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Music servers and other computer based digital audio technologies.

Qobuz vs. Amazon HD

So I've had both of these on trial for the last couple of weeks and I've been listening through both my Sonos> iFi iPurifier> Modi Multibit> Audioengine A5+ system and my Macbook Pro with Sennheiser earbuds - with and without a Magni 2 amp. I've been too busy to listen through my main - all tube - system yet.

My impressions are that Qobuz has the better sound: it's smoother, more refined and relaxed, with a more natural tonality. Amazon HD in comparison is more dynamic (not a bad thing with the Audioengines) but is also more forward with pronounced leading edge transients and is grainier with a touch of glare. I might be able to live with Amazon through the forgiving Audioengines but cannot tolerate it through the Macbook/Sennheisers and probably couldn't through my big rig either. Hence I've cancelled it.

It's unfortunate given Amazon's significantly larger catalogue (particularly in a couple of areas I listen to regularly) and interface that is much easier on the eyes. Qobuz's pure black letters on a pure white background produces eyestrain very quickly, I find.

Edit: The last problem has been solved by discovering that I can run Qobuz through Audirvana.


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Topic - Qobuz vs. Amazon HD - classfolkphile 17:47:02 12/6/19 (19)

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