So wanted to get thoughts mainly from those using a very simplistic setup, as in Naim streamer either with Native Tidal or Qobuz via Chromecast.
I managed to persuade Qobuz to give me a short trial of Sublime+ as I was keen on 24bit streaming.
I have no desire to downloaded to a Core, NAS or RPI and other methods - just the 'lazy' method.
Anyhow, i choose to compare like for like familiar tracks as Tidal Hifi and then ideally the Qobuz 24bit, where not possible then 16bit.
Initial impressions, I could not decide which I preferred as rather than one sounding better, they just sounded different.
Qobuz for sure seemed more refined and detailed, bass in particular was more extended and defined.
Tidal though seemed more engaging.
I wonder if Chromecast is inferior...
Posted on: 05 July 2018 by nigelb
Not the exact comparison you were looking for but I preferred Qobuz (16 bit) to Tidal HiFi with both streamed from my QNAP NAS using BubbleUPnPServer software to my NDS. I would therefore expect Qobuz Sublime+ (24 bit) to do even better up against Tidal HiFi. As you say, maybe it is Chromecast letting the side down.
Posted on: 05 July 2018 by Obsydian
Hi NIGELB, I was expecting you need a NAS ????
Must admit I was expecting Sublime+ to be a clear winner and have paid my annual fee.
Tidal for sure is inferior but I can only assume Chromecast is the let down as there have been a few NAS via Bubble with standard Qobuz saying on par with ripped media.
Posted on: 05 July 2018 by Alley Cat
Sublime +☹️. Had it for 8 months. Hardly any albums available for streaming in HD. Not going to renew.
Really? - I'm surprised by that - I thought it would be maybe 50-70% of the catalogue like the purchase discounts which are great. Perhaps Sublime is the 'sweet-spot' letting you have CD quality for the majority of content and good discounts on purchases especially when there are 'offers'.
I was an early Qobuz adopter and got some kind of annual discount I think for subscribing to Sublime which is not factored in if I want to try Sublime+ - I'm nearing the end of my annual subscription so thought I might try a pro-rata Sublime+ upgrade and then downgrade closer to renewal if I don't like it. Trouble is I'd then likely lose that discount (assuming it's still running - we'll see).
Personally I think Qobuz have their pricing wrong - they should offer Sublime/Sublime+ on a monthly basis with a discount for 6/12 month subscriptions - 99.9% of people have no interest in HD let alone CD quality and are content with lossy MP3/AAC from Spotify/Amazon - trying to explain to a colleague I'd just bought a new record cleaner was met with 'why would you do that when Spotify is free, can you really still buy vinyl?'.
Posted on: 05 July 2018 by Alley Cat
.....I wonder if Chromecast is inferior...
You know I've wondered myself what on earth Chromecast does to audio even if it's theoretically lossless and HD capable.
Some months ago I felt that Chromecast streaming of Qobuz content from iPhone app had become much quieter for items I'd purchased (played from Purchased in the app) than those same downloaded items stored on a naff WD NAS.
Also I've found that non-downloaded HD purchases have stuttered via the Qobuz app when I have what I feel is a decent near 80/20 FTTC connection as well as all components on ethernet except for iOS devices.
Posted on: 05 July 2018 by Obsydian
Hi ALLEYCAT - Yes forgot to mention the volume level via Chromecast had to be at least 20% higher vs Tidal.
I think unless i can try the NAS RPi type solutions the lazy setup is not as good as NOT worth £320 upfront.
Also using Android i found the Qobuz app constantly freezing.
Interestingly late last night i compared the same track using headphones, which was good as i could easily flip flop between Tidal and Qobuz, i felt there was no difference between the two at all.
Posted on: 06 July 2018 by David Hendon
24 bit recordings always come across as quieter than 16 bit recordings because one of the principal differences between 16 bit and 24 bit is the extra dynamic range 24 bit provides. The max level has to be the same to avoid overloading the replay equipment, so an averagely loud piece will be quieter with 24 than 16 bit.
best
David
Posted on: 06 July 2018 by Obsydian
Spent another few hours trying to find mainly 24bit/192k via Chromecast and have decided within my current setup Tidal Hifi for me is far better.
I can only assume Chromecast is the problem, Qobuz has a connect option in the app assume this a native form of streaming.
Just take I did not fork out £320.
Posted on: 06 July 2018 by Obsydian
Hi Simon, I did try Roon with the Naim free Uniti trial but never got it working with Tidal ad I always used a tablet.
Never really got the folding and upscaling, assumed it was like a graphic equaliser ????
