Beginner questions.

[PeterG]

6 hours ago, feelingears said:

6 hours ago, feelingears said:

So get a Spotify or Amazon or Apple Music subscription or trial and compare with Qobuz. If you hear a difference, without any extra DAC or amp, that's something. The pricing is very similar so that's easy. But from there, well, remember: this hobby isn't just about the music. Some like the gear, some like the exploration, some are into home theater, some seek some aural nirvana that only they can hear (quite literally). And all, well, all of us audio-types spend way more money than we need to get what we already have in our cars and on our phones. 

Disagree--if all you do is switch streaming services, there is an excellent chance that you will not hear a change.  The crappy embedded DAC, amp, and speakers or headphones you are currently using will still produce crappy sound. 

 

Firedog has provided some excellent suggestions.  If you spend a few hundred or a few thousand dollars with the companies he's highlighted, and switch to CD quality or hi rez streams/downloads, you're likely to get a big smile.  And if you don't hear the difference, just return the gear. 

 

My first audiophile purchase was a $200 Dragonfly, and I had not even known what a DAC was when I walked into the store.  The difference was immediate, and I quickly added an entry level amp from NAD and speakers from B&W.  This first full system was <$3,000 all in, and it produced great sound, much better than a mass market system at the same price point.  Check out @DuckToller's excellent thread on $2500 systems for more ideas

 

Good luck!