You typed Qobuz direct....I'm assuming you're actually referring to QB connect....If not disregard my thoughts. I A/B ed with QB connect vs my QB through my Aurender Conductor app. and found a noticeable difference. I'm thinking that the two different implementations have a different pathway through the streamer and that was the sonic difference.
My finding was that I preferred QB through the Conductor app over QB connect. It has more weight and meat on the bones. Playing QB connect, still through the Aurender server, gave me a thinner sonic presentation on my system. My 2c and your mileage may vary.

