Former Hobbit

Sounds like you have it figured out.

So it seems to be mostly a dialogue clarity issue? I am not an expert on this but I do know that some streaming services are notorious for delivering less than stellar dialogue audio. I find dialogue can often be difficult to understand in my setup also. I use subtitles often. I do not use a center channel and I am not sure if the addition of one will necessarily improve dialogue clarity. Do you have a way to tame the treble? Perhaps doing so would allow you to listen at the higher levels you need to hear the dialogue.

I'm not trying to sound like a smart-a$$ but...turn it down. I watch movies and stream programs regularly. I know where the volume level ought to be through the experience of watching and listening to other content previously. Of course, that kind of goes out the window when my son watches with me. He is a hard-of-hearing former marine (helicopter support). Does this not work for you? Or is this a new set-up you are trying to prepare for?

I use Spotify for practically all of my music listening. It is a great way to find new artists. I often listen to something such as Lindsay Sterling Radio, or Lyle Lovett Radio. The resulting playlists are usually quite good at playing songs that are similar in genre and style to the chosen artist. If I hear something I like from someone I've never heard of I'll add that to my liked songs and check them out later. I don't like the fact that Spotify has raised prices and now say that it will cost even more for the promised (and still not delivered) higher quality streaming tier. That has me questioning sticking with Soptify especially now that Tidal has lowered their subscription costs.

Last weeks choice of Ahmad Jamal was a winner! I will check this one out tonight. I'll suggest one out of left field which is very likely to have been "never heard" by the majority of your readers. Fiesta Fatal! by B-Tribe, 1994. This is a sort of ambient, new-age, flamenco with a good deal of beautiful guitar work. The standout track for me is You Won't See Me Cry which combines wavering Spanish male vocals, rhythmic bass beats and seductive feminine whispering. Go on, you know you want to listen. And one out of right field. Ladies and Gentlemen: Bare Naked Ladies and the Persuasions, 2017. Pure sing-along pop fun. David

Chris, You wrote, "...this article isn't for everyone." I must be everyone, or perhaps I am just suffering from headless operation. In any case, It sure feels like my convolver is hanging loose from my Pipewire. Tonight I will make an offering to the god, Anubis, who resideth in the great UPnP of northern Michigan, that he allow me to understand everything I just read or at least allow me a taste of RaspberryPi in the process. I'm not greedy, I don't need the whole Pi, a MinimServing will do. Until that time I'll be configuring and rendering my REM filters as I QNap on my JLazyBoy. 😉 David, the unGeek

Chris, I've never really considered the issue of privacy to be a factor in my streaming listening. Though I have to admit I have wondered whether I might at some time be banned from Spotify for the hundreds of hours I have streamed the Enya Radio station while in bed. Her music is just so relaxing...zzzzz. Oh, when it comes to streaming and privacy are the other streaming services less intrusive? David

Hi Chris, I just joined, particularly to say that the Ahmad Jamal album is fantastic, even streamed from the much-maligned Spotify. I am not a rabid jazz fan but I am now an Ahmad Jamal fan. My meager system is a far cry from many who visit this site but I do enjoy the content you provide. BTW, I misspelled my user name and don't see a way to correct it. Any suggestion? David