Huge differences between quobuz and hard drive flac files..

[deandean]

Hi...

Curious so fixed volume, same song...huge output difference in the favour of Quobuz, my flac files are via a NUC hard drive...but sounds flat in comparison, is the nuc a compromise in delivering the audio file to the ultra?

Just Curious...
Thanks..

 

[badunn]

Probably different masterings - how do they sound different?
If same masters then should be identical sounding.

 

[gcsa]

My experience is that even if the streamed files are 24/192, and the NAS FLACS are ripped CDs at 16/44.1 from the same masters, the sound is pretty much identical. Yep, there could be some minute differences, probably most notable at the top end, but not to the extent you describe IMO.
My money would be on different masters, as the quality of that makes the biggest difference for me.
The NUC is just a computer, dishing up your FLAC files. It won't have any impact on the sound those files eventually make out of your speakers/headphones.

 

[BEE]

Might be the same song, but it’s not the same recording. Probably a better or higher resolution master on the Qobuz version. You would also have to volume match both as any slight volume difference would have an effect.

 

[FuckaZip]

How do you transfer your FLAC files to the Ultra? Via cable connection (RCA, optical). Which operating system, Windows WASAPI/Exclusive Mode?
From a server-SW via WiFi/Ethernet (exclude compression on the server side)?
And as already mentioned here, is it the same data/mastering? Streaming providers often only have the remastered versions in their portfolio.

 

[gazza1101]

Could the difference be caused by the software that was used to to rip your cds?
I ripped my cds using Nero, I haven't listened to them in a while but I remember thinking that they sounded a little flatter, could have been a level mismatch, I'm not really sure.
I am using Tidal as a reference.

 

[anonyless]

honestly do you expect a serious answer for your question, with so many details missing, or is it just "streaming service sounds better" thing?
the only serious way to compare between local files streaming and Qobuz, starts by directly ripping 1:1 copy of the file that they stream (very possible)

 

[badunn]

honestly do you expect a serious answer for your question, with so many details missing, or is it just "streaming service sounds better" thing?
the only serious way to compare between local files streaming and Qobuz, starts by directly ripping 1:1 copy of the file that they stream (very possible)

That's hardly a nice response - especially at Christmas. Not everyone is technically minded. Question made perfect sense.