Is Qubuz Direct really better

I only posted the part in between the to give non-Linn people some idea of it’s features.  If not intersted skip that part.  The only reason for doing that was to emphasis my point that I don’t even use all the features I currently have.

*************I am using a Linn DSM streamer. It gives me Room Optimizer (allowing some fine tuning of the sound), and an upgradeable DAC.  Configuration of remote or Controller (I use a Mac iPad as my controller (if I am in the same room as my DSM, or my iPhone if I am in another room in the house). I allows selection My Favorites, my Playlists or Qobuz Playlists, and Purchased Music, and 14 different Genres.  Selection by New Releases, Linn Records, Most Streamed, Best Sellers, Qobuz Picks. Press Awards (not sure what that really is).**************

Unfortunately, Linn doesn’t support Qobuz Connect, so I can’t even try it to see if I like it.  If Qobuz Connect improves the sound I am sad that Linn doesn’t support it.  But if it is only features I don’t really see the need.

I finally tried Q connect with my Esoteric N01XDSE and wow…. What a difference from the Soundstream app I had been using.  It’s like a veil was removed.  I think it is system dependent, but for me, music seems less crowded and background seem darker. 

Weiss just updated their firmware for the DAC501-MK2 to add support for Qobuz Connect. It kinda blurs the line between what’s a network streamer and what’s just a DAC, but the Weiss now supports service endpoints for UpNP, Roon and Qobuz Connect on the ethernet input. 

I’m listening to it now with Qobuz Connect and it sounds really great. I’ll do some Qobuz/Roon vs Qobuz Connect comparisons later, but I don’t see getting rid of Roon. The user experience is still so much better, so I will still want to use it for organizing and finding music to play.