Impressions of Tidal
steveinaz
Posts: 19,328
Back in the 60's and 70's, most everyone used their AM/FM tuner as their main source. Stations were plentiful, especially for me being a St. Louis native, and the music was good. Fast forward to satellite radio, which I had hoped would finally bring CD quality music to the airwaves. I was a VERY early adopter of XM, as my location now in a small town was seriously limited on FM stations. I haven't owned a tuner in over 20yrs. Well, BIG disappointment on the XM front....
Enter streamed (16/44) music, ala the internet. I recently signed up for a trial of Tidal Hi-fi service, just to check it out and see if it's something I might want to keep. Here's some quick observations:
1. The interface is very user friendly, and is learned quickly
2. You can search, pick suggested music, view by genre, or pick a pre-built playlist
3. Create your own playlists
Now the sound:
When compared to my flac rips from CD's, Tidals music seems a little softer around the edges. This was particularly evident on Sugarland "Stuck like glue" but other music also has this slight softening to it as well. On "stuck like glue" my flac rip has the lead vocal more upfront and real sounding, with crisp transients and possibly a little deeper soundstage. This was pretty much the rule across the board, though in varying degrees depending on the track.
Generally, it sounds really good. It's the closest thing to CD quality I've heard as far as streaming services, and/or satellite radio. Sans the slight "softening" I really enjoyed playing with it last night, and I think it's likely a keeper.
For reference, I was streaming via my Oppo BDP-103 Tidal app/Media Control app on my Ipad mini 4. My Oppo is connected via digital coaxial output to my PS Audio Stellar Gain Cell dac. The Ipad mini 4 simply acts as a host/remote for the Tidal program, nothing passes through it, sound wise.
Enter streamed (16/44) music, ala the internet. I recently signed up for a trial of Tidal Hi-fi service, just to check it out and see if it's something I might want to keep. Here's some quick observations:
1. The interface is very user friendly, and is learned quickly
2. You can search, pick suggested music, view by genre, or pick a pre-built playlist
3. Create your own playlists
Now the sound:
When compared to my flac rips from CD's, Tidals music seems a little softer around the edges. This was particularly evident on Sugarland "Stuck like glue" but other music also has this slight softening to it as well. On "stuck like glue" my flac rip has the lead vocal more upfront and real sounding, with crisp transients and possibly a little deeper soundstage. This was pretty much the rule across the board, though in varying degrees depending on the track.
Generally, it sounds really good. It's the closest thing to CD quality I've heard as far as streaming services, and/or satellite radio. Sans the slight "softening" I really enjoyed playing with it last night, and I think it's likely a keeper.
For reference, I was streaming via my Oppo BDP-103 Tidal app/Media Control app on my Ipad mini 4. My Oppo is connected via digital coaxial output to my PS Audio Stellar Gain Cell dac. The Ipad mini 4 simply acts as a host/remote for the Tidal program, nothing passes through it, sound wise.
Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amplifier: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: PSB Imagine T2
Post edited by steveinaz on
Comments
I find I throw on tidal rising or general Playlist and let it rip... Sit for hours listening to music.
With cds, I found myself analyzing tracks over. And over and honestly spent little time with my rig.
I spent hours jamming to rage against the machines discography, which Imo, is recorded very well for the genre... All I'm getting at it, the small sacrifice in sound quality is worth the variety.
"No, that's silly talk. Dude, you can't possibly be this audio dumb so quit the act." - Doro
Digital: Cambridge CXC / Streaming > Cambridge CXN v2
MastersounD Dueventi > Usher T-515 or Arcam rHead > Hifiman HE4XX
Discogs
Current Gear:
Torus RM15 -> Emm Labs TSDx/Bluesound Node 2 -> Emm Labs DAC2x -> ??? -> Boulder 2060 stereo amp (w/ Audioquest WEL Signature) -> new speakers + JL Audio F113v2 x2
Rotel RA1592 Super Integrated -> Sonus Faber Olympica 3
Oppo 105D -> Rotel RC1570 preamp -> Rotel RB1582 amp -> Focal Kanta 2
Main speakers system evolution over the years:
Klipsch Promedia 4.1 -> Axiom M22ti -> Sonus Faber Concertino -> Sonus Faber Concerto -> Polk LSi7 -> Polk LSi9 -> Martin Logan Mosaic -> AV123 Onix Ref 1 -> Martin Logan Vantage -> AV123 Strata Mini -> Martin Logan Summit -> Sonus Faber Cremona Auditor -> BW 802D2 -> Sonus Faber Stradivari -> Rockport Avior -> BW 802D3 -> BW 800D3 -> ???
