Have you ever tried a simple experiment with streaming?
Use a streaming service like Qobuz and listen to your favorite reference track. Now, if you're a Roon or Audirvana user, try the same test.
They sound different.
Right?
To my ears the Qobuz app sounds better—something that doesn't make sense: the same music file, the same DAC, same level—same, same, same.
Only, it isn't the same. In the latter case of Roon and Audirvana (or JRiver and so on) you're running the track through the computer (or Roon core which is a Windows computer). You're supposedly "making it better" but in fact, to me it sounds worse.
I've made this comparison too many times to not be sure of it.
Why worse?
My guess is purity.
Despite the fluffy words and best attempts by well-meaning engineers, a great DAC and streamer connected directly to the source music file will always sound better than running it through extra steps—even if those steps purport to clean 'er up.
Give it a try and let me know.
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