SQ Comparison of 3 streamers

... roon materially enhances my own musical enjoyment via its ability to suggest new music and artists based on what the user has been listening to ...

Qobuz does something similar, though I’m not sure to what extent compared with Roon. It enhances and complements human curation through its algorithmic recommendations. I find their suggestions in ‘Discover,’ such as ‘Editor’s Picks’ and ‘For You,’ to be quite well tailored to my tastes. Even more impressively, the ‘Filters’ under ‘Library’ allow users to refine selections to suit their listening preferences. The automatic track generation (autoplay) at the end of each album or playlist is also very inviting, not jarringly random, and usually aligns well with my preferences. This is something many other playback apps lack, and I enjoy it very much. One could possibly regard it as a poor man’s Roon BUT I believe Roon still has the deepest exploration and library intelligence.

https://community.qobuz.com/press-en/qobuz-unveils-its-new-discover-page?utm_source=chatgpt.com

@lanx0003 

I agree with your assessment of the Volumio Rivo+.   I own a Rivo+ with a LPS for about one year, and I went from streaming from an old IPAD to streaming with the Rivo+ using the same DAC.   Compared to the IPAD, the Rivo+ was thicker, better bass, full Bodied, better imaging, etc...  Essentially, exactly what you reported.  I am using Qobuz.  The Rivo+ also presented my SACD & CD ripped lossless music files on a 1TB MicroSD similarly.   I have been ecstatic with the sound.  It happens to be the type of sound I look for. 

@lanx0003 

What connection was used between the streamer and the DAC?  What DAC?

I suspect NOT USB.  Is your DAC supports USB it would be interesting to repeat the exercise

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@hjdca  I am glad you enjoy Rivo+ as I do.  After upgrading the xlr IC and I2s cables (Veritas Magnus and Optimus), the sound was even taken to the next level and becoming more smooth and liquid (on a good recording).

Are you using a regular USB adapter for microSD? I think it’s a good idea because it will eliminate the cable. However, I would think the “quality” of the adapter also matters—correct me if I’m wrong. I use an SSD, and I’ve found the cable for the SSD also affects sound quality noticeably.

For jrareform,  I have not hooked up the Plus Pro to my main system, but I will try it as it will be easy to do.  Will do so next week and let you know how it sounds,