Old Gear:
Speakers:
BW PM1 (3.5/5), CM10s2 (3.75/5), BW800D3 (5/5), Rockport Aviors (5/5), Sonus Faber Stradivari (5/5), BW 802D2 (4.5/5), Martin Logan Summits (4.25/5), Martin Logan Vantage (4/5), Sonus Faber Cremona Auditor (3.75/5), AV123 Strata Mini (3.5/5), ML Mosaic (3.25/5), Onix Ref1 (3/5), Sonus Faber Concerto (2.75/5), SF Concertino (2.5/5), Axiom M22ti (2/5), Polk LSi9 (3/5), LSi7 (2.9/5)
Source:
Squeezebox 3 -> PS Audio Digital Link III -> Cary 306/200 CDP -> Cary 306 SACD -> EMM LABS DAC2X/TSDX
Preamplification:
Rotel RC1070 -> Rogue Perseus -> Cary SLP98 -> Cary SLP98F1 -> Cary SLP05 (sold and then repurchased) -> ARC 5se -> ???
Amplification:
HK AVR330 -> Rotel RB1070 -> Rotel RB1090 -> Plinius SA102 -> Cary 211FE -> Classe M600 -> Boulder 2060
Subwoofer:
Infinity Entra2 -> SVS 25-31PCi -> SVS 25-31PC+ -> Dual JL Audio F113v2
"Unwad those panties and have a good time man. We're all here to help each other, no matter how it might appear." DSkip
While I wouldn’t call it a godsend, I do love the combo of tidal and roon. While it may be true that if you are trying to squeeze the last ounce of sq out of your system tidal probably shouldn’t be your primary source of music, it’s perfect for me...
Game Room HT: Denon AVR-X4200w; Definitive Technology SM350; Definitive Technology LCR2000; Definitive Technology Procinema 800; Mirage Nanasats; Sub - HSU VTF-2 MK5
Master Bedroom
Cambridge Azur 551r; Definitive Technology SM45; ACI Titan Subwoofer; Squeezebox Touch
"Unwad those panties and have a good time man. We're all here to help each other, no matter how it might appear." DSkip
ROON Radio works great.
A nice DAC helps too... My Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ is the shizzle.
Family Room| Marantz AV7704| Usher Dancer Mini - 2 DMD Mains |Usher Dancer Mini-x DMD's Surrounds | Usher BE-616 DMD Center | SVS Ultra Rear Surrounds | Parasound Halo A21 | Parsound Halo A52+ | MIT Shotgun S3's | Dual SVS SB 4000 Ultras | Oppo UDP 203 | Directv Genie HD DVR | Samsung 75" Q8 QLED | PSAudio Stellar GCD | Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ | Lumin U1 Mini | HP Elite Slice PC | ROON'd for life |
ManCave: HT:Polk LSiM 706VR3 LSiM 703's LSiM 702's|| Marantz AV7002 AV PrePro Sunfire TGA-7401| Sony PS4 Pro| Sony PS4 Pro|SVS PB13 Ultra| Oppo UDP 203 | Music Hall MMF 5.3se TT w/ Soundsmith Carmen | Samsung 55" SUHD TV | Sony PS4
Patio | Polk Atrium 8's | Yamaha R-N303BL |
Office BlueSound Node| KEF LS50 | Peactree Nova 125SE |
Bedroom | Focal 905's | Chromecast Audio |
Garage | Polk Monitor 5B's
Closet Yamaha M80 | 2 Polk MP3K subs| Yaqin MC100B with Shuguang Treasures KT 88's & CV181Z's | Tesla E83CC's | Marantz 2252B | Marantz 2385 |Polk SDA SRS 2.3 | LSiM 705's |
Logitech SBT is my streamer (and Tidal is an app option), 'enhanced' digital coax-out into PSA Stellar Gain Pre/DAC.
"Sometimes I do what I want to do. The rest of the time, I do what I have to." - Cicero, in Gladiator
Regarding collectibles: "It's not who gets it. It's who gets stuck with it." - Jimmy Fallon
Tidal offers CD quality and hi res. Spotify maxes out at 320kbps mp3.
Spotify is fine for most of my listening honestly: because I’m usually working, driving, cooking, cleaning, etc. but yes, tidal is cd quality, and that makes a difference for when you want to critically listen...
