d6jg wrote: > I have tried most of the FLAC services and I have stuck with Spotify > largely because of the integration that Michael has achieved with Spotty > combined with DSTM/Lastmix and the recently introduced Random Seed (my > request) options. I don't use Spotty's "Connect mode" I still manage > everything via LMS (iPeng & Material). > > Like others if I want high-res I buy the CD or a FLAC download. I have > got good kit and I can detect the difference between 320kbps mp3/ogg and > FLAC but I can't hear a difference between 16/44.1 FLAC and 24/96 FLAC > or higher. > > I have recently started using Radio Paradise in FLAC and I think the SQ > there is very good but that is of course a high end Internet Radio > station rather than a streaming service.
Among my own files, I can usually hear a difference between a 320kbps mp3 or FLAC file. But once they are streams, it gets much fuzzier. Perhaps it is my network or another software issue, but the 320 stream still sound like 320 files while FLAC streams also sound like 320's and even worse sometimes. My experience with FLAC streams has been limited to Tidal and RadioParadise, so it is hardly representative, and it is more likely representing the services as I know FLAC files sound better. For instance, the 320 AAC stream on RadioParadise sounds as good as their FLAC files to my ears through my system. Ultimately, I think there are a lot of variables. I run an optical line from my squeezebox to my primary receiver, which is where I focus my comparisons. In my case, the receiver is impacting quality (I am not an audiophile so I don't try to quantify how), my internet bandwidth could have an impact, server, etc. This is why I think it really is going to depend on a users equipment and setup. With all my other devices, I can't even differentiate mp3 from FLAC as the quality is generally lower on account of the speakers and listening environment. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ emalvick's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=35382 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=110349 _______________________________________________ Squeezecenter mailing list [email protected] http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/squeezecenter
