2. digital
  3. 138357-117233

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

128x128firstnot
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
16,028 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
Ag insider logo xs@2x
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
rbstehno
1,416 posts
 
There is no better software than roon to integrate tidal with your digital library. Not kazoo or LUMIN nor DS Lightning. Sure you can use any of the programs to access tidal but try integrating tidal albums with your digital.
roon has fantastic SQ! 
If you are buying $20 a month tidal, get a dac and server that supports MQA. If you don’t, you are losing or wasting your money. 
If you use chromecast or some of these other suggestions, you will get SQ only for background type  listening.
More to discover