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Tidal vs Hi Res Files vs CD vs “Netflix”. My test. Incredible!

1.     Introduction. I know there are several threads on different forums about similar subjects, but I couldn’t find one with the exact information I wanted, so I performed my own test.

This is not a scientific test, but I’ve got very consistent results that I want to share and read your opinions.

2.     First, the basics:

        2.1. I listen to ALL of my music streaming Tidal because I like very much its infinite library, the instant access to the music, the chance to make lists with different artists by gender and not having to listen to entire records, the cost of all that music against having a private library of CDs or Hi Res files, the interface, the information of the artists, the chance of finding new and amazing music, etc.

        2.2. If I decide to change Tidal (for CD for instance) it would have to be due to a SIGNIFICANT difference in sound quality.

        2.3. For the test I used the EXACT same system for every source, from the DAC to the speakers (pream, power amp cables, etc). By the way, the system is a hi end and a pretty revealing one, so I can hear the differences easily.

        2.4. I used only Tidal as HiFi streaming service as I don’t have Qobuz where I live (Argentina).

        2.5. For the comparisons I used the same songs in different formats and sources, most of the times (not always), from the same album when possible.

I know you will say that different masters from any band will differ in sound quality and I know that, but I’ve got consistent and very similar results on the different tests and if I have to choose a source with the effort of chasing each song’s perfect recording/master, it would be endless, pointless and very expensive.

        2.6. The songs I used are NOT audiophile grade recordings, BUT they serve for the purpose as they were available from the different sources and my CD collection is very scarce.

        2.7. I did only a few test as I don’t have the time and the patience to spend hours on this subject as I’m not a reviewer and, as I’ve said, the results were consistent.

       2.8. Cables (speaker, USB, RCA/Coaxial, Power, etc) are good enough, but not the most expensive ones (Kimber and DH Labs mostly).

       2.9. I did A/B test with almost no delay, as the three rigs tested were connected to different inputs of my DAC and I only had to switch between them. That helped me A LOT to detect the differences.

3. Rigs for the tests (upstream from the DAC)

       3.1. Computer-USB chain (for Tidal and Hi Res Files):

              Ethernet Cisco Gigabyte Switch and CAT8 Ethernet cable to my Windows 10 Notebook.

              Audinirvana+ for streaming Tidal or playing Hi Res files from the hard disk.

              Audioquest Jitterbug as pasive filter for the USB port.

              Wyred4Sound USB Reclocker with a Swagman Hifi Linear Power Supply.

              Gustard U16 USB to I2S converter (a very good upgrade in my system).

              I2S 2.1 protocol (HDMI) cable to the DAC.

      3.2. CD Player Rig:

             Samsung budget Blue-Ray player.

             Coaxial cable (Kimber 1m long) to my DAC.

       3.3. Netflix Rig:

              LG Smart Tv.

              Cheap Amazon Toslink/Optical cable to my DAC.

The Tv uses WiFi for connection, instead of Ethernet cable like the computer (wich is much better soundwise), and it is not connected to the AC Power conditioners and Filters as the USB-Computer chain is.

4.  Tests

      4.1. CD vs Tidal (Hi Fi and MQA)

          4.1.1.       Band: Huey Lewis and the News

                          Tidal (Hi Fi and MQA) Album: Sports.

                          CD Album: The Best of Huey Lewis.

                          Best sound in order:

                          a.       Tidal MQA

                          b.     CD

                          c.       Tidal HiFi

NOTE: the differences/gaps in sound quality between a; b and c were similar. NOT big, but noticeable and “very consistent with the next tests (A-ha and Coldplay)”. I also think I noticed them as I changed fast from one source to the next. Otherway, I think it would be hard to detect them.

           4.1.2.       Band: A-ha

                           Tidal (MQA) Album: Time and Again, The ultimate A-ha.

                           CD and Tidal (Hi Fi) Album: The Hits of A-ha (not available on MQA).

                           Best sound in order:

                           a.       Tidal MQA

                           b.     CD

                           c.       Tidal HiFi

           4.1.3.       Band: Coldplay

                           Tidal (HiFi and MQA) Album: A head full of dreams.

                           CD Album: A head full of dreams.

                           Best sound in order:

                           a.   Tidal MQA

                           b.   CD

                           c.     Tidal HiFi

      4.2. Hi Res (PCM 96/24) vs Tidal (only Hi Fi, not MQA)

           4.2.1.       Band: Pink Floyd.

                           Album (for both sources): The Division Bell.

HiRes file was a LITTLE better. May be so little that it could be placebo effect and so little that it doesn’t justify having HiRes files for computer playback.

     4.3. Netflix vs Tidal (Hifi)

Here I don’t have many choices as Netflix is not an audio streaming app.

I found the difference by chance. Nevertheless, before the tests, I always had the feeling that the sound coming from Netflix was somehow better than my USB rig, but I thought it wasn’t possible and it was only my imagination considering all the money I spent on my USB-Computer rig. BOY, I WAS WRONG!!

I only compared a couple of songs, but I didn’t need more than that a couple of direct comparison as I find ALL of the songs to sound better than my USB rig because I’ve been listening to the latter for a long time and, eventhough every recording is different, I know how it sounds my Rig in general (tone, soundstage, layering, imagining, impact, bass, etc).

