Heos, Sonos, Airplay?; Streaming services?

[TechToys2]

I have one small Sonos speaker and a Sonos Connect that is connected to my receiver, both of which I have had for a while. I can also use Airplay with the receiver and now I have HEOS also. Is there any reason to favor one vs the other for streaming music to the receiver?

Also I wondered what music streaming services all of you use and why you favor the one(s) that you do. I have used Spotify on and off and tried Apple Music. They both seem fine. I tend to like the integration of Apple Music with other Apple devices, but I like Spotify's discover feature better. I know you can get hi-res through Tidal, Amazon HD and Quboz (and probably others), but wonder if there is really a noticeable difference worth the additional price.

 

[johndoav]

spotify is the only I used.
I am new to av and need to try other ones.

 

[VMPS-TIII]

I have one small Sonos speaker and a Sonos Connect that is connected to my receiver, both of which I have had for a while. I can also use Airplay with the receiver and now I have HEOS also. Is there any reason to favor one vs the other for streaming music to the receiver?

Also I wondered what music streaming services all of you use and why you favor the one(s) that you do. I have used Spotify on and off and tried Apple Music. They both seem fine. I tend to like the integration of Apple Music with other Apple devices, but I like Spotify's discover feature better. I know you can get hi-res through Tidal, Amazon HD and Quboz (and probably others), but wonder if there is really a noticeable difference worth the additional price.

I tried Apple Music, Amazon HD, Tidal Hifi and Qobuz. I found Qobuz at $15 a month is the best deal and the highest quality music. When paired with Audirvana it's even better as the music streams to the computer. I had the internet go down for 5 minutes and Qobuz kept streaming and didn't miss a beat. No other combination I tried offered this quality and flexibility. Once you get accustomed to the Qobuz/Audirvana combo you won't want anything else.

 

[Sachb]

I have one small Sonos speaker and a Sonos Connect that is connected to my receiver, both of which I have had for a while. I can also use Airplay with the receiver and now I have HEOS also. Is there any reason to favor one vs the other for streaming music to the receiver?

Also I wondered what music streaming services all of you use and why you favor the one(s) that you do. I have used Spotify on and off and tried Apple Music. They both seem fine. I tend to like the integration of Apple Music with other Apple devices, but I like Spotify's discover feature better. I know you can get hi-res through Tidal, Amazon HD and Quboz (and probably others), but wonder if there is really a noticeable difference worth the additional price.

If you need High Resolution then go for Tidal, If spotify's quality is enough then stick to it.

I feel spotify has more content than Tidal.

Sent from my LM-G710 using Tapatalk

 

[TechToys2]

I tried Apple Music, Amazon HD, Tidal Hifi and Qobuz. I found Qobuz at $15 a month is the best deal and the highest quality music. When paired with Audirvana it's even better as the music streams to the computer. I had the internet go down for 5 minutes and Qobuz kept streaming and didn't miss a beat. No other combination I tried offered this quality and flexibility. Once you get accustomed to the Qobuz/Audirvana combo you won't want anything else.

Of all the services, Qobuz is the one I am least familiar with. And I know nothing about Audirvana. I'll have to check them out. I like simplicity, though, so if it isn't easy, I might be more inclined to go with one of the more mainstream services.

Looks like I can get 3 months of Spotify Premium for $10, 4 months of Tidal for $4 and a 30 day free trial to Qobuz, so maybe I'll try them side by side (or one after the other) to assess. To be honest, I'm not a fan of the subscription models, but there is no doubt that exploring new music is much easier, and ultimately more cost effective, with streaming.

Do you have a computer connected to your amp/receiver? Any thoughts on HEOS/Airplay etc.?

 

[VMPS-TIII]

Of all the services, Qobuz is the one I am least familiar with. And I know nothing about Audirvana. I'll have to check them out. I like simplicity, though, so if it isn't easy, I might be more inclined to go with one of the more mainstream services.

Looks like I can get 3 months of Spotify Premium for $10, 4 months of Tidal for $4 and a 30 day free trial to Qobuz, so maybe I'll try them side by side (or one after the other) to assess. To be honest, I'm not a fan of the subscription models, but there is no doubt that exploring new music is much easier, and ultimately more cost effective, with streaming.

Do you have a computer connected to your amp/receiver? Any thoughts on HEOS/Airplay etc.?

If you want easy then Audirvana is your choice. I find it easier to use than any of the online streaming apps. Once you have Audirvana setup on the computer you use it to access Tidal or Qobuz. You no longer use the app put out by the music streaming company.

