Is there a difference in sound quality when streaming TIDAL Vs CD player

Back when I was using a CD player for digital music, I noticed definite differences between players and converters.

Since I ripped all of my digital material (using a computer CD drive) to a server and play from that via Sonos to my various systems, I haven't been able to tell reliably that there is any difference between direct playback from the CD player, play by streaming from the network drive, or listening to Tidal high quality.

The slight inferiority of Tidal low quality, Spotify etc. is readily apparent though.

I use a Hegel DA converter.

as a side note.... listen to the DSD of Floyd's . Wish You Were Here... good lawd that ill make you feel like you are hearing it for the second time...

Of course you can tell the difference. I used Tidal MQA and compare it to CD as well as Tidal lossless 44.1k/16bit. 
Tidal MQA (192k, 96k, 88.2k/24bit)>Tidal 44.1k/16=CD
Now I am listening to Qobuz studio 192k/24bit, 96k/24bit. I can tell you

Qobuz 192k/24 >> 44k/16bit.

Qubuz is not cheap (25USD/month) though.

" Just wish I was rich and had a wife (who) would allow me to spend more money on this hobby."

You've just identified the two most important components to ant audio system! You're a wise man. So just trust your own judgement and enjoy your listening time by concentrating (actually NOT concentrating as much as soaking in) the best music you can find. I wish I would take my own advice more often.

Larry , great question . But unfortunately you have many variables to contend with . You will benefit the most from trying various combinations on YOUR SYSTEM . At my home,  I have an Oppo 105, a Schiit Yiggy , a Musical Fidelity’s transport . For source I have a Windows based laptop, Apple TV, Direct TV DVR. I’ve used Single Ended RCA, Digital Coax , USB to USB (B), balanced digital . Most of the inter connects are decent quality , eg ; Cardas Clear , Morrow , Anti Cables and Analysis Plus . My taste prefers the Schiit DAC over the Oppo . CD’s on the Musical Fidelity’s transport and DVD’s on the Oppo . Streaming is substantially better from the computer than the Apple or the Cable box . I had a home theater setup, but came to dislike it and currently run 2.0 ( Stereo ) with low power , or 2.2 ( Stereo with 2 subs ) in a higher power setup . I use the same sources for both , but split the system at the pre and have tone control on the system with the subs . I would suggest you obtain some decent used cables and experiment. Then when your satisfied with your combo , go to a higher level of cables in the brand/style you prefer . Also save the cables you acquired , as you will undoubtably be in this situation again . One of the things I did was to cultivate a friendship with a couple Agoners in order to loan cables and tubes . Also my opinion is that Anti Cables are neutral and require little break in , making them a pleasant experience. And Grannyring makes good cables at a reasonable price ( message him ). Cheers , Mike B.