Impressions of Tidal

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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 32,981
    I've had Tidal for a few months now. Definitely softer, not as dynamic, as my ripped files. Still has a bit more detail and separation than Napster though, but Napster is still more dynamic. Tidal just seems too rounded around the edges, but I do like the detail and separation it throws out. Trade offs I guess with everything.
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  • Thorton
    Thorton Posts: 1,324
    tonyb wrote: »
    I've had Tidal for a few months now. Definitely softer, not as dynamic, as my ripped files. Still has a bit more detail and separation than Napster though, but Napster is still more dynamic. Tidal just seems too rounded around the edges, but I do like the detail and separation it throws out. Trade offs I guess with everything.

    Try Qobuz for free. It sounds much closer to my ripped files than Tidal. I also found Tidal to sound too rounded.
    _____________________________________________________________________________________________
    Ethernet Filter: GigaFOILv4 with Keces P3 LPS
    Source: Roon via ethernet to DAC interface
    DAC: Bricasti M1SE
    Pre/Pro: Marantz AV8805
    Tube Preamp Buffer: Tortuga TPB.V1
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    Front: Salk SoundScape 8's, Center: Salk SoundScape C7
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    Subs: 2 - Rythmik F25's
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    Room Treatments: GIK Acoustics
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  • codycatalist
    codycatalist Posts: 2,662
    Thorton wrote: »
    tonyb wrote: »
    I've had Tidal for a few months now. Definitely softer, not as dynamic, as my ripped files. Still has a bit more detail and separation than Napster though, but Napster is still more dynamic. Tidal just seems too rounded around the edges, but I do like the detail and separation it throws out. Trade offs I guess with everything.

    Try Qobuz for free. It sounds much closer to my ripped files than Tidal. I also found Tidal to sound too rounded.

    Agreed.
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  • verb
    verb Posts: 10,176
    Interesting. Had to get my read on of course. From Stereophile's audio glossary:
    a5funqnqjlxq.png
    Basement: Polk SDA SRS 1.2tl's, Cary SLP-05 Pre with ultimate upgrade,McIntosh MCD301 CD/SACD player, Northstar Designs Excelsio DAC, Cambridge 851N streamer, McIntosh MC300 Amp, Silnote Morpheus Ref2, Series2 Digital Cables, Silnote Morpheus Ref2 Series2 XLR's, Furman 15PFi Power Conditioner, Pangea Power Cables, MIT Shotgun S3 IC's, MIT Shotgun S1 Bi-Wire speaker cables
    Office: PC, EAR Acute CD Player, EAR 834L Pre, Northstar Designs Intenso DAC, Antique Sound Labs AV8 Monoblocks, Denon UDR-F10 Cassette, Acoustic Technologies Classic FR Speakers, SVS SB12 Plus sub, MIT AVt2 speaker cables, IFI Purifier2, AQ Cinnamon USB cable, Groneberg Quatro Reference IC's
    Spare Room: Dayens Ampino Integrated Amp, Tjoeb 99 tube CD player (modified Marantz CD-38), Analysis Plus Oval 9's, Zu Jumpers, AudioEngine B1 Streamer, Klipsch RB-61 v2, SVS PB1000 sub, Blue Jeans RCA IC's, Shunyata Hydra 8 Power Conditioner
    Living Room: Peachtree Nova Integrated, Cambridge CXN v2 Streamer, Rotel RCD-1072 CD player, Furman 15PFi Power Conditioner, Polk RT265 In Wall Speakers, Polk DSW Pro 660wi sub
    Garage #1: Cambridge Audio 640A Integrated Amp, Project Box-E BT Streamer, Polk Tsi200 Bookies, Douglas Speaker Cables, Shunyata Power Conditioner
    Garage #2: Cambridge Audio EVO150 Integrated Amplifier, Polk L200's, Analysis Plus Silver Oval 2 Speaker Cables, IC's TBD.
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  • GlennDog
    GlennDog Posts: 3,120
    I'm curious what type of cable most are using. USB, I'm sure.
    Keep this in mind . . . I'm a fresh as a daisy newbie streamer (using Tidal) and noticed a marked diff . . . er, improvement actually, going from a high quality USB to mid quality AES cable.
    It's too soon to make any conclusions as the cable and transport aren't run-in, yet.

