Streaming Services Sound Levels

Answered

Curt A

• March 04, 2023 15:04

There is a considerable sound level difference between different streaming services and the BluOS Controller on my PC or Android.

For example, when I switch between Deezer, Sirius and my Music Library, the sound levels are very consistent. If I use Tidal, I need to turn the volume control up since the sound level is significantly lower. I found Qobuz to be even lower than Tidal.

While this seems relatively minor... it is almost a non issue on the Pulse 2i systems I have, BUT it is especially noticeable on my NAD C368, so much so that I need to turn the volume to more than 75% so I can hear the sound throughout our living/dining kitchen area. A couple of years ago I had used Tidal and I certainly did not need to turn the volume up that much.

This is enough of an issue that I immediately dropped Qobuz and I am considering dropping Tidal.

I cannot find anything in the audio settings which may allow me to adjust for this issue in the audio settings.

Are there any ideas what is going on here and if there is any solution.

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• Official comment

  

  Curt A

  • March 04, 2023 21:37
  • Edited

  I just figured it out. Apparently, some streaming services must normalize, e.g. Sirius and Deezer, as part of the flow or they normalize at a higher level. To avoid this disconnect it is best to turn off normalization. Setting up any play lists you will need to consider this.

  In my particular case I get the best performance if I turn off normalization.

  In the Tidal app: Turn off normalization.

  In the BlueSound controller app: Turn off replay gain.

  I now play the same song on each service and the sound level is the same for each service and on the C368 and the Pulse 2i/s.

  Very cool. And have fun with it!
• 

  Curt A

  • March 04, 2023 17:35

  Yes, but there is a sound level difference on the Pulse 2i also. So I am wondering if it is the streaming service.

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