In addition, you can access all of your high quality CD rips from Audirvana as well. You can create custom playlists of local CDs or Qobuz/Tidal music. I started with Tidal and Qobuz and found Qobuz has many more hi-res tracks. After awhile I wasn't even using Tidal - just Qobuz.

You can connect Audirvana to your receiver or preamp via wifi or a cable it's up to you. If the receiver supports DLNA/UPnP (which most modern receivers offer), then you can connect via the wifi network. The beauty of Audirvana is its much more robust than other streaming configurations as it loads the music to the computer so any minor interruption in your internet connectivity will not cause the music to be interrupted.

If your receiver or integrated amp has a high quality USB DAC you can connect via the USB port to the computer or RCA. Or if you have an external DAC, it supports it too. In this case, the computer is connected to the hifi system. You can still use the computer to control the music or if that's inconvenient Audirvana provides an app that works on a phone or a tablet to control playback on the computer.

How do I use it?
In my office I connect the Hegel H90 USB port to my MacBook Pro via a USB cable and the computer sits in front of me on my desk. It sounds awesome thru the BMR speakers. Audirvana gives me access to all my ripped CDs and Qobuz. It's a powerful combination. Once my music is selected I hide the screen and get to work.

In my Home theatre Audirvana connects via wifi to the Denon 4700. No cable needed. I simply unplug from the office and once in the theatre I open Audirvana and click on the speaker icon in the lower right of the app to select the 4700. Now all my selections are playing. Nothing could be easier.

HEOS/Airplay
Airplay - I started out using Airplay. It's OK but I noticed it was compressing my Hi Res music and wanted a network music playing option that left the music intact. Audirvana does that. As a result, I don't use Airplay anymore.

HEOS - I used it in the beginning but its not as easy to use as Audirvana and it doesn't support Qobuz. The only use I was really happy with for HEOS was attaching a USB drive to the Denon and controlling the playback with Heos. It's a weak interface but it doesn't compress hiRes music with HEOS version 2. HEOS should have supported Qobuz years ago. As far as I'm concerned HEOS really isn't well supported in terms of features. It's very limited. Each type of music requires a different screen. You have to back out of Tidal to pay USB or any other method. It's not near as well thought out as Audirvana. As a result, it's rare for me to use HEOS anymore.

 

[TechToys2]

If you want easy then Audirvana is your choice. I find it easier to use than any of the online streaming apps. Once you have Audirvana setup on the computer you use it to access Tidal or Qobuz. You no longer use the app put out by the music streaming company.

In addition, you can access all of your high quality CD rips from Audirvana as well. You can create custom playlists of local CDs or Qobuz/Tidal music. I started with Tidal and Qobuz and found Qobuz has many more hi-res tracks. After awhile I wasn't even using Tidal - just Qobuz.

You can connect Audirvana to your receiver or preamp via wifi or a cable it's up to you. If the receiver supports DLNA/UPnP (which most modern receivers offer), then you can connect via the wifi network. The beauty of Audirvana is its much more robust than other streaming configurations as it loads the music to the computer so any minor interruption in your internet connectivity will not cause the music to be interrupted.

If your receiver or integrated amp has a high quality USB DAC you can connect via the USB port to the computer or RCA. Or if you have an external DAC, it supports it too. In this case, the computer is connected to the hifi system. You can still use the computer to control the music or if that's inconvenient Audirvana provides an app that works on a phone or a tablet to control playback on the computer.

How do I use it?
In my office I connect the Hegel H90 USB port to my MacBook Pro via a USB cable and the computer sits in front of me on my desk. It sounds awesome thru the BMR speakers. Audirvana gives me access to all my ripped CDs and Qobuz. It's a powerful combination. Once my music is selected I hide the screen and get to work.

In my Home theatre Audirvana connects via wifi to the Denon 4700. No cable needed. I simply unplug from the office and once in the theatre I open Audirvana and click on the speaker icon in the lower right of the app to select the 4700. Now all my selections are playing. Nothing could be easier.

HEOS/Airplay
Airplay - I started out using Airplay. It's OK but I noticed it was compressing my Hi Res music and wanted a network music playing option that left the music intact. Audirvana does that. As a result, I don't use Airplay anymore.