    Are ya'll using USBs, or what?
    AC Regenerator PS Audio PerfectWave Power Plant 10
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  • verb
    verb Posts: 10,176
    For the PC, I'm using AQ Cinnamon USB and iFi Purifier2 to the NS DAC. The 2 Cambridge streamers are connected to Tidal via WiFi, and then digital coax to the NS DAC in the basement and Peachtree Integrated in the living room.
    Basement: Polk SDA SRS 1.2tl's, Cary SLP-05 Pre with ultimate upgrade,McIntosh MCD301 CD/SACD player, Northstar Designs Excelsio DAC, Cambridge 851N streamer, McIntosh MC300 Amp, Silnote Morpheus Ref2, Series2 Digital Cables, Silnote Morpheus Ref2 Series2 XLR's, Furman 15PFi Power Conditioner, Pangea Power Cables, MIT Shotgun S3 IC's, MIT Shotgun S1 Bi-Wire speaker cables
    Office: PC, EAR Acute CD Player, EAR 834L Pre, Northstar Designs Intenso DAC, Antique Sound Labs AV8 Monoblocks, Denon UDR-F10 Cassette, Acoustic Technologies Classic FR Speakers, SVS SB12 Plus sub, MIT AVt2 speaker cables, IFI Purifier2, AQ Cinnamon USB cable, Groneberg Quatro Reference IC's
    Spare Room: Dayens Ampino Integrated Amp, Tjoeb 99 tube CD player (modified Marantz CD-38), Analysis Plus Oval 9's, Zu Jumpers, AudioEngine B1 Streamer, Klipsch RB-61 v2, SVS PB1000 sub, Blue Jeans RCA IC's, Shunyata Hydra 8 Power Conditioner
    Living Room: Peachtree Nova Integrated, Cambridge CXN v2 Streamer, Rotel RCD-1072 CD player, Furman 15PFi Power Conditioner, Polk RT265 In Wall Speakers, Polk DSW Pro 660wi sub
    Garage #1: Cambridge Audio 640A Integrated Amp, Project Box-E BT Streamer, Polk Tsi200 Bookies, Douglas Speaker Cables, Shunyata Power Conditioner
    Garage #2: Cambridge Audio EVO150 Integrated Amplifier, Polk L200's, Analysis Plus Silver Oval 2 Speaker Cables, IC's TBD.
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  • Thorton
    Thorton Posts: 1,324
    GlennDog wrote: »
    I'm curious what type of cable most are using. USB, I'm sure.

    Are ya'll using USBs, or what?

    There’s many reviews with different cable set-ups… USB, Coaxial, AES. Most point to direct ethernet connection being the best and I can’t argue with that. I don’t see going back.
    _____________________________________________________________________________________________
    Ethernet Filter: GigaFOILv4 with Keces P3 LPS
    Source: Roon via ethernet to DAC interface
    DAC: Bricasti M1SE
    Pre/Pro: Marantz AV8805
    Tube Preamp Buffer: Tortuga TPB.V1
    Amp1: Nord One NC1200DM Signature, Amp2: W4S MC-5, AMP3: W4S MMC-7
    Front: Salk SoundScape 8's, Center: Salk SoundScape C7
    Surround: Polk FXIA6, Surround Back: Polk RTIA9, Atmos: Polk 70-RT
    Subs: 2 - Rythmik F25's
    IC & Speaker Cables: Acoustic Zen, Wireworld, Signal Cable
    Power Cables: Acoustic Zen, Wireworld, PS Audio
    Room Treatments: GIK Acoustics
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,732
    I use an extender with 5 ethernet inputs for my living room, works perfect
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • GlennDog
    GlennDog Posts: 3,120
    Thorton wrote: »
    There’s many reviews with different cable set-ups… USB, Coaxial, AES. Most point to direct ethernet connection being the best and I can’t argue with that. I don’t see going back.
    VR3 wrote: »
    I use an extender with 5 ethernet inputs for my living room, works perfect

