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Tidal app vs Roon. Wich one sounds better?

Hello guys,
As a restless audiophile I'm always looking for the way to improve the sound of my system, wich I have to say, its a pretty nice sounding and revealing one, at least for what I know.

I listen to my music streaming with Tidal app on my Notebook (Intel i5 and Windows 10) vía USB to a Wyred4Sound USB Reclocker and then via USB to my DAC (Audio-GD R8).

I've read on some places that Roon Player sounds better than the Tidal app and I´ve also read the opposite.

I know there is a free trial period for Roon and the most precise way to know it should be to try it, but I also don't want to install software on my PC just to try it with out knowing other usser's experiences first.

I also have to say that I use Dirac Room Correction and Dirac Stereo Proceesor, wich I consider very good and want to keep on using, so Roon-Dirac compatibility is a must.

Have anyone compared Roon Player vs Tidal App sound quality (I don't care about other features of the software)? 

Please I would like answers only by those who have compared both of them only with PC streaming, not with other devices like dedicated streamers, etc.

I also have to say that I'm not into tech issues, so the simpler the answer, the better.

Sorry for my english, I'm from Argentina. Than you!!!

Pedro
plga
emcdade
95 posts
 
Here’s an easy example where a PC comes ahead of the G1:

PC - Roon - convert to DSD 512 - T+A DAC 8 DSD single bit converter

That would easily beat a G1 sending PCM into the chip based converter on the T+A DAC 

The best DAC designs I’ve heard have been LESS sensitive to the source than more sensitive, as they take great care of keeping noise out of the system.
davehg
85 posts
 
AudioTroy speaks the truth. If you just install and play music through Roon without using the DSP functions, you are not getting the power from Roon to upsample.

Also, Roon’s DSP defaults, specially the sample rate conversion filter, should be altered based on your DAC. I noticed a clear difference using the smooth min phase conversion filter vs the default, as well as when I chose the DSD upsample option. I use Audeze LCD3 too and Roon has a DSP setting from Audeze that is integrated and works well. I did not play with the built in EQ or room or speaker correction but some have liked it.

Roon discovery features alone make it compelling. Add the DSP settings and it made my Lumin D2 sing. I compared with native Tidal app, and also when testing out a Bel Canto streamer and DAC, and always preferred Roon.
cytocycle
1,043 posts
 

@audiotroy , I don’t consider the Innuous Zenith to be computer.. The question was running an app on a computer. when I refer to computer audio I am referring to people building a pc/mac with crappy power supplies. I have heard the Innuous Zenith in my house and it really is one of the most analog sounding streamers. That being said the squeezebox interface from 15 years ago SUCKS!! I would have to have it controlled by Roon. The Auralic Aeries lighting app interface is awesome. The reason I didn’t buy Innuous is because I would also have to buy $500 Roon license in addition.  Also, I want to try out the lastest Innuous version once my system configuration settles down.
audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
3,807 posts
 
did you use roons dsp feature or native?
audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
3,807 posts
 
i would always run roon i am  gladlypay 10 a month for roon which is their monthly fee and Iam happy to do so for the browsing experience
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