Tidal FLAC vs. Qobuz

@mojo771 I forgot you're the OP so apologies. I had to go back and reread. Tidal Connect is high rez but regular Tidal isn't, you're correct. The Bluesound website says its BluOS supports Tidal Connect which I take that you should be able to use Tidal Connect with your Bluesound. Do you have to manually update the firmware on the Bluesound or is it automatic via the BlueOS app? 

@bipod72  

This is where I got annoyed at both Bluesound and Tidal.  They are very careful with their wording on this issue.  I had to email them both multiple times to get a straight answer.  They seem to be intentionally misleading.  

Tidal is "integrated" into the BluOS.  So you can stream mqa from tida; usiing only the BS Vault.  And Tidal has flac thru Tidal Connect on the Tidal Connect app, that you can stream through the Vault - wirelessly.  But you cannot access flac direct from tidal thru the Vault. 

My BluOS app was just updated after an update prompt, and the Tidal Connect app was just released. 

So now, I subscribe to both Tidal and Qobuz.  I stream Qobuz hi res flac direct thru the Vault, and when they don't have a flac option available I stream mqa from Tidal.  I see no reason to use the Tidal Connect, unless / until they "integrate" into the BluOS as they do with mqa Tidal 

Guys will spend $50K+ on their rigs and then can’t see paying $300 a year fo have BOTH Qobuz & Tidal - it’s crazy. I switch between both services depending on what I want to listen to - seems simple, yes?

@mojo771 

Once you find a DAC you really like, upgrade to a better streamer like any of the offerings from Aurender or Innuos. As I mentioned in my first post, I used to own Vault and then upgraded to Aurender ACS100 (I cannot live without a ripper as I still buy CD’s). It’s 1000 times better than vault in terms of library management, app interface and can be used as a dedicated streamer. Or look for used ACS 10 for about $3K. You can thank me later :-) 

Das anyone know why "Tidal" streaming 320 kbps but not CD audio quality?I Use both Tidal and Qobuz, same music tidal 320kbps - Qobuz Flac 16bit/44.1? Thank you.