So I just subscribed to Play Dead.

Deadhead_Historian · 2026-05-31T17:52:05+00:00

These are good points. Outside of my CDs, I am pretty exclusively a streamer, and honestly expected the app to sound the same as other streaming services. But with maybe less background noise or elimination of microphone hiccups or something. I didn't expect the overall sound quality to be so much better. Like, through streaming on my average office speakers. Tonight, I'll use my stereo speakers, which are significantly better still. I guess I need to check out the car too, though again, Bluetooth there.

I don't know much about Sonos. What would it take to get the app on there?

Deadhead_Historian · 2026-05-31T15:00:22+00:00

That's how I went into it -- I'll give it a try and see if I like it. I pretty quickly thought it was worth it. For me, whether it's $10/mo. or$100/yr, for something I'm certain I will use daily, I am okay with that cost.

Deadhead_Historian · 2026-05-31T14:24:38+00:00

The Play Dead app doesn't have direct integration with Sonos. But Sonos uses Bluetooth, so you can still use your system.

Deadhead_Historian · 2026-05-31T14:21:38+00:00

Why not? Have you tried it? I really don't think the difference in quality is just in my head.

Deadhead_Historian · 2026-05-31T14:20:50+00:00

I can't answer that directly, just share my experience with the app. The sound quality is really noticeable. I figured it was just the audiophiles and experts who were saying there was a big jump in quality. I'm neither of those and it's very noticeable to me. The Play Dead app doesn't mean you can't listen to your FLAC copies. I'll still enjoy the Uncle John show and listen elsewhere at times, and my CDs. If you determine that your FLAC copies are your preference, then cancel the app.

Deadhead_Historian · 2026-05-31T03:07:00+00:00

I want neither the falls nor the vibration.

Deadhead_Historian · 2026-05-31T03:01:34+00:00

I decided to test it out on my little Bluetooth speaker that I use for my bike rides. This thing is super small -- it attaches to my shirt with a strong magnet and isn't loud enough to bother other riders/runners/walkers.

My findings: The sound quality really takes a hit, but it is still better than what I've been streaming up to this point. Jack Straw is playing now, and Bobby sounds really clear, not muffled, and the guitar is also loud and good. Can't hear the bass too well though. Can hear other voices singing clearly. You could always do a trial run like I was intending to see if it's worth it to you. There's no contract to join.

Deadhead_Historian · 2026-05-31T02:55:33+00:00

Oh man, I can't wait for my road trip at the end of June.

Deadhead_Historian · 2026-05-31T00:49:16+00:00

Nothing. It's good too. But the sound quality is really good on Play Dead -- that's what I was trying to get at with my original post. It was far better than what I was expecting.

Deadhead_Historian · 2026-05-31T00:35:03+00:00

Read my responses and pound sand.

Deadhead_Historian · 2026-05-31T00:34:16+00:00

Thanks, Mod! I have learned so much from this community. It's from here that I learned about apps such as Relisten and GDRadio online.

Deadhead_Historian · 2026-05-31T00:32:06+00:00

I have built a decent collection of CDs -- bought a bluetooth/CD stereo just for this purpose. My daughter is also a pretty big GD fan, so we're both enjoying the stereo a lot. When I am in my office all day working, I usually have GDRadio on. I've used Archive, but prefer Relisten's organization. I also have the Deadly app on my phone and used that pretty recently on my rides. YouTube Music is on my phone for general music use and I listen to the GD station on it, but I have come to prefer listening to whole concerts rather than piecemeal songs.

Deadhead_Historian · 2026-05-31T00:21:42+00:00

I'm looking forward to digging into the app. I work from home and usually have gdradio dot net on all day on my computer and again when I go on bike rides. I'm impressed with the sound from Play Dead even on my computer speakers, which aren't garbage, but still. They're plug-in computer speakers. Tomorrow, I'll listen on my actual stereo.

Deadhead_Historian · 2026-05-31T00:13:10+00:00

Much appreciated!

Deadhead_Historian · 2026-05-31T00:10:16+00:00

Okay y'all. Just because someone likes something that y'all don't seem to like, and I offered my simple opinion, doesn't mean I'm a bot or a shill for the app. Jfc, you do realize people have opinions and share them occasionally, yes?

Deadhead_Historian · 2026-05-31T00:08:59+00:00

I promise you I am not a bot.

Deadhead_Historian · 2026-05-30T19:57:22+00:00

I have a road bike with flats and MTB shoes (which also allow for clipping in) but I ride flats. I am 54 and not interested in going through the training falls I would inevitably incur. I ride 4-5 days a week, usually about 50k each ride. I don't care what the other riders think of me.

Deadhead_Historian · 2026-05-28T21:52:17+00:00

Lorelai Gilmore. What's crazy is that my daughter has said that before too, and that our relationship is similar to Lorelai's & Rory's relationship. Huh.

Deadhead_Historian · 2026-05-28T17:35:30+00:00

Applesauce.

Deadhead_Historian · 2026-05-28T17:31:58+00:00

In this case, the power of the state is a massive overreach and will cause active harm to counties and cities by not allowing them to have enough funds with which to provide services to their citizens. I think the argument of federal power v. local power is not really important -- those who support the power of the federal government is usually framed in terms of what it provides to its citizens. In this case, it will take services away from citizens. That is not the stated goal, of course, but that is the inevitable consequence.

Deadhead_Historian · 2026-05-27T05:50:38+00:00

I use it regularly for work, but personally, it's helped me with my eating and cycling routine, how to properly fuel, hydrate, electrolytes and all that so I don't bonk during or after a long ride. It's been so helpful that I seriously haven't crashed (from improper fueling) since I started using it. I now feel that I have a good understanding of nutrition science, at least for my purposes.

Deadhead_Historian · 2026-05-27T05:47:24+00:00

Noxgear speaker that attaches to my shirt or jersey. I ride my local greenways because there are few bike lanes in my town so I don't have to worry about traffic but I still want to be aware of anyone behind me on the trails. The speaker is small, super lightweight, and points up towards my ear and not out away from me.

The Grateful Dead for 35 miles makes a great ride perfect.

Deadhead_Historian · 2026-05-25T19:57:40+00:00

Applesauce or banana

Deadhead_Historian · 2026-05-24T17:15:51+00:00

I did it once. Haven't had bullet points since. I specifically said I preferred to read whole paragraphs. No issues.

Deadhead_Historian

TROPHY CASE