    I should clarify. I’m coupling the “dacless” U1 Mini to my standalone DAC with said cable and direct Ethernet cable into the Mini
    Wifi is not an option

    I’ll let the usb run-in for the rest of the month and reevaluate 😎



    AC Regenerator PS Audio PerfectWave Power Plant 10
    Source Lumin U1 Mini into Lampizator Baltic 4 DAC
    Pre Cary SLP-05
    Power Rogue M180 Dark monos
    Mains Salk HT2-TL
    Rythmik F12
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  • Mikey081057
    Mikey081057 Posts: 7,127
    I went the AES/EBU route from my U1 mini to my DAC... No perceptible noise and no perceptible flavoring of the music. Neat and simple and the connectors lock.

    My prefs would be:

    1 AES/EBU
    2. Digital Coax
    3. USB
    4. Optical

    But I haven't found a way to make the U1 Mini sound "bad" yet....Nicest streamer I have used to date and it mates very nicely with my DAC.
    My New Year's resolution is 3840 × 2160

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  • Clipdat
    Clipdat Posts: 12,949
    Yes, let's convert Tidal to mp3s. Der duh der. Never heard of anything so pointless. Go away lame spammer.
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  • GlennDog
    GlennDog Posts: 3,120
    tonyb wrote: »
    I've had Tidal for a few months now. Definitely softer, not as dynamic, as my ripped files. Still has a bit more detail and separation than Napster though, but Napster is still more dynamic. Tidal just seems too rounded around the edges, but I do like the detail and separation it throws out. Trade offs I guess with everything.
    I’m wondering if this rounding-off was done on purpose. So the majority of ear bud and Close ‘N Play listeners find it agreeable??
    Clearly something was done to the master files, either deliberately or it’s a result of something else they did
    Thorton wrote: »
    Try Qobuz for free. It sounds much closer to my ripped files than Tidal. I also found Tidal to sound too rounded.

    Qobuz is on my list of things to try in the near future
    AC Regenerator PS Audio PerfectWave Power Plant 10
    Source Lumin U1 Mini into Lampizator Baltic 4 DAC
    Pre Cary SLP-05
    Power Rogue M180 Dark monos
    Mains Salk HT2-TL
    Rythmik F12
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  • erniejade
    erniejade Posts: 6,321
    GlennDog wrote: »
    tonyb wrote: »
    I've had Tidal for a few months now. Definitely softer, not as dynamic, as my ripped files. Still has a bit more detail and separation than Napster though, but Napster is still more dynamic. Tidal just seems too rounded around the edges, but I do like the detail and separation it throws out. Trade offs I guess with everything.
    I’m wondering if this rounding-off was done on purpose. So the majority of ear bud and Close ‘N Play listeners find it agreeable??
    Clearly something was done to the master files, either deliberately or it’s a result of something else they did
    Thorton wrote: »
    Try Qobuz for free. It sounds much closer to my ripped files than Tidal. I also found Tidal to sound too rounded.

