Audio Neurosis.......now I think I’m suffering

Posted by: The Strat (Fender) on 06 June 2018

Guys,

I generally try to resist “the Super-Aray might be yielding more vibrato than the Tuned-Lumina” infliction but listening to Free Live on Tidal through the Qb this morning I’m certain everything was clearer with more space and definition around the constituent parts than on Sunday when I listened to the same album.  Can network traffic - external to Chez Strat - have this kind of impact?

Help

Lindsay

Posted on: 06 June 2018 by nigelb

Lindsay, I have just remarked on another thread that I have noticed greater separation but a lovely cohesion and definition of musicians and vocalists. This was noticed yesterday evening on Qobuz, Tidal and locally streamed music from my NAS. The only thing I have changed is the installation of BubbleUPnP Server software to get Qobuz up and running.

Interesting that you have made almost identical observations to those I have made on the 'When Is 'Good' Good enough?' thread in HiFi Corner. I wonder if something has happened in the wider, remote streaming networks and has combined with the addition of new server software at Chez Nigelb?

Posted on: 06 June 2018 by David Hendon

If it wasn't the morning listening that sounded better, I'd be thinking that there might be a finely-tuned malbec contribution to your perceptions Lindsay!

But as it is the morning listening, I won't think that.

best

David

Posted on: 06 June 2018 by ChrisSU

Possibly not just network activity, but mains electrical activity, could be to blame? If you have neighbors and/or other occupants of your own house using all sorts of appliances at the weekend, and much less on a weekday, that might make an audible difference. 

Posted on: 06 June 2018 by Minh Nguyen

The weather may possibly influence the SQ. I have noticed that my system sounds better when the weather is cooler ie the air is denser. 

Posted on: 06 June 2018 by DaveBk

I’d go with Chris’ view that mains quality could be the differentiator rather than external network traffic. When the sun has set, I’ll be popping back in to see how my system is sounding. Just downloaded the Ry Cooder album you recommended last night.

Posted on: 06 June 2018 by Minh Nguyen
DaveBk posted:

When the sun has set, I’ll be popping back in to see how my system is sounding.

From my humble experience, Summer is possibly the worse time of the year to enjoy music because the sun rises early and sets late. I find that Spring and Autumn are good but Winter is...

Posted on: 06 June 2018 by nigelb

Alternate Tuesdays in a month without an r in them works for me.

Posted on: 06 June 2018 by Minh Nguyen
nigelb posted:

Alternate Tuesdays in a month without an r in them works for me.

Even numbered days works for me. Odd.

Posted on: 06 June 2018 by DaveBk

The long winter evenings certainly draw me into my listening room... Summer nights with my wife away for a couple of days can also be an opportunity!