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What's needed to Steam Tidal

Is there anything other than a MacBook need to get the best sound from Tidal? I recently purchased an AudioWhen Coffee 3m USB cable to run from my MacBook to Ayre Codex DAC. I am just streaming music from Tidal. Prior to the cable purchase I would stream using an Audioquest Vodka optical from my Bluesound Vault. Comparing the two, the sound coming from the Bluesound blows away the MacBook. The soundstage is wide, there's more detail, clearer etc.  Do I need any special software or something or just stick to the sure thing?
128x128luvrockin
kalali's avatar
kalali
1,977 posts
 
Stick with a sure thing, I always do. That said, you should be able to get comparable quality sound from Ayre based on what I've heard. 
jond's avatar
jond
5,741 posts
 
So just keep using the Bluesound but maybe change your cable, optical is not the best,  I would personally use coax and some folks seem to like usb.
luvrockin's avatar
luvrockin OP
208 posts
 
With as fine of a DAC the Ayre Codex is, it's drawback is there are only (2) inputs. There is one optical and (1) USB. As mentioned earlier, the Bluesound played via optical cable sounds phenomenal. Using the USB port from the MacBook, not so much. It sounds good, but not near as good as the Bluesound.
jond's avatar
jond
5,741 posts
 
Ah ok then have you tried USB from the Bluesound to the Codex? I assume the Bluesound has a USB out?
david_ten
5,480 posts
 
Punk     :)
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