    Qobuz is on my list of things to try in the near future

    Try it! Sound quality is better on Qubuz
    Klipsch The Nines, Audioquest Thunderbird Interconnect, Innuos Zen MK3 W4S recovery, Revolution Audio Labs USB & Ethernet, Border Patrol SE-I, Audioquest Niagara 5000 & Thunder, Cullen Crossover II PC's.
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  • WagnerRC
    WagnerRC Posts: 2,158
    edited September 2019
    TIDAL is damn impressive on the Lumin D2 using balanced inputs to the the slp05 , really impressed with this product.
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  • rebelsoul
    rebelsoul Posts: 756
    Sound quality is better on Qubuz
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  • WagnerRC
    WagnerRC Posts: 2,158
    Qubuz is very impressive. Sound is much better. signed up for the sublime+ for a year. not a bad deal at all. I guess its by by to Tidal. Thanks for the info.
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  • Nightfall
    Nightfall Posts: 10,086
    There's a lot of bands I like nowhere to be found on Qobuz but are on Tidal.
    afterburnt wrote: »
    They didn't speak a word of English, they were from South Carolina.

    Village Idiot of Club Polk
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,645
    edited September 2019
    I got to listen to some Tidal supplied music last night verses the same songs sourced from CD's, both run through the same DAC. Tidal SUCKS!!!

    In another comparison, Audioquest IC's sound like poo compared to MIT.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

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  • joecoulson
    joecoulson Posts: 4,943
    Compared to FLAC’s of the same songs, they don’t compare. I wouldn’t say it sucks soup to nuts (mainly because it’s like having about 500,000+ cds) but head to head there is a clear winner.
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  • verb
    verb Posts: 10,176
    This is weird. I get this on the PC, but the same playlist works fine on the iphone. Any ideas Tidal gurus?
    mp7bc9w3ie70.png
    Basement: Polk SDA SRS 1.2tl's, Cary SLP-05 Pre with ultimate upgrade,McIntosh MCD301 CD/SACD player, Northstar Designs Excelsio DAC, Cambridge 851N streamer, McIntosh MC300 Amp, Silnote Morpheus Ref2, Series2 Digital Cables, Silnote Morpheus Ref2 Series2 XLR's, Furman 15PFi Power Conditioner, Pangea Power Cables, MIT Shotgun S3 IC's, MIT Shotgun S1 Bi-Wire speaker cables
    Office: PC, EAR Acute CD Player, EAR 834L Pre, Northstar Designs Intenso DAC, Antique Sound Labs AV8 Monoblocks, Denon UDR-F10 Cassette, Acoustic Technologies Classic FR Speakers, SVS SB12 Plus sub, MIT AVt2 speaker cables, IFI Purifier2, AQ Cinnamon USB cable, Groneberg Quatro Reference IC's
    Spare Room: Dayens Ampino Integrated Amp, Tjoeb 99 tube CD player (modified Marantz CD-38), Analysis Plus Oval 9's, Zu Jumpers, AudioEngine B1 Streamer, Klipsch RB-61 v2, SVS PB1000 sub, Blue Jeans RCA IC's, Shunyata Hydra 8 Power Conditioner
    Living Room: Peachtree Nova Integrated, Cambridge CXN v2 Streamer, Rotel RCD-1072 CD player, Furman 15PFi Power Conditioner, Polk RT265 In Wall Speakers, Polk DSW Pro 660wi sub
    Garage #1: Cambridge Audio 640A Integrated Amp, Project Box-E BT Streamer, Polk Tsi200 Bookies, Douglas Speaker Cables, Shunyata Power Conditioner
    Garage #2: Cambridge Audio EVO150 Integrated Amplifier, Polk L200's, Analysis Plus Silver Oval 2 Speaker Cables, IC's TBD.
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  • verb
    verb Posts: 10,176
    So, I deleted that album, and added it again. All is good. Still weird, though. :)
    Basement: Polk SDA SRS 1.2tl's, Cary SLP-05 Pre with ultimate upgrade,McIntosh MCD301 CD/SACD player, Northstar Designs Excelsio DAC, Cambridge 851N streamer, McIntosh MC300 Amp, Silnote Morpheus Ref2, Series2 Digital Cables, Silnote Morpheus Ref2 Series2 XLR's, Furman 15PFi Power Conditioner, Pangea Power Cables, MIT Shotgun S3 IC's, MIT Shotgun S1 Bi-Wire speaker cables
    Office: PC, EAR Acute CD Player, EAR 834L Pre, Northstar Designs Intenso DAC, Antique Sound Labs AV8 Monoblocks, Denon UDR-F10 Cassette, Acoustic Technologies Classic FR Speakers, SVS SB12 Plus sub, MIT AVt2 speaker cables, IFI Purifier2, AQ Cinnamon USB cable, Groneberg Quatro Reference IC's
    Spare Room: Dayens Ampino Integrated Amp, Tjoeb 99 tube CD player (modified Marantz CD-38), Analysis Plus Oval 9's, Zu Jumpers, AudioEngine B1 Streamer, Klipsch RB-61 v2, SVS PB1000 sub, Blue Jeans RCA IC's, Shunyata Hydra 8 Power Conditioner
    Living Room: Peachtree Nova Integrated, Cambridge CXN v2 Streamer, Rotel RCD-1072 CD player, Furman 15PFi Power Conditioner, Polk RT265 In Wall Speakers, Polk DSW Pro 660wi sub
    Garage #1: Cambridge Audio 640A Integrated Amp, Project Box-E BT Streamer, Polk Tsi200 Bookies, Douglas Speaker Cables, Shunyata Power Conditioner
    Garage #2: Cambridge Audio EVO150 Integrated Amplifier, Polk L200's, Analysis Plus Silver Oval 2 Speaker Cables, IC's TBD.
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  • WagnerRC
    WagnerRC Posts: 2,158
    I cut tidal and don’t miss it. Physical media will never go away. The convenience of quboz is just nice to have.
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  • joecoulson
    joecoulson Posts: 4,943
    Jesse, what level vs level in the IC comparison?
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  • dkhc
    dkhc Posts: 15
    I've got some older songs on my tidal playlist and I find the app doesn't level the volume between tracks very well. Also, there are some songs I have on Spotify that I can't find on tidal.

