Tidal WiFi not as good as cd

Airplay uses ’middleware’ to stream music (same as UPnP and DLNA use middleware). Suspect Chromecast will be worse - technology focused on quick & easy connectivity.

You will not get best streaming sound using these technologies.

Tidal HiFi sounds extremely good on NAD C388 (digital integrated amp) with BluOS2i MDC module - which also has native MQA unfolding (and that sounds even better). I like the NAD solution because digital stream goes directly to amplifier stage, without (noise-inducing or tone-effecting) digital-analog conversion, analog-digital conversion, no interconnect cables or cable ends, no interconnect termination points, no termination wiring to the boards inside the unit, etc. It is a direct path (except for the MDC board pin/socket) to digital amp stage. Also very convenient, compact, and simple solution (one device - no signal path connections).

My opinion, the NAD C388 (or C368, etc.) is a great value, because you could spend more than the cost of the entire unit on one set of good interconnects that might go from out-board streamer/DAC to an integrated amp. With this unit - there is no need for interconnects (for streaming). So there is no contemplating if you have the ’best’ interconnect, or if switching to silver or copper could improve the sound (it can’t because there aren't any cables).

Find devices with ’native’ streaming (no UPnP/DLNA/Airplay middleware conversions) - look for Bluesound and others.

As posted above, I also stream Tidal and Qobuz and the sound quality is excellent.

Any streaming service (Tidal, QoBuz, etc) requires a fully operational network. This means your modem, router, cable signal being in range, cable junction boxes, ISP down stream services and all other related parts must be working correctly. Streaming requires a wired connection for the very best sound quality results. A Wi-Fi connection will not support Tidal, Qobuz, etc. streaming services.

Streaming requires these parts to be operating at full capacity. If you have sound quality issues or instability issues, I suggest you investigate all the areas mentioned above. No, it is not easy and requires a cooperative ISP Tech to help identify and correct these issues. You should also confirm your modem can handle the streaming load. If it is old, you might need to replace it. You should also check your inside cables and connections.

Qobuz 24-bit/96 and 24-bit/192 albums are great sounding.

Once your network is correctly operating, you should be able to successfully stream these services. Unfortunately, I had all the above issues and it took me several weeks to get everything corrected. I am now streaming Tidal and Qobuz perfectly with no drop outs or related cable signal issues.

It is not easy getting all these parts working. You have to have “patience” and contact your ISP for assistance, when needed. I fully explained my streaming instability issues were impacting my listening to my music and the ISP Tech knew exactly what was needed. I suggest you start with your router first and then your cable company. As I stated above, every single part in the streaming chain needs to be confirmed it is working correctly.

A Wi-Fi connection will not support Tidal, Qobuz, etc. streaming services.

@hgeifman  Is this what you meant (i.e. "will not support")? If so, can you explain? Thanks.

Tidal, Qobuz, etc. sound quality will work using a Wi-Fi connection (maybe) but the sound quality using a wired connection will be much better.

My Aurender N10 server is connected to my router using a wired connection and the streaming sound quality is excellent. I also tried a Wi-Fi connection and the SQ was very poor.

More info on an Ethernet wired connection vs. a Wi-Fi connection. 

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.howtogeek.com/217463/wi-fi-vs.-ethernet-how-much-better-is-a-wired-...