HEOS - I used it in the beginning but its not as easy to use as Audirvana and it doesn't support Qobuz. The only use I was really happy with for HEOS was attaching a USB drive to the Denon and controlling the playback with Heos. It's a weak interface but it doesn't compress hiRes music with HEOS version 2. HEOS should have supported Qobuz years ago. As far as I'm concerned HEOS really isn't well supported in terms of features. It's very limited. Each type of music requires a different screen. You have to back out of Tidal to pay USB or any other method. It's not near as well thought out as Audirvana. As a result, it's rare for me to use HEOS anymore.

Thanks for all of the info. Sounds interesting. Believe it or not, I don't have a laptop (except one for work that is pretty locked down for security), so I would need to use wifi or an app on an iPad. I haven't had the best luck with DLNA/UPnP in the past, but I honestly haven't taken the time to play with it much. So many options.

 

[tmurnin]

If you already have committed to Sonos via the speaker and the Connect, there’s no real reason to switch to HEOS. Sonos isn’t the cheapest system out there but it’s very user-friendly and supports virtually every streaming music service out there (not sure about HEOS). I don’t understand why you’re using Airplay if you have a Connect hooked up to the receiver - you should be able to connect directly to the Connect with your iPad via your WiFi so shouldn’t have a need for Airplay at all.

I think streaming services come down to personal taste more than actual performance.I use Amazon Music and Apple Music. I tried Tidal for a bit but didn’t like the interface so switched to Amazon for high def music. Spotify was fine but I felt like I wasn’t getting anything there that I couldn’t get from Apple and I already had ripped a lot of CDs into lossless files in iTunes so it was easy to just stay there.

 

[TechToys2]

If you already have committed to Sonos via the speaker and the Connect, there’s no real reason to switch to HEOS. Sonos isn’t the cheapest system out there but it’s very user-friendly and supports virtually every streaming music service out there (not sure about HEOS). I don’t understand why you’re using Airplay if you have a Connect hooked up to the receiver - you should be able to connect directly to the Connect with your iPad via your WiFi so shouldn’t have a need for Airplay at all.

I think streaming services come down to personal taste more than actual performance.I use Amazon Music and Apple Music. I tried Tidal for a bit but didn’t like the interface so switched to Amazon for high def music. Spotify was fine but I felt like I wasn’t getting anything there that I couldn’t get from Apple and I already had ripped a lot of CDs into lossless files in iTunes so it was easy to just stay there.

I do have 2 Sonos products, but I have had them for a long time and, while I like them, I guess I'm not 100% committed. The Connect has been replaced by the Port, which is $449 and the speaker I have (a Play 1) has been updated as well. Both can continue to be used just fine (and I do use them), but Sonos has a new app that is not compatible with the legacy products and as new features get rolled out, they may not work with the older app and with the older products (that may or may not be important).

You're right. There probably is no reason to use Airplay for music. I was just wondering if there is any benefit vs Sonos or HEOS. The Connect doesn't support Hi-Res files, I don't believe, but I don't think Airplay does either. Again, I'm not sure how much that will matter to me, if at all.

Is there a reason you are using Amazon Music in addition to Apple Music? I also have a lot of CDs ripped to lossless, but they are FLAC files. In addition I have a lot of music in iTunes that are mp3 files, some of which is a duplicate of some of the lossless files and some of which was ripped in mp3 or purchased. Somehow I need to get everything consolidated and organized, but that's a different story. I could always convert the FLAC files to ALAC and put everything in iTunes, I suppose.

 

[tmurnin]

I do have 2 Sonos products, but I have had them for a long time and, while I like them, I guess I'm not 100% committed. The Connect has been replaced by the Port, which is $449 and the speaker I have (a Play 1) has been updated as well. Both can continue to be used just fine (and I do use them), but Sonos has a new app that is not compatible with the legacy products and as new features get rolled out, they may not work with the older app and with the older products (that may or may not be important).

You're right. There probably is no reason to use Airplay for music. I was just wondering if there is any benefit vs Sonos or HEOS. The Connect doesn't support Hi-Res files, I don't believe, but I don't think Airplay does either. Again, I'm not sure how much that will matter to me, if at all.

Is there a reason you are using Amazon Music in addition to Apple Music? I also have a lot of CDs ripped to lossless, but they are FLAC files. In addition I have a lot of music in iTunes that are mp3 files, some of which is a duplicate of some of the lossless files and some of which was ripped in mp3 or purchased. Somehow I need to get everything consolidated and organized, but that's a different story. I could always convert the FLAC files to ALAC and put everything in iTunes, I suppose.

