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Sound quality issues streaming from Tidal vs CD

I am hoping someone familiar with streaming from Tidal might be able to help.

I have recently installed the Pro-Ject Streambox S2 Ultra, which is a small Raspberry Pi based network bridge. I connect this to my router via ethernet cable and to my Vitus DAC (which is part of the CD player) via USB. My CD player obviously outputs through the same DAC.

The sound quality from CD is so much better than the sound quality from Tidal (I am a Tidal Hifi subscriber).

So my questions are:

1. Is this just a feature of streaming via the internet, it simply is not as good as a good quality CD transport?
2. Or is it an issue with the Pro-Ject - would something like the Autralic Aries G2 (also a network bridge with no DAC) which costs 6 times the price of the Pro-Ject, improve the Tidal stream?
3. Or is it the fact that the USB cable I am using is an entry-level £10 cable?
4. Or is it Tidal? - would Qobuz sound better?

Any advice or knowledge would be welcome.
128x128duckworp
canibefrank
406 posts
 
I would try a different connection ... other than USB. 
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,545 posts
 
You can achieve cd quality sound or better through streaming, both Tidal and Qobuz are great choices. I would say Pro-Ject Streambox S2 Ultra and cheap USB cable is the weak link.

A component like Vitus deserves a high quality all purpose built audio streaming device, try something like Aurender N100C, Lumin U1 Mini or U1. Use a decent quality USB or SPDIF cable and you will hear definite improvements over S2 Ultra.
big_greg
6,644 posts
 
It might be the streamer.  The quality of the streamer matters just as the quality of your CD player matters.  I'm not familiar with that streamer, so don't have any comment on how it compares to others.

Streaming music can sound as good as CD, a lot depends on the components used.  Just as a CD may sound better or worse depending on the player, the sound quality of your streaming experience will vary based on your setup. 

The quality of your internet connection, cables, your router, and whether you're using a wired or wireless connection may also affect sound quality.

Both Qobuz and Tidal sound excellent.  I use both.
duckworp's avatar
duckworp OP
257 posts
 
@big_greg - my internet connection is wired. The Project stream box ultra is a budget network bridge (around $1000) whereas the Vitus CD player is high-end gear. Maybe that is the issue: a top cd transport vs a budget network transport.

I had had not considered the router - what qualities are required for optimal Tidal delivery?
dougsat
374 posts
 
If you own a Laptop as an experiment download the PC app for
Tidal and try the USB connection from your Laptop.
This works for me. Should work for you too.

Doug
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