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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
swajames
6 posts
 
Firstnot, honestly I'd just give the 205 a try.  You have it already and it really is all you need to get started.  Get a free trial of Roon (you can find 14 day/30 day free trial codes if you look around). You can then use an existing Mac or PC as your Roon Core (if you have an iTunes library etc on that PC then Roon will tap into that).   Provided your PC (Roon Core) and your UDP-205 are on the same network it will show up as a Roon endpoint and you can use your PC or the Roon app on your phone or a tablet to control your music.     You can buy standalone Roon Cores, Roon Nucleus, and store music on that but you can use what you have for now and see if you like it.  If you have a PC, a 205 and a Tidal account it won't cost you a penny to try it and I am betting you will be as happy with it as other Roon users are.   

Good luck and report back.  Interested to learn what you think!
swajames
6 posts
 
adding one point - the UDP-205 does indeed support MQA. Tidal has quite a lot of MQA content now (in addition to the lossless FLAC you get on the Tidal HiFi tier). You may need to use the USB DAC input for MQA.
laserjock1963
139 posts
 
I’m in a similar boat; I’ve been using a Bluesound Node 1 for a while and have a Node 2 still in the box. I like the convenience etc.
I like the Oppo 103D for the display useage but have an Oppo 205 in the box waiting also.
Wishing the 205 was easier to get Tidal and Tidal MQA but looks like the USB is the only way to get the full “unfold” of MQA.

Maybe I need a computer to do it?

Chris
firstnot's avatar
firstnot OP
248 posts
 
Thanks I will do the freebie method and report back as how it sounds.
I have a mac laptop and saw the free trial offer from Roon.
Tidal doesn't seem to have the trial offer but perhaps Qobuz does?
troutchoker's avatar
troutchoker
66 posts
 
Good move. I have used Tidal for a long time. Now, I use Tidal MSQ on a Macbook. I have to say that I don't think there is a better way to listen to music if you want to enjoy a kick-ass collection. For the $20 a month, it cannot be beat, IMO.

I have a Nuprime DAC10 that has a USB input. I USB cable between my laptop and the DAC. That is all there is to it. If your Oppo does not accept a USB connection, I would upgrade the DAC.

I have a Node2 new in the box and I haven't even bothered to hook it up because I listen only near field, so why bother?

Add a good quality USB cable and that is all I need to get a very nice sound from TIdal. It is FLAC quality for me.
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