Apple Lossless? Do I need Tidal now. Is it better with my Node 2i?

Ok, well, I’m really not getting this.

I want to merely use my iPad or iPhone as remote controls.

If Darko is correct, then it seems that I am now *bypassing* the Node entirely. I physically connect my ipad to the DAC via a connector (which I don’t appear to have, because my Orchid has one of those weird shape USB connectors, like one sees on printers).

In other words, to listen to Apple Music Lossless, I now have to bypass my streamer? Otherwise, I listen with lossy quality via Airplay 2: iPad --> Node --> DAC?

Unless, apparently, I do this: https://support.bluos.net/hc/en-us/articles/4403218953495-Does-BluOS-Support-Apple-Music-Lossless-st...

"You can stream Apple Lossless content directly from the Apple Music app from a Mac.

Currently, when a BluOS Player is selected directly from the list of Airplay compatible devices in the Apple Music app, lossless audio is converted to AAC at 256 kbps. As a workaround, when the system-wide audio output on a Mac is set to a BluOS Player, the AirPlay Content is sent as 16 bit 44.KHz using ALAC or Apple Lossless.

"To change the system-wide audio output in Mac, perform the following steps on your Mac:
Select Control Center in the menu bar.
Select the Airplay icon under Sound.
Select the required BluOS speaker.
Open the Apple Music app, select the Airplay icon in the upper-right corner.
Select Computer ––> (BluOS Speaker).
Alternatively, to change the audio output on the Mac – click here.
The Apple Music app will now stream bit-perfect lossless audio to the BluOS Player.

Notes: This option is not available on an iPad or iPhone.

Audio quality is 16-bit/44.1 kHz (CD Quality) Lossless via ALAC."

I’m not sure I’m sizing this up correctly but if I am, well, what a clusterf*ck.

@hilde45

In other words, to listen to Apple Music Lossless, I now have to bypass my streamer?

No. You’re conflating Lossless with High Resolution. You are listening to Lossless using the method you employ. You aren’t listening to Apple High Resolution.

The article you linked explains that BlueOS plays AAC 256, which is lossless, but is limited to 44.1kHz (CD quality). Lossless (AAC) does not equate to high resolution (24bit/96kHz or 24bit/192kHz), which is possible using Darko’s technique.

However, as I mentioned previously, high resolution (24bit/96kHz or 24bit/192kHz) doesn’t necessarily translate to preferable sound. The DAC (and streamer) matters.

Many folks prefer 18bit/44kHz content via a well designed DAC.

@tvad Ok, well I think your last comment saved me hours, seriously. Thank you. I really don’t care about 24 bit -- what I was worried about was whether I was presently settling for 256k lossy. 44.1kHz (CD quality) is just fine for my middle-aged ears.

@hilde45, Apple’s AirPlay 2 protocol downsamples audio files to 24-bit/44.1 kHz (Lossless).

@tvad Ok, got it (for now). I really don't need to obsess about file formats or high or super high resolutions at this point in my audio journey. I want to ensure "non-lossy" as my standard and then focus on other things (I'm setting up a new listening room, so as you can appreciate, I have a bunch of 800 lb elephants in the room to deal with.) Thank you for your expertise and for your willingness to converse with me about my questions.