2. digital
  3. 154572-139109

Streaming only for Tidal Premium

A long time audiophile, nowadays, I only listen to TIDAL Premium through USB Audio Player Pro using an Android tablet connected with a long USB cable to one of a few DACs.  I use the tablet like a juke box and rarely listen to my own music collection.

I have a couple of DIY DACs, a Sabaj D5, and have a Dennafrips Ares 2 on the way .I generally do not use a preamp. The amps are Krell KSA100, Classe AMP2, and Parasound A21. Speakers will generally be B&W 705 S2.  I may change components regularly.

I know little to nothing about streamers but I thought a streamer would get rid of the USB cable and give me more flexibility and potentially better SQ.

I would like recommendations of a streamer that could connect to my wifi server and TIDAL, with software that is equal to or better than USBAudioPlayerPro.

I would like to be able to control the volume and the streamer/TIDAL with an android app. 
chinook9
erik_squires
16,390 posts
 
The three ecosystems I know of that are popular are Volumio, Roon and BlueOS.

The one issue I have with Roon is that it requires a reasonably well powered core (server), but after that  your streamers can be relatively cheap. I use a Raspberry Pi 4 at my DAC, and have my music collection in a closet with the server.
jl35
4,058 posts
 
be aware that despite the name, Premium is Tidal's low quality audio service, and that HiFi is their CD quality service...confusing choice of labels...
tuberist
951 posts
 
+1 for the Roon "ecosystem" I really enjoy reading about the music and musicians while listening and "navigating" to recommendations. It's worth the $10 a month to me. BTW, the sound quality and ability to DSD upsample is the icing on the cake. As Erik said, you need a robust server to run the program. I'm satisfied with my Small Green Computer I5 being utilized solely as a Roon server.
chinook9 OP
68 posts
 
Thank you for your input.  I will take a look at the options.  

I was apparently wrong about my Tidal service.   I get MQA so it may be the highest level.  

Because I only want to stream I probably don't want to set up a server or even another PC for that matter.  However, if I could easily do it with a Raspberry Pi that might be fun. 

I prefer a streaming device that I can control through wifi using an android tablet. I can connect the device using and ethernet connection.

I don't have a budget, but a Bluesound Node 2i would be no problem.  I could easily spend more if there were additional features that would make it worth the money to me. 

Also, I prefer not to buy a unit that includes a DAC and other features that I would rather not pay for. 
gelle
80 posts
 
Wondering if I would benefit from a sever like @tuberist suggested?Currently have all my music on a 2tb external HD connected to my IMac. Running Roon to my Squeeze Box Touch( looking to replace soon) which Is connected to my Oppo 105 Via USB. What benefit would I gain with the server? Thanks.
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