Calling all Tidal users!

vcwatkins

Not sure it'll be helpful, but I'll tell you my very limited experience. Removal of my PC as music source helped SQ quite a bit on my office rig, even with an Uptone Regen or W4S Remedy inserted between PC(usb) and dac.

The ethernet-in SonicOrbiterSE* (iFi PS) alone sounded much better. The SonicOrbiter-Regen combo resulted in the best sound of the above chains or Squeezebox Touch. Downside is ethernet requirement, but the disconnect from PC power and processing seems to have really improved the sound. I now have lower noise floor and deeper 3-dimensional soundstage. I've never tried my Mac as a direct source, so can't compare to PC.

Looks like some who use a PC as source are happy with Fidelizer. I believe @machone and @malikarshad are Fidelizer users. Might be worth a trial.

* - The SOSE is $300ish, ethernet in, USB & optical out, and has several output modes/apps built in (Squeezelite, RoonReady, HQPlayer, Airplay, DLNA, MPD) so works with most player apps. The $600ish microRendu is similar but drops the optical out and sounds better.

vcwatkins

Yeah, agree Skip; I'm presuming that by "PC" most people mean a non-dedicated multi-use Wintel computer, and concluding (possibly incorrectly) that SQ is improved by separation from the noisy power and processing. I know jack about power supplies and computer builds, so can only go by trial and error.

The SOSE is a (CuBox based) limited-scope computer, like you said, specialized for audio. There are branded and DIY versions starting at 20 bucks or so, but I valued the pre-installed output apps and support so was willing to spend the $300. It's similar to a wired SBT, but I don't have to strip away all the unwanted processing or do any programming.

I would say that, in my case, the benefit of replacing the PC with the SOSE outweighed the still noticeable benefit of a better USB cable (also WW Starlight 7). I have ordered a Curious Cable usb that will go on the den rig and will definitely try it out in the office first.

Whatever you call it, the Regen improved the sound when inserted between dac and sources. I prefer simplicity, but it's hard to unhear the improvement. So it's still in the chain.

Mikey081057

stangman67 wrote: »

I'm streaming Tidal from a Bluesound Node 2 in my 2 channel setup. What a sweet sounding little setup! I don't know that I can tell a difference between the same redbook album from my CD6006 to the album from Tidal through the Bluesound.

I second this^^^

footwedge

DSkip wrote: »

I spent about $1500 on my build and it is a stellar server.

Would like more info on this build. Was this a DIY or did you have someone build it? Parts used?

Been thinking of buying a laptop to use as a server but just cant make myself do it for reasons already stated.

vcwatkins

DSkip wrote: »

The Starlight 7 is a good cable, but the Platinum Starlight 7 is well above its performance. Its also about 7x the price of the Starlight 7. Once people start adding all the doodads to the chain though, you really need to compare those to the better USB cables utilizing better materials.

Ah right, I believe mine is Silver, not Platinum. Not a huge fan of WW's naming conventions, hehe.

When I get the Curious, I'll be sure to try without the Regen, even though it is one of my favorite "doodads".

machone

I went with a Quantum Byte all solid state computer, wireless keyboard/mouse and added additional solid state storage. It uses a very low power CPU and therefore generates low heat so it can be fanless. It is connected via Starlight 7 to an IFI Ipurifier 2 into my Marantz SA8005. I have my TV connected via hdmi for a monitor but I don't use the monitor unless making changes to the computer.

I downloaded Jriver 21 and Fidelizer (free version) and use Jriver's Gizmo from my Android phone to control the music.

Fidelizer really slows down computer functions not related to audio but that's OK because and I only use it for music.

I also built a 12 vdc linear power supply to replace the wall wart that came with the Quantum Byte.

I am happy with the SQ, very happy with the convenience and all for not a lot of $$.

If I want critical listening I still spin a CD with the Marantz.

While on this subject have any of you guys tried a thumb drive with WAV files plugged directly into the Marantz SA8005 front panel? I did this way back but did not take the time to really listen and evaluate.

AsSiMiLaTeD

If you're running Tidal on a Mac Amarra is the way to go for sure, assuming it runs well on your system. If I were only going to listen casually on a phone I'd give the slight edge to Apple Music with an interface I prefer, but Tidal has better sound quality on even decent gear and there's no reason to have both so for the group here Tidal is the way to go.

Having said that I don't use any of them, I'm old school with my music collection...

jdjohn

This oughta get the deal done. http://www.theverge.com/2016/7/30/12332920/kanye-west-demanding-tim-cook-tidal-jay-z Kanye is such a tool. I have a hard time sending money towards anything he supports. And if Jay Z sells to Apple, does that not defeat his whole purpose of Tidal supporting the artists? He would be cashing-in and leaving his comrades to fend for themselves. I guess if Apple increases royalties as planned, it may work out for the artists.

I wonder if Tidal will adopt MQA. https://support.tidal.com/hc/en-us/articles/207923889-Will-TIDAL-offer-MQA-

Mikey081057

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/afp/article-3787181/Jay-Zs-streaming-service-Tidal-posts-huge-losses.html

Looks like Tidal is not meeting financial goals...He should sell it to get his name off of it and they should lower the price to put market pressure on the other services.

Lossless is better than MP3 but you prolly don't hear the diff on ear buds.

jdjohn

Sadly, the entire audio streaming business model is not sustainable. Last year, Spotify's revenues grew by 80%, but their bottom line loss grew as well. In 2015, they had about $2 billion in revenue, but a bottom line loss of $206 million, which was worse than their 2014 loss of $184 million. In other words, they had more in sales, but lost even more money. They currently have 89 million users. How many users would it take to turn a profit? For every dollar they have in sales, 85 cents goes to royalties. That doesn't leave a lot of wiggle room for other costs. http://fortune.com/2016/05/24/spotify-financials/

Paradoxex

I agree.

Spotify has 89 million subscribers, but only 30 million are paid subscribers. That means they are supporting 65% of their membership without getting much in return. Apple Music has 15 million paid subscribers and doesn't support unpaid subscriptions past their 3 month trial. Amazon will have a new flashy service soon, experts believe, as well.

Competition is too high and fierce and consumer tolerance is too low for these services to make a lot of money. Most people still believe they can get music for free, reinforced by Spotify, Pandora, terrestrial radio, Youtube and the Napster days.

Something drastic will have to happen to right the ship. Consumers will adjust to paying more, artists will realize they need to make less to enable these services to live, or the services will evolve to find a complimentary revenue stream. The concept of free music is creating too much drag on the industry otherwise.

CH46E

I was glad to see this post. I was looking for a quality steaming service. I"Lloyd have to give it a try.
Thanks!

WagnerRC

Great info here. Thank you

ken brydson

CH46E wrote: »

I was glad to see this post. I was looking for a quality steaming service. I"Lloyd have to give it a try.
Thanks!

Who is Lloyd? Dang auto correct I know...

kharp1

^^^^^

He was an underwriter from London.