Probably no good reason I use both services other than i started with Apple years ago so had a big library there, then Amazon offered a good deal to Prime customers when they started their HD service and now I work for Amazon so feel some loyalty. I never had an issue with audio quality with Apple’s service

 

[sterling shoote]

Here's an experiment I made recently which suggested Apple Music via Airport Express from iTunes is BEST in all manner that best can be discerned: music selection, quality, convenience, browser, library, ripping, store, radio, playlists, and much more.

This last weekend I purchased Classic Hauser, a high dynamic range recording, on LP, CD, 24/96 FLAC Download, and Apple Music Download. Playing these, nine ways to Sunday as listed below, I had hoped the experimentation would determine what medium sounded best.

• LP>Technics SL-1210GR/Shure V15V (SAS)>Sony TA-E9000ES Pre-Pro Phono Preamplifier input
• 24/96 FLAC Download>Foobar2000>OPPO-205 DAC up sampling to 24/192>Sony TA-E9000ES analog input
• 24/96 FLAC Download>Foobar2000>Creative Sound Blaster X-FI HD (for usb to S/PDIF conversion at 24/96)>TA-E9000ES optical S/PDIF input
• Apple Music Download>iTunes>Airport Express (wi-fi to S/PDIF 16/44.1 output)>Sony TA-E9000ES optical S/PDIF input
• Apple Music Download>iTunes>OPPO-205 DAC up sampling to 24/192>Sony TA-E9000ES analog input
• Apple Music Download>iTunes>Creative Sound Blaster X-FI HD (for usb to S/PDIF conversion at 24/96)>TA-E9000ES optical S/PDIF input
• Apple Music Download>Network connection to OPPO-205 DAC up sampling to 24/192>Sony TA-E9000ES analog input
• 24/96 FLAC Download>Thumb Drive>OPPO-205 DAC up sampling to 24/192>Sony TA-E9000ES analog input
• 24/96 FLAC Download>Network connection to OPPO-205 DAC up sampling to 24/192>Sony TA-E9000ES analog input
• CD>OPPO-205>Sony TA-E9000ES analog input
• CD>Rip to iTunes in ALAC>OPPO-205 DAC up sampling to 24/192>Sony TA-E9000ES analog input
• CD>Rip to iTunes in ALAC>Airport Express (wi-fi to S/PDIF 16/44.1 output) Sony TA-E9000ES analog input
• CD>Rip to iTunes in ALAC>Creative Sound Blaster X-FI HD (for usb to S/PDIF conversion at 24/96)>Sony TA-E9000ES optical S/PDIF input

Conclusion: all processes yielded a satisfying listening experience, whereby tone, sound stage, and detail seemed so similar as to preclude any revelation to what process delivered the most compelling sound; however, three things did stand out: first, the presence of pops distracted LP pleasure, second, play of downloads via OPPO usb DAC, Thumb Drive, or Network connection is inconvenient, and finally, the iTunes play of the Apple Music AAC download via Airport Express to the Sony TA-E9000ES was most convenient, and sounded on par with the CD, ALAC and FLAC media. This makes me question any need for a means to music other than APPLE MUSIC. At any rate, the exercise was a fun activity on a cold and dreary weekend which has kept me indoors. Note, Apple Music to thumb drive was not tested, since it would have required purchase of the album to permit copy to thumb drive.

 

[fast fred]

Here's an experiment I made recently which suggested Apple Music via Airport Express from iTunes is BEST in all manner that best can be discerned: music selection, quality, convenience, browser, library, ripping, store, radio, playlists, and much more.

This last weekend I purchased Classic Hauser, a high dynamic range recording, on LP, CD, 24/96 FLAC Download, and Apple Music Download. Playing these, nine ways to Sunday as listed below, I had hoped the experimentation would determine what medium sounded best.

