streaming and audiophile stereo

@twilightround  - I'm in agreement with those who suggest a measured, simple approach. If you want to get the most out of Tidal, you have a couple of options. You don't mention your budget, so I won't suggest gear (I wouldn't, anyway; each situation is unique and you're the one and only determinant of what's good) - but my approach (after trying some integrated products) is to go with separates so that I have more choice; in your case I'd advise getting the best streamer (for you) and then find a DAC that fits your system and budget - and don't let "perfect" be the enemy of a system that you'll enjoy. I find that I don't really need a lot from the streamer, and I'd rather not be bound by a streamer/DAC combo - especially since DACs seem to be constantly improving (as is their price:performance ratio). I listen to Qobuz (AFAIK there's only one MQA file in all of Qobuz - but it sounds fine on my system) via Roon, and (even though I think Roon has only achieved about 65% of what they could do with their software) it feels like a seamless input.

About MQA (presented as an economic streaming alternative (some might say that it's no longer valid given current broadband, but maybe they're forgetting that the vast majority of the world can't afford or doesn't have access to it) as well as a way to support a type of authentication), the streamer doesn't necessarily have to play a part, as you can pass it straight through to your DAC. Unless you're experiencing negative symptoms (redundant?), I don't think there's a need to worry about extra devices beyond those two. I'd suggest that you avoid wifi/BT links unless absolutely necessary (and if you absolutely need BT, go for gear with the latest audio standards).

Work with companies that allow returns (30-60 day trials), and since you're partial to tubes you might want to run some DDG searches for tube-like DACs. And consider the qualities you like the most re: detail (and in what ranges), staging and warmth/musicality. 

Re: DAC/Preamp, the ideal would be that your system is able to work beautifully with the DAC's analog output. I like simplicity, so in my case I'd just try other DACs until I get a match (but I'm also using a SS system that has lots of flexibility, so that's much less of an issue for me).

Best of luck with this - and I hope it's the "luck" that brings even more out of your system.

What's a Quboz?

@erik_squires  lots of scams in the industry, MQA being one of them, audiophile Ethernet another. Yet people want to believe it and therefore believe it.

Hi, 

If you start the chain with a poor source it doesn't mater how good the rest of the chain of components is you can't improve on what you got. If you plan to stream, a streamer is very important.

There is a big difference between streamers. System matching is key.

I believe you will be better helped if you list the rest of your components or the ones you plan to purchase and a budget for your digital front end and you will get more assertive recommendations.

The service you use to stream from will make a big difference as well. Tidal and Quboz are the best available, in my system Tidal sounds more open thus the one I use. 

One of the things I love about Audiogon is that people are so willing to share their expertise and experience.  Thank you all for your replies.  Another thing that is fun about Audiogon is that there are so many different opinions.  Given the extent of my ignorance (which is epic), I am often unable to determine which conflicting opinion is most likely to apply to my situation,  

I will certainly search threads in the digital section.  I will also try to focus my inquiry here a little better.  

I am pretty much the Rip Van Winkle of Audiogon.  When last I paid attention to serious audio, I learned about different preamps and amps and speakers and eventually had a system I liked - BAT tube preamp, Odyssey dual mono amp, Snell type A speakers.  i moved and sold all of that.  I have been very occupied with other things and have not paid much attention to audio for the last 30 years.  Now I have the time and desire to listen to music again.  I don't have much of a library - a few CD's and lp disks.  I do have a nice turntable with a mm cartridge.  I do have (left over from the old days) a nice PS Audio DAC with Cullen mods.  I have some Omega speakers and 2 active woofers on order.  I have 2 Marantz SR6009 multi-channel things, which I want to replace.  . 

So I need both a source of new music and components to play it.  Because I don't have much of a collection, and because I haven't been paying attention anyway, I want a way to get access to, and information about, the music of the last 30 years, as well as classical, jazz and vocal that I am familiar with but do not have in my library.  I don't really want to buy, store, or copy CD's and don't think I need significant storage.

That's the reason for my interest in Tidal, Roon and the like.  But ... I really don't know anything about this technology.  The very term "streamer" seems to be applied to a wide range of stuff.  I see that some things called streamers are actually whole music systems - with DACs and integrated amplifiers.  Others are basically preamplifiers.  When they do have amplification, I don't know how to classify them - are they all class D?  The descriptions don't say.  

So - all I want is 1) high quality sound out of the speakers, 2) a comprehensive and convenient source of music and related information, such as Roon provides, 3) some sort of preamp out in stereo for the woofers, and 4) a connection for my turntable.  I don't have a budget, but if I did I would describe it as flexible.  What I mean is that I have plenty of money but also a sensibility anchored in the last century, and well into the last century, such that I am uncomfortable with profligate spending and frequently shocked at the prices in the grocery store.  So I don't mind spending $100,00 for a car if I know why I'm spending it, but I won't spend it for a name or to impress my neighbors, or for a 1% improvement over a $50,000 car.  

I welcome comments from anyone willing to educate me or point me to a source I can use to educate myself.