Tidal FLAC vs. Qobuz

Had tidal right when it came out...loved it. Then I started getting error messages regarding multiple users. Tried to debug it. Dumped tidal, went to qobuz. Have not looked back, and that was probably 3 years ago. I have 2k+ CDs ripped to flac. Qobuz & ripped cds via Roon takes care of it all flawlessly. Don't underestimate the greatness of Roon....btw I have a Teddy ps on my RME. Really widened the soundstage quite noticably

A couple of hopefully on target comments.

I upgraded my Node 2i by adding a PD Creative Linear Power Supply board. And then offloading the DAC function to external DAC's. First SMSL SU-9 and then upgrading to a Gustard R26 ladder DAC. All significant improvements in SQ. And the Node is hard wired to the router with an audio quality switch. No Bluetooth or WiFI in the "stream".

To the discussion of App interfaces; BlusOS vs whatever. The best solution is to subscribe and use Roon. It is heads above everything else; for sure Tidal (which I stream) or BlueOS. Yes, it's an additional fee/subscription. But when my Roon Core was done for several weeks I had to rely on the other two apps. So clumsy in comparison.

Once the Core was back up and running (I use both Roon apps on an iPhone and MacBook) I was so happy, grateful. Because it makes accessing your streaming and local library so easy and discovering new music and information about it is so readily available. Roon makes my whole system so available. I listen so much more than I did before. It's an essential tool to any serious audiophile. I think almost as important as the other physical components; streamer, DAC etc. Try the free trial as see for yourself. That's what I did and was immediately hooked!

Again just my personal and humble experience!

Ive been emailing Tidal support and Bluesound support for clarification.  It seems like the BluOS app only streams Tidal as high as mqa and the only way to get flac from Tidal is through the Tidal CONNECT app and NOT the BluOS app.  So I can stream wired through the BluOS at mqa quality OR I can use the Tidal connect app to get flac, but only connect wirelessly.  So I thought Tidal had solved the flac issue but if its only wirelessly then I will need to stay with mqa or go to Qobuz on the BluOS app.

@gkelly I admit I bought the Niagara without knowing the diff between the PC and a LPS.  Can you give me a simple explanation between the two?

A power conditioner, regulates voltage, reduce noise, and filters out electrical disturbances. it can be electronic or transformer-based. Power conditioners are similar to power strips, but are designed to filter noise and interference. A linear power supply is a power supply circuit that converts electrical energy to provide a stable direct current(dc) output. it consist of a step down, transformer, a rectifier, a filter circuit, and voltage regulator. Linear power supplies our designed for low noise and are often considered quiet. They are used to replace low quality SMPS (switch mode power supply)often the wall wart for your DAC, streamers or whatever equipment that uses one. So both are necessary when one is a trying to achieve good sound. Now mind you that apparently there is some new technology to where the SMPS is just as good as a linear power supply so you have to be aware. But I don’t think we are in that kind of dollars world yet.