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Advice on streaming service and cables to use Focal Elex, Schiit Modius, Monolith thx 887, Schiit Loki m+

Newtothis

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Hi, I have no experience with higher end (for me) headphones. I watched a lot of YouTube videos and decided to get these components. I hope it was a good choice? I’m sure someone will tell me. I have never been happy with any headphones I’ve used before. The best I’ve had is akg k702. I did get a mayflower amp for them, but I thought it sounded terrible. It sounds like this setup will be quite a step up from videos and reading. I’m not sure what about cables. Is it best to use xlr when it’s an option?
I will be using a mac, iPad, iphone, or old iPod for streaming music. Which is the best streaming service for audio quality? Also, does it matter which one of the options I use, as the source of the music?
Thank you for any help.
 

MaxBuck

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Having listened to pretty much all the streaming services available in the USA, IMO Amazon, Tidal, Qobuz and Deezer are pretty comparable from a sound quality perspective. Spotify is less good, which I suspect is a result of the compression of the masters they've requested because of the listening habits of their subscribers. I think among the good services, it's reasonable to make your decisions based upon user interface: which one is most convenient for you?
 

KeithPhantom

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Hi, I have no experience with higher end (for me) headphones. I watched a lot of YouTube videos and decided to get these components. I hope it was a good choice? I’m sure someone will tell me. I have never been happy with any headphones I’ve used before. The best I’ve had is akg k702. I did get a mayflower amp for them, but I thought it sounded terrible. It sounds like this setup will be quite a step up from videos and reading. I’m not sure what about cables. Is it best to use xlr when it’s an option?
I will be using a mac, iPad, iphone, or old iPod for streaming music. Which is the best streaming service for audio quality? Also, does it matter which one of the options I use, as the source of the music?
Thank you for any help.
I was reluctant for a while, but right now I am using Qobuz with Roon. Roon turned to be something way more useful than I expected. It gives me better recommendations than the Qobuz app, I can use DSP such as EQ and crossfeed, and manage my local library as well. It also lets you stream to multiple other devices as well. I think this combination is the best I've found for dedicated music listening.
 
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Newtothis

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Thank you guys so much for your responses. I didn’t realize Amazon has upgraded to compete with the other hi res services.
 
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Newtothis

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I was reluctant for a while, but right now I am using Qobuz with Roon. Roon turned to be something way more useful than I expected. It gives me better recommendations than the Qobuz app, I can use DSP such as EQ and crossfeed, and manage my local library as well. It also lets you stream to multiple other devices as well. I think this combination is the best I've found for dedicated music listening.
When you say using dsp, does that mean you can make it sound like a concert hall, lounge, etc?
 
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