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Who has tried "TIDAL" vs other streaming applications?

Hello, I'm new to Audiogon, this is my first posting into Forums.

I enjoy streaming audio from my PC and have been using Spotify for a number of years now (college student discount to premium $5 a month). I just recently stumbled upon a App called TIDAL, that streams Lossless 16/44.1FLAC with their "HI-FI" subscription (Student $10 a month). Since I can queue up Spotify and Tidal at the same time, I was able to do an A/B and used Dire Straits Brothers in Arms. I noticed that TIDAL indeed sounds better to me but am convinced none of my family members could tell a difference. I then did an A/B with TIDAL and the actual Brothers in Arms CD, to my surprise TIDAL sounded scary close, if not just as good as the CD! This is hard for me to believe, I think I'm just trying to justify the extra cost of TIDAL on a crazy tight student budget, maybe its a placebo effect? I need to drop one of the services, but which one? I would appreciate your thoughts please... Thank you!
My system:
PC = Gaming Rig I built myself, using dedicated high quality audio card.
Krell KAV 400xi integrated
Sonus Faber Electa's with Sunfire HRS Sub
Cambridge AZUR 840C CDP/DAC
Luxman T117 Tuner
Sony SCD - C2000ES SACD Player
Kimber Silver Streak throughout  


grm
marktomaras
544 posts
 
Roon and Tidal are a deadly cool combo.  I am getting outstanding results on my system.  Roon is by far the best audio software I have used from a user experience - nothing comes close.  If anyone is using JRiver or iTunes add-ons, take of the shackles and step into a larger world!
jzzmusician
154 posts
 
marktomaras,

I hear a lot about Roon.  How easy is it to use for a complete hack like myself?

Thanks in advance,

Bob
marktomaras
544 posts
 
Bob, Roon is easy to use, even if you have limited software experience.  The interface is uncluttered and intuitive, and highly enjoyable I might add.  There is an integration between Tidal and Roon so you will use Roon to control your own digital music library as well as your access to Tidal music.  Give it a try!
cerrot's avatar
cerrot
1,700 posts
 
In order to listen to Tidal via Roon, you need to download everything you want to be able to listen to.  No other player/streamer does that.  I was not a fan. I love Tidal, but not with Roon.  
dtc's avatar
dtc
1,047 posts
 
I am a JRiver on Windows user. I was disappointed that they decided not to integrate Tidal and I had to find another way to try Tidal. I wanted it for CD quality and I am do not use Chrome. The solution was Bubble UPnP on an Android tablet, sending the Audio to JRiver via DLNA. You could use any DLNA rendered if you do not use JRiver. Bubble UPnP has pretty much a full Tidal implementation and easily streams to DLNA on my PC. Very simple solution.

I have only been using TIdal in this mode for about a week, but so far I have found the selection excellent, except for classical, and the sound quality is very good. So far, I am happy with this solution.

If you do not have a DLNA renderer, you can also use a Chromecast Audio streaming from Bubble UPnP on the tablet, although you need a DAC with a Toslink input if your want to use the digital output on the Chromecast - no coax, unfortunately.
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