Apple TV Set Up

tvad,
thank you for the detail reply.
My AppleTV is connected to the wall ethernet jack. My Macbook is connected via wifi to the AppleTV - I don't want cables running from my MacBook to AppleTV while I'm on the chair listening 10 feet away. My dog also might not like it! Is there something in my setup that I should do differently that I'm not aware of here?

I have considered getting the Bluesound Node 2i - anyone has a similar setup? Any other streamers that I should consider without going too $$$?

Thanks for all the help from everyone.

If your MacBook is losing connection to your wifi, then it’s a wifi problem that needs to be addressed. Perhaps a good mesh wifi router system. Hardwiring is best, but you state you don’t want extra wires. 

I think the Bluesound is a good suggestion, and worth a try, especially if you can hardwire it like the AppleTV.

I agree with everyone who says the ATV shouldn’t be in the chain at all, but if you wish to keep it there, try downloading the “Home” Apple App and see if that allows you to designate the ATV without having to change it with each usage 

Do you have an HDMI connection available to connect a Google Chromecast?


https://www.theverge.com/2021/2/18/22287905/apple-tv-app-now-available-chromecast-google-tv

First, why stream Tidal from your laptop? They have an app for your Apple (but now I see that it's an older model so maybe not). 

So, OK second instead of changing your laptop audio out use Airplay for the output choice in Tidal prefs and your Apple should show up.

Now third, if you have an iPhone, iPad, iPod, iPatch, whatever, after starting the music playing, leave you MacBook closer to the router and use your iOS device to control playback. 

...and crap I can't try this out now because for the first time in 6 years I don't have Tidal (dropped it last month). 

Here's another thought. If this is your only way to play Tidal, drop it and use the Apple Music service, easier to use, control and cheaper. No matter how you use the Apple it's output is 16/44 or 16/48, so no MQA or any other Hi-res and Apple now plays (almost) as high quality as Tidal (at least up to 16/44) 

HOWEVER if you switch to Bluesound Node (I have a nice pair of Nads so....ok, that sounds like I'm bragging but Nad uses the same software) stick with Tidal for the higher quality sound (if you can tell the difference...and can stand Tidal's library preferences which I finally got sick of). 

Good luck!!