    Not saying Spotify is any better though. I have the free version and the volume when ads play is ridiculously higher than the music on my playlist.
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  • Nightfall
    Nightfall Posts: 10,086
    edited September 2019
    F1nut wrote: »
    I got to listen to some Tidal supplied music last night verses the same songs sourced from CD's, both run through the same DAC. Tidal SUCKS!!!

    In another comparison, Audioquest IC's sound like poo compared to MIT.

    Once I get the USB C cable I need I'm going to compare Tidal to local FLAC.

    Wouldn't it be something if all of my negatives on the Denton's was due to Tidal.
    afterburnt wrote: »
    They didn't speak a word of English, they were from South Carolina.

    Village Idiot of Club Polk
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,645
    joecoulson wrote: »
    Jesse, what level vs level in the IC comparison?

    MIT Shotgun S3 to something green.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,645
    Nightfall wrote: »
    F1nut wrote: »
    I got to listen to some Tidal supplied music last night verses the same songs sourced from CD's, both run through the same DAC. Tidal SUCKS!!!

    In another comparison, Audioquest IC's sound like poo compared to MIT.

    Once I get the USB C cable I need I'm going to compare Tidal to local FLAC.

    Wouldn't it be something if all of my negatives on the Denton's was due to Tidal.

    I guarantee it didn't help. I don't ever want to hear Tidal again.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • Clipdat
    Clipdat Posts: 12,949
    F1nut wrote: »
    I got to listen to some Tidal supplied music last night verses the same songs sourced from CD's, both run through the same DAC. Tidal SUCKS!!!

    What was the source/device that was playing the Tidal tracks?
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,645
    No idea.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • Clipdat
    Clipdat Posts: 12,949
    F1nut wrote: »
    No idea.

    If you can find out, I'd be curious what it was.

    The Tidal experience can vary greatly depending on what is being used as the streaming transport.
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