• LP>Technics SL-1210GR/Shure V15V (SAS)>Sony TA-E9000ES Pre-Pro Phono Preamplifier input
• 24/96 FLAC Download>Foobar2000>OPPO-205 DAC up sampling to 24/192>Sony TA-E9000ES analog input
• 24/96 FLAC Download>Foobar2000>Creative Sound Blaster X-FI HD (for usb to S/PDIF conversion at 24/96)>TA-E9000ES optical S/PDIF input
• Apple Music Download>iTunes>Airport Express (wi-fi to S/PDIF 16/44.1 output)>Sony TA-E9000ES optical S/PDIF input
• Apple Music Download>iTunes>OPPO-205 DAC up sampling to 24/192>Sony TA-E9000ES analog input
• Apple Music Download>iTunes>Creative Sound Blaster X-FI HD (for usb to S/PDIF conversion at 24/96)>TA-E9000ES optical S/PDIF input
• Apple Music Download>Network connection to OPPO-205 DAC up sampling to 24/192>Sony TA-E9000ES analog input
• 24/96 FLAC Download>Thumb Drive>OPPO-205 DAC up sampling to 24/192>Sony TA-E9000ES analog input
• 24/96 FLAC Download>Network connection to OPPO-205 DAC up sampling to 24/192>Sony TA-E9000ES analog input
• CD>OPPO-205>Sony TA-E9000ES analog input
• CD>Rip to iTunes in ALAC>OPPO-205 DAC up sampling to 24/192>Sony TA-E9000ES analog input
• CD>Rip to iTunes in ALAC>Airport Express (wi-fi to S/PDIF 16/44.1 output) Sony TA-E9000ES analog input
• CD>Rip to iTunes in ALAC>Creative Sound Blaster X-FI HD (for usb to S/PDIF conversion at 24/96)>Sony TA-E9000ES optical S/PDIF input

Conclusion: all processes yielded a satisfying listening experience, whereby tone, sound stage, and detail seemed so similar as to preclude any revelation to what process delivered the most compelling sound; however, three things did stand out: first, the presence of pops distracted LP pleasure, second, play of downloads via OPPO usb DAC, Thumb Drive, or Network connection is inconvenient, and finally, the iTunes play of the Apple Music AAC download via Airport Express to the Sony TA-E9000ES was most convenient, and sounded on par with the CD, ALAC and FLAC media. This makes me question any need for a means to music other than APPLE MUSIC. At any rate, the exercise was a fun activity on a cold and dreary weekend which has kept me indoors. Note, Apple Music to thumb drive was not tested, since it would have required purchase of the album to permit copy to thumb drive.

I love HEOS but what’s the point when most of the Apple Music is not about to play Due to copyright??

 

[sterling shoote]

I love HEOS but what’s the point when most of the Apple Music is not about to play Due to copyright??

What do you mean "when most of the Apple Music is not about to play Due to copyright"? Apple Music is a subscription service, whereby you can download AAC files of just about any music ever recorded in the history of recorded music. Those files will remain in your iTunes Library per terms of paid subscription. If you want to copy the music to CD from iTunes you can purchase it from the iTunes Store, which permits ripping it to CD. Unlike some on-line music retailors, which only sell albums, the iTunes Store allows individual music movements to be purchased, as low as $0.99.

What's so compelling about Apple Music is its automatic loading to iTunes app on iPhone and iPad, which mobilizes the iTunes Library for play literally anywhere in the world. I use this feature for DJing at my backyard parties, playing to a JBL Charge 3 speaker

Now, I have HEOS and Airplay on a Marantz Receiver but HEOS has no meaningful association with Apple Music as does Airplay. A Receiver equipped with Airplay can be linked to a MAC, PC or iPhone running iTunes via network connection to enjoy from the Receiver all the Apple Music streamed or downloaded to the iTunes/Apple Music device. It's convenience and quality galore for just peanuts, about $9.99 monthly for a subscription. For me, the only thing I enjoy more is 5.1 SACD, which makes me hope that Apple Music will at some point deliver multi-channel music, as well as stereo.

 

[highfigh]

FWIW- https://www.cepro.com/audio-video/sonos-introduces-24-bit-qobuz-streaming-to-s2-platform/?utm_source=RC&utm_medium=module

 

[Trebdp83]

Here is a very interesting review of Apple Music that also compares the prices and features of other popular streaming services.

Apple Music review

Apple Music has forced its way into the streaming wars and has become a major player, but even though it's good it isn't quite perfect.

www.soundguys.com

 

[sterling shoote]

Here is a very interesting review of Apple Music that also compares the prices and features of other popular streaming services.

Apple Music review

Apple Music has forced its way into the streaming wars and has become a major player, but even though it's good it isn't quite perfect.

www.soundguys.com

Thanks for bringing attention to the article. There are two errors in the article. First, iTunes still exists for Windows 10 and second, high resolution files downloaded to iTunes Library are not converted to AAC. In fact, iTunes Library stores files in their downloaded ALAC or AIFF format up to 24/192. Also, purchase of iTunes Match will store the hi-res downloads in the iCloud, protecting iTunes users from loosing their libraries due to computer loss.

 

[Trebdp83]

Thanks for the update. Still have iTunes on an old Windows 7 PC. Ripped lots of stuff in ALAC a few years ago.