The songs I used to make the A/B comparison are “Still falling for you” from Ellie Goulding from Bridget Jones’s baby Soundtrack and “Nothing’s gonna hurt you baby” from Cigarettes After Sex from Kidnapping Stella Soundtrack.

Well, eventhough they are NOT audiophile songs, the sound from my Tv (I repeat with wifi, cheap cable and NO AC conditioning) is SO MUCH better and analog than the one from my USB rig, that I still cannot believe it!!!

I cannot compare it to any other format than Tidal HiFi, but the difference is SO BIG that I think not even Tidal MQA on my USB-Computer rig comes close.

5.       Conclusions

      5.1. I know that if I get a better CD player I will get much better sound, but I also think that if I get a good streamer-transport, I will also improve my Tidal sound quality a lot, may be by a similar margin.

      5.2. So, Im after a good streamer-transport to get AT LEAST the sound quality I have with my Netflix rig. If I dont get it with it, I will recomend Tidal to hire Netflix engineers!!! J

6.       I would love to hear some other audiophiles “similar” experiences with CD vs Tidal vs other hifi digital formats and sources.

Please only post about real experiences, not getting to technical, as it gets boring and somehow useless.


plga
elliottbnewcombjr
5,504 posts
 
OP

Thanks for the work. I never compared, but I also get surprisingly good sound via fios cable service: tv/amazon/netflix/you tube .....

Please clarify the Netflix setup, chain from the street/air if satellite. All your streaming comes from the same service/cable correct?

Normally, presumably, your TV sends a signal to a surround sound receiver/amplifier system, i.e. 5.1 surround and speakers in your video setup.

Is the music system/speakers the same as the video sound system? Or you are soing out of the TV to your music system? Out of the TV, or out of your surround receiver?

Presumably you are selecting 2 channel version of the Netflix audio. Where is that choice implemented? The TV, a receiver, ...

It must be said, the individual program's quality is determined by what is being transmitted, both by the networks to the cable companies.

We also need to pay attention to what your TV/computer/receiver is doing, passing sound direct, or choosing/creating an altered version for you. Often I change back to 2 channel or direct and get better (probably original 2 channel) results. Turn it off, back on, let the kids watch something, net time it may be creating or selecting a network/netflix created surround version. 


elliottbnewcombjr
5,504 posts
 
Your TV has a web browser. You could access Tidal and put that into your music system, skipping laptop, ....
classdstreamer's avatar
classdstreamer
172 posts
 
The HDMI out to the DAC may be an issue. To rule that out, you could run toslink or coax out from the PC and/or from the Gustard.

I use a Chromecast Audio into my Peachtree Decco65, with both plugged directly into the wall. It’s super simple, and super cheap, compared to basically everyone else here. I can confirm that the noise floor lowered significantly when I switched to toslink out of the CCA. The lowered noise floor surprised me because I don’t have any power conditioning. My first experience with power conditioning was half a year ago. I thought I would have to buy expensive conditioning to see similar results, but all I had to do was add an Audioquest Toslink Forest.

I’ve seen reviewers and panelists say that at about 400 USD, dedicated streamers start to outperform computers. Some of these reviewers have also said that the CCA isn’t worth the money unless you pair it with something like an iFi SPDIF Reclocker, which apparently brings the CCA up to par with some dedicated streamers.

@plga, what can you tell me about your noise filter and reclocker? Did adding the Jitterbug and USB Reclocker help in your case? Thanks.
mtdining's avatar
mtdining
131 posts
 
I've no doubt your reclocker and such are degrading the signal. I tried several "affordable" forum inspired steps before I decided I could afford a decent DAC. Now I have a Roon Nucleus feeding an Ayre Codex. I listen to much more expensive digital front ends every day. My system at home is good enough, however, that I can hear the difference between music I stream and music I purchase on cd and rip. If I listen to a particular album on Tidal more than a couple times, I'll buy it. I am very happy that Tidal is as good as it is, giving me access to casual listening selection with nearly limitless choice!
david_ten
5,480 posts
 
"The Tv uses WiFi for connection, instead of Ethernet cable like the computer (wich is much better soundwise)"

I assume you are saying that Ethernet is superior. (?)

If that is the case, you are incorrect. Your test is your proof.

I’m in agreement with @douglas_schroeder ’s post and will add the following...

WiFi into your TV is (likely) the most impactful difference vs. your other "chains." What you’ve accomplished is isolation from a lot of "problem stuff" by doing so. It is an effective isolating ’barrier’ that most in these environs don’t get.

[NOTE: I’m not saying that ’wired’ Ethernet is superior or inferior]

Secondary to that is removing your computer, it’s ethernet connection to the switch, and not utilizing it’s USB output... AND a much shorter signal path for Tidal, including the removal of the multiple layers of peripherals and cabling in your chain.

Tertiary to that is the use of different digital inputs into your DAC (for each leg of your test). For one, you don’t have equivalency, and two, your DAC may have input dependant differences in performance (not to mention cable differences, etc.).


So, Im after a good streamer-transport to get AT LEAST the sound quality I have with my Netflix rig.

If I may, your goal should be "trouncing" the TV / Netflix chain, not equalling it. : )
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