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Going Tidal, Need ???

I plan to subscribe to the Hi-Rez Tidal service at $20/month.
In addition I have been told to expect to pay $150/year for
the Roon Service. Apparently Roon’s software is said be easiest to navigate.

So what equipment do I need to buy to enjoy HiRes sound?
-I do not have a lot of downloaded material, cds or records to store.
-I do have a DAC built into my cd player-oppo 205-which is usable independently.
-Budget is $2,000.00

Can someone explain to me, using 50 or less and small words, how streaming hardware and software function?
Equipment I own: Freya/Cary/Oppo/Altec. 

Thanks,

Jeff

firstnot
glennewdick's avatar
glennewdick
1,741 posts
 

Tidal is the streaming service, Roon is an overlay that adds better meta data and links to similar music it also integrates your own music you may have stored on a NAS for example. Like the others said you do not need Roon to use tidal. I don't use Roon anymore and just use the Tidal app on my PC.

some good suggestions already but for a lot more tech information and other ideas look at AudioStream.com its Stereophiles digital streaming sight. There is a huge amount of information there from the basics to more advanced set ups.   

One other option is a small form computer ( Apple or PC) that has a digital out. I use an Asus Vivo, couple hundred bucks, but you do need a way to monitor it like a small monitor or if you have a TV in the same room makes for an excellent streamer and lets you do other computer related stuff that the dedicated streamers cant do.

audioengr
3,282 posts
 

Since you already have the OPPO 205 and use if for your DAC, you should just use it as a renderer for Roon and stream Tidal to it.  You don't need to buy any hardware.  Just use any computer and load Roon and Tidal on it and stream to the 205 using WIFI.

From the OPPO 205 webpage:

Built-in 802.11ac Wi-Fi or Gigabit Ethernet connects the UDP-205 to users’ home networks, so users can easily play media files stored on computers and home servers.

Roon is an incredibly rich and engaging way to browse and organize your music. It runs on most Mac, Windows, and Linux PCs, or on other products which include Roon Core. Being Roon Ready means that the UDP-205 transparently discovers and connects to Roon without any configuration, and bit-perfect audio is delivered from Roon to your UDP-205 player. Together, Roon and OPPO deliver the power, flexibility, and performance of networked audio, with the easiest setup and highest reliability available. The UDP-205 supports streaming stereo PCM audio up to 192 kHz 24-bit from Roon. Learn more about Roon Ready, and sign up for a free 60-day trial by redeeming the code 0PP0-M1NA-MLB4.

You even can maybe get a 60-day free trial of Roon.

Steve N.

Empirical Audio

audioengr
3,282 posts
 

As for hi-rez, this is another story. The best hi-rez you will get with either a quality USB converter or a quality Ethernet renderer. Either of these will reside between the computer and your DAC (OPPO205). This converter should provide a very low jitter digital output. The reason for using an external converter is to avoid using the high-jitter master clock inside the OPPO. Instead, the low jitter master clock in these external converters is used.

This converter will connect to your computer where your hi-rez files reside using USB, Ethernet or WIFI. The output of the converter to the DAC will usually be a high-quality digital coax (S/PDIF) cable. This cable should be a BNC-BNC with RCA adapters and not shorter than 4 feet or 1.25m.

For playback, you can use a myriad of different software on your computer. I personally use Linn Kinsky and Minimserver for my Ethernet renderer because the SQ is unbeaten. Both freeware and available for Mac or PC.

Here is an example of a low jitter renderer:

https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=156409.0

Steve N.

Empirical Audio

1graber2's avatar
1graber2
303 posts
 
Some server/streaming BASICS ...  

1. I subscribe to Tidal, but this is a "wired" system, meaning that you can either play the tunes from the App directly from your PC/phone/table. But if you want to send the Tidal tunes from your PC to your external DAC, you will have to use a "wire" like a USB connection to your DAC.

2. From #1 above, if you connect your USB directly to your DAC, there will be much of the Jitter/distortion that is described above. That is why I use a USB converter from April Music (used, $250, new $500). I plug the USB into that, then I can run a S/PDIF, XLR, or BNC to my DAC. This GREATLY reduces distortion/jitter.

3. Roon is designed to send music over wifi, from your computer to your DAC/Server, and Roon tells the NAS what to play. 

4. I signed up with JRiver, and I have a MAC.  Since I subscribe to Tidal, I looked for a plug-in on JRiver for Tidal, to play Tidal music thru JRiver. I did a small search, and I think that JRiver still does not have a plug-in for Mac owners to used Tidal. Bummer. 

will check out the Miniserver and Lynn server that Steve suggests. 

5. I had an Oppo, the jitter control is .... OK, but you can do better. I would start there to improve sound. If the music quality coming out off the Oppo is compromised, then that distortion will go through the entire system to your speakers, and you will hear it. the point: start with the cleanest signal possible. E.g, consider a renderer or reclocker, like Steve's company above. 
firstnot's avatar
firstnot OP
248 posts
 
Wow!! Thank you so much for all helpful advice. For some reason
I thought this Oppo 205 was a decent piece of equipment but it sounds like I should by bypass it and buy a better DAC?

The Roon software is supposed to make the operation easier?

My goal is to obtain the best sound available via steaming.

Ethernet connection better than WiFi I would assume?

Is Quboz better than Tidal sound quality-wise?

Apologize for my ignorance!!
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