Dacmagic and spotify premium

[Johnno2]

I have relegated the dacmagic to my second system near to where i have my desktop pc, the reason is I want to get the most from spotify and the fact that the DM, although a great peice of kit ,doesnt really sound any better than the dac in my marantz cd player. I am using the free service at 160kps which at first I was worried the DM would highlight the shortcomings,however its sounds quite punchy and musical throught the nad amp and AE109 towers, but there is something lacking compared to my cd system,would subscribing to the premium service make that much difference? Another problem is fan noise from the pc which interferes with low level listening, apart from getting a laptop whats the best way round this?

 

[John Duncan]

Two things - one, not sure that the quality of the premium service is that much better than the free service. I've flipped between the two and there's a bit more air but it won't make as much difference as it sounds like you're looking for. Two, laptops are noisier than PCs (generalising). If your PC is in the same room then not much you can do about it except for look for a fanless design or look at streaming with a setup that doesn't need your PC on (Apple TV, Squeezebox + NSA etc).

I'm not familiar with the rest of your kit so not sure what to suggest...

 

[Anonymous]

Hi John,

Sorry for hijacking the subject slightly, but it is related.

I currently run Spotify premium with A Chordette Gem.

I also use the higher bit rate. The Gem connects to a Denon amp.

I like the ease of use that the bluetooth function gives me but I do like better sound quality so generally at night I switch to connecting the Gem and the Laptop via USB. The sound quality especially seperation of instruments is so much better.

The problem is that when connected via USB an audible blip occurs in between each track on Spotify. the sound is similar to a needle hitting a record. This sound is not audible when connected via bluetooth.

[*]What is this sound and how can I get rid of it?
[*]Is it the computer resetting the USB outlet inbetween each track?
[*]Is it Spotify?
[*]Is it going to damage my speakers.
[*]It varies in volume.

If you can shed any light on it I would be very greatful because I love the Gem and its DAC capabilities

Thanks

D

 

[idc]

Hi brittondave. That is a problem I have never heard of. Have you tried contacting Spotify and trying their support forum?

http://www.spotify.com/en/about/contact/

I suspect the answer is non 3, I am sure it is not 1,2,4 or 5. It may also be something going on in your PC. Does the problem occur when you are streaming directly or playing tracks you have downloaded or both?

 

[idc]

Hi Johnno2. I agree with John here though a lot does depend on your system as well as to how much of a difference there is. Why not spend a tenner for a month and try it yourself?

 

[Anonymous]

Hi idc,

I only stream using Spotify. I don't play albums I have downloaded..It also only occurs when connceted via usb and not when connected via bluetooth. So I thought it couldn't be a Spotify problem since it doesn't happen when connected via bluetooth.

I will howver do as you suggested and contact Spotify.

You may be right it could be something my PC is doing......... but fixing it would be beyond my PC knowledge..

D

Its really bugging me as it is the only thing wrong with my set up!

 

[Johnno2]

brittondave, how much better do you find the qaulity of the premium service over the free service,?I think I am going to subcribe as from today,after all I will only loose a tenner if I feel there is no difference.

 

[Anonymous]

Hi Johnno,

Well aside the quality of streaming, the main improvement is of course is the lack of adverts which are after all are so annoying in every aspect of life. It really is like having your own massive jukebox. The user interace I think is the best out there. I stopped using Itunes because of its lack of adabtability and its dodgy interaction with other programs on my computer. I found Itunes so aggresive on all the computers I've installed it on that in the end I had had enough.

Any way back to Spotify. The quality of audio can be improved slightly by using the higher bit rate. I found, like John, that it opens up the music and I found I get a better speration of instruments. This, used in conjunction with a reasonable DAC can lead to a not half bad music source. I still do use my CD player for certain night time listening sessions when I havn't got the whole world and their mother making noise! Because in my opinion you could have the best system in the world but that is no good if you are being twated on the head with a plastic trunchon by a rapant three year old saying he is hungry every 10 mins.

So Spotify for day, night and reference listening and CD for those occasions that I have to myself.

I decided like you to give the premium service a go. It is a no brainer for the risk of a tenner: and I am still using it 5 months down the line. I think it is good to support innovative companies. I am interested to see where Spotify will improve their service. I.e improved bit rates? continous play albums,,,,, and whilst I continue to get massive use out of it I will shell out the 9.99. any drop it quality or service for long period of time and I would be off, but at the moment it's tickety boo.

Any way sorry my answer was a bit long winded.

Hope it helps make your mind up.

D