room. 

lanx0003
1,960 posts
 

Are you using Tidal Connect? Is the software Volume Control or Normalization enabled in TC? If so, try the following:
(1) Turn both of them off, set Tidal Connect to ‘fixed volume output,’ and use the Hitachi’s hardware volume dial instead.
(2) If the problem persists, try using the StreamMagic app instead of Tidal Connect.

I also have the MXN10, and I doubt the streamer is at fault. Sometimes software volume controls and features like normalization can mess things up.

Not every streamed song is like that, most are. It’s just weird to have the speakers disappear, then come back, then go again. It kind of kills the vibe. Also when streaming, I’m all over the place and not doing full albums, just playlist of variable quality.  

mswale OP
382 posts
 

@lanx0003 yes, I'm using the software volume, will turn it off and see what happens.  

Have done both connect, and through the CA app. It doesn't make any difference. Just pulled in my bedroom speakers to see if that changes anything. It does the same thing. 

Thinking it's a combo of variable bit rate of the songs, vasty different quality of the songs, and maybe my setup is a little too revealing for a low end DAC. Think I'll be on the lookout for a Black Friday sale on a new streamer, move this one to the garage setup.

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