Improvement of MacBook Air for Streaming Tidal

A dedicated streamer is the best solution but for those who can’t justify the endless $$$ pit I have had very nice success using a MacBook Pro with Amarra software, Tidal Hi Res, an Audioquest jitterbug connected into my laptop with a quality OCC usb cable into my DAC.  Sounds better than my CD and my vinyl.  Granted my vinyl system isn’t top end.  Good luck with you quest.

OP

Keep in mind that streamers are networking computers in audio component 

casework.  The OS and the parts have been optimized for music replay.  Therefore a PC can do everything that a dedicated streamer can do.  Programs like Audirvana are designed to maximize the music streaming functionality of a PC.

  I’ve done both.  I definitely prefer dedicated streamers and own several for my 3 systems in my home but it is possible to achieve good sound with a PC.  No one “needs” a streamer.  It’s a choice

My suggestion is to buy a Bluesound Node and try it out.  It works out of the box (Ethernet or Wi-Fi connection) and connects to your preamp with its built-in DAC.  You can also use digital outs to go to your Hegel but not sure if the Hegel does full MQA.  You then use your Mac or iOS device and just use the Tidal app and stream via Tidal Connect on the Node.  When doing that, the app is just telling the Node what to stream. You can also use the BluOS app to stream Tidal or Qobuz, etc.  

I’m fairly new to streamers too — just got the Node for Christmas — and very happy with the SQ and ease of use.  I also like that I’m not tethered via a USB cable to my system. All that said, I do still use my IPad connected to my DAC as another digital source. That let’s me play with Apple Music and Amazon HD.

Hey laaudionut! I would suggest a streamer such as a Lumin D2- which is what I use. It will connect directly to the Motherlode using RCA cables (it also requires a cat5/6 cable to your router) and then you download the Lumin app onto your Macbook. I use an iPad, but it should be the same functionally. You can then use Tidal, Spotify, Airplay, etc, to stream music from the Lumin via the wireless Macbook controller. I love mine and find the fidelity to be quite satisfying! There are other streamers I'm sure as well. Another feature of the Lumin, is you can try it using its built in DAC, or run a digital coax to your current DAC from the Lumin. I'm not sure which you'll find to have better sonics, but it's easy enough to compare (and then possibly sell your current DAC to recoup some of the cost of the Lumin). 

All the best, Aric

Looking at your DAC and preamp you want to make a similar investment. I would recommend either an Aurender N100 or an Aurender N10. You have very good components, you want to chose as good or better… this is your source, if it’s not there…then the DAC or follow on electronics are not going to add it. I have experienced quit a few streamers… Aurender gets it… they are not budget… they are high end sound quality.

If you see yourself improving your system over time then definitely, get a Aurender N10… it will be your centerpiece for a decade.

I have a high end vinyl system and my streamer provides the same unreal, imaging, musicality, broad and deep soundstage, to all music. The streamer also brings virtually all music… via Qobuz. (Click on my user ID to see my systems)

Streamer —> DAC —> Preamp —-> Amp. —> Speakers