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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
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!!
audioengr
3,282 posts
 

"The Roon software is supposed to make the operation easier?"

Roon is one of many playback apps you can use. Most of them are easy, although some prefer Roon. Many use Linn Kazoo and Lumin.

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

I would start with the Oppo and get it working with Roon and Tidal on a PC or Mac and then go from there.

If you want better SQ later, then you can go several directions:

1) add an Ethernet renderer and drive the Oppo with S/PDIF cable - $2-4K These can support Roon or DLNA.

2) replace the Oppo with another USB DAC and use USB from the computer to DAC - $2-4K

3) replace the Oppo with another DAC and add a USB converter to drive the DAC.  The USB converter connects with USB to the computer. - $4-6K

4) replace the Oppo with another DAC and use Ethernet renderer to drive the DAC You can get renderers that work with Roon or DLNA. $4-6K

If you want to stream free tracks from Amazon Prime, then you will need to do #2 or #3.

"Ethernet connection better than WiFi I would assume?"

Not necessarily. Depends on the hardware. If you can reach your stereo rack from your router or switch with a reasonable length Ethernet cable, then definitely go wired Ethernet

In general, it is easier to get Ethernet to sound great than USB. Less hoops to jump through. You will need high-performance expensive cables in either case to get the best SQ.  I use Ethernet myself with a DLNA renderer that delivers 10psec of jitter over a S/PDIF cable to a DAC.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

erik_squires
16,623 posts
 
If you are in an apartment, Ethernet is the most reliable for audio or video. 

If you use WifI you are subject to channel congestion, which is worst in an apartment or office. Use 5GHz bands and check your wifi environment with a Wifi analyzer if you can. 

Best,

E
swajames
6 posts
 
I don’t think you need any new hardware. I also have an Oppo 205 and it works really well with Roon and Tidal (inc Tidal’s lossless and MQA content). Someone mentioned jitter, the Oppo 205 supposedly has some additional features to help manage that (link below) although I actually use the XLR analog audio out from the 205. Either way if you have a UDP-205 I think you have all you need for an excellent Roon/Tidal setup.

https://www.oppodigital.com/KnowledgeBase.aspx?KBID=129&ProdID=UDP-205
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