Is Qubuz Direct really better

I think Qobuz Connect sounds somewhat better than Qobuz via Roon, but that stands to reason. With Qobuz Connect the streaming transport requests the selected stream from Qobuz servers, and that goes directly to the streamer, without any extra trips thru a controller, etc. With Roon the Qobuz stream has to come through the Roon server (which may or may not apply DSP to the stream, depending on user configuration) and that is then forwarded to the Roon endpoint using the RAAT protocol. IOW, there is an extra hop for the stream, even if Roon DSP isn't used.

OTOH, I think the UI/UX of the native Qobuz apps (iOS and macOS) is pretty crappy, so I use Roon. Also, my DAC supports a Roon endpoint but not Qobuz Connect, so if I use Roon I can bypass the streaming transport (in my case a simple WiiM Pro I mostly reserve for Airplay2 use).

So, for some reason you are unable to compare it yourself?

"Remember that opinions are a dime a dozen around here."

That’s a good deal, a dozen opinions for a dime, less than one cent for each. And if I do the math correctly, paying less than a penny to get your two cents is a profitable investment, an immediate 100% return. And if I repeat this thousands upon thousands of times here in this forum, I can finally save up enough for a true hi-system. Opinionize away, good people...I appreciate it!

The answer to OP’s question depends on the associated equipment and even the album that’s being played. if a system leans thick, syrupy and rolled off, Qobuz Connect or Tidal Connect can help wake it up a bit and make it sound faster. 
You should be able to compare and determine for yourself. 

I like the Qobuz app versus Conductor.  Much easier to navigate and sounds terrific on terrific music productions.