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New at Qobuz - no HiRes sound

Perhaps a stupid question: I am currently trying Qobuz Hi-Res coming from Tidal. I am using a node2 with external DAC Mark Levinson 30.5
I am controlling the node2 with my iPad using the BluOS controller.
Since starting Qobuz I noticed that some albums labelled "Hi-Res" do not play. I can play them using the Qobuz App on my iPad, though.

Questions:

1. I was told for Tidal when not using the BluOS app but the Tidal App the music quality is limited to Bluetooth level. Is that correct for Qobuz too? At least that would explain why I can listen to these albums via the Qobuz App.

2. I never experienced problems with Hi-Res files on Tidal. Do I need to change settings (now at 96, not 192) via WiFi?

3. My Mark Levinson DAC is older technology. Could that be the reason? But then again: Never had an issue with Tidal.

Any help is greatly appreciated.
agosto
agosto OP
45 posts
 
tjkurita: I agree with you that the DAC is the bottleneck. However, I am quite happy with the ML 30.5 listening to other sources (CD, DAT) so my plan is to have a dedicated DAC for my streaming source. As I am not happy with the BluOS user interface anyway and I can not spend lots of money for a DAC (plus streamer) right now I think that this TEAC unit will help me achieve this goal. Let's see (hear)....
agosto OP
45 posts
 
Update: So I was finally able to get my TEAC. As per big_greg's description, the unit is a real upgrade to my node 2. I am not ready for a final verdict but the soundstage is significantly improved. I was not able yet to compare the DAC with my MarK Levinson as I need to get an additional cable but will report back when I have that info. Setup was very easy and I did not experience any hiccup.
The downside is the TEAC HR user interface as big_greg explained earlier. I did not find the Lumin app to be better and as I only use the streaming part of the app, I found the Linn Kazoo the best so far:  It allows me to access playlists and is an overall better navigation tool (my opinion!). I am still puzzled that some basic functions like random title play of a playlist or an album are not available. Also: All of the apps tested do not allow to continue a playlist once you manually selected a title from the list. You either start at the beginning or you need to skip titles until you reach the desired track. Any comments or suggestions are welcome. I am very happy with the TEAC. Thanks big_greg!
big_greg
6,672 posts
 
Glad to hear you are enjoying the TEAC agosto! 
agosto OP
45 posts
 

Just a quick update after about one year ownership of the TEAC NT 505: Great sound quality with the built-in DAC (if you followed my post you know that i use a Mark Levinson 30.5 as my "default" DAC but it can not convert the hi-res files so I am using the TEAC for that). The only setback I have from the beginning is the user interface (I tried HR and Lumin but think Linn is the best for my needs). With my previous node and Spotify I was much more satisfied.

Anyway: The TEAC is a great unit!

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