The streaming revolution.

@devinplombier yes and no. When comparing a 16-bit/44.1kHz WAV/FLAC download from Qobuz to a physical CD from the exact same master, they will sound identical.

However, the real difference happens if you purchase the 24-bit studio master (e.g., 24-bit/96kHz or 192kHz) from Qobuz instead of the 16-bit version. In that scenario, the Qobuz file contains significantly more dynamic range and resolution than the CD format is physically capable of holding. So in this case a carefully curated library of local 24-bit studio master files outperforms the 16-bit CD version

Well, it didn’t take long to weight up Qobuz direct to the streamer and Asset UPnP against Roon. The sound quality of Asset and Qobuz absolutely trounces that of Roon in my system. For me, no amount of functionality and integration can make up for that. It’ll be UPnP for me from now on. 

The sound quality of Asset and Qobuz absolutely trounces that of Roon in my system.

Unsurprising. That's a low bar 😂😂🤣

@ fire_water

I guess I'm old fashioned and enjoy having the physical disc, and a way to rebuilt my library should my NAS fail.

@soix 

"I truly pity those who haven’t yet discovered or fully embraced it."

Streaming provides a vast array of content, yet seldom if ever is that content's SQ on par with well recorded and reproduced analogue music.

I reconcile this by noting that so many of the folks who have embraced streaming on AG (e.g. in the hi-fi market) are at the age where significant hearing-loss is a fact of life.  

Sorry, but my sympathy runs in the opposite direction...