Game Room HT: Denon AVR-X4200w; Definitive Technology SM350; Definitive Technology LCR2000; Definitive Technology Procinema 800; Mirage Nanasats; Sub - HSU VTF-2 MK5
Master Bedroom
Cambridge Azur 551r; Definitive Technology SM45; ACI Titan Subwoofer; Squeezebox Touch
On the same note I can't count Netflix as saving on dropping cable. Even if I got cable again, I'm keeping netflix.
Digital: Cambridge CXC / Streaming > Cambridge CXN v2
MastersounD Dueventi > Usher T-515 or Arcam rHead > Hifiman HE4XX
Discogs
Yamaha Aventage RX-A 1060, Parasound P5, Parasound A23, Yamaha BD-S681, Cambridge Audio Azur 851N, Polk S60, Polk S30, Samsung 60" LED
Office
Yamaha A-S501, Auralic Aries Mini, LSiM 703s
Douglas Connection ICs and Cables
We can do A/B/C testing with Tidal/CD/Vinyl for quite a few albums when you come out.
How do the libraries compare between Spotify and Tidal?
"Sometimes I do what I want to do. The rest of the time, I do what I have to." - Cicero, in Gladiator
Regarding collectibles: "It's not who gets it. It's who gets stuck with it." - Jimmy Fallon
HT: All Polk: SDA 2.3tl fronts, CSiA6 center, 500-LS ceiling, RT/FX, RTi8, Monitor 4 rears, plus Yamaha CX-a5100 AV Preamplifier/Processor, Yamaha MX-a5000 11.1 channel amplifier, and Sony XBR55-AE1 OLED TV.
Current Gear:
Torus RM15 -> Emm Labs TSDx/Bluesound Node 2 -> Emm Labs DAC2x -> ??? -> Boulder 2060 stereo amp (w/ Audioquest WEL Signature) -> new speakers + JL Audio F113v2 x2
Rotel RA1592 Super Integrated -> Sonus Faber Olympica 3
Oppo 105D -> Rotel RC1570 preamp -> Rotel RB1582 amp -> Focal Kanta 2
Main speakers system evolution over the years:
Klipsch Promedia 4.1 -> Axiom M22ti -> Sonus Faber Concertino -> Sonus Faber Concerto -> Polk LSi7 -> Polk LSi9 -> Martin Logan Mosaic -> AV123 Onix Ref 1 -> Martin Logan Vantage -> AV123 Strata Mini -> Martin Logan Summit -> Sonus Faber Cremona Auditor -> BW 802D2 -> Sonus Faber Stradivari -> Rockport Avior -> BW 802D3 -> BW 800D3 -> ???
Old Gear:
Speakers:
BW PM1 (3.5/5), CM10s2 (3.75/5), BW800D3 (5/5), Rockport Aviors (5/5), Sonus Faber Stradivari (5/5), BW 802D2 (4.5/5), Martin Logan Summits (4.25/5), Martin Logan Vantage (4/5), Sonus Faber Cremona Auditor (3.75/5), AV123 Strata Mini (3.5/5), ML Mosaic (3.25/5), Onix Ref1 (3/5), Sonus Faber Concerto (2.75/5), SF Concertino (2.5/5), Axiom M22ti (2/5), Polk LSi9 (3/5), LSi7 (2.9/5)
Source:
Squeezebox 3 -> PS Audio Digital Link III -> Cary 306/200 CDP -> Cary 306 SACD -> EMM LABS DAC2X/TSDX
Preamplification:
Rotel RC1070 -> Rogue Perseus -> Cary SLP98 -> Cary SLP98F1 -> Cary SLP05 (sold and then repurchased) -> ARC 5se -> ???
Amplification:
HK AVR330 -> Rotel RB1070 -> Rotel RB1090 -> Plinius SA102 -> Cary 211FE -> Classe M600 -> Boulder 2060
Subwoofer:
Infinity Entra2 -> SVS 25-31PCi -> SVS 25-31PC+ -> Dual JL Audio F113v2
I setup a station on Pandora called "Kansas Radio" and it nails everything I loved musically in the 70's and early 80's.
I asked you about this as I have similar feelings about Pandora and used it for a long time, and you claimed that Tidal had a similar feature that you found adequate.
I find it ridiculous that in 2019 the best quality that Pandora offers their paid subscribers is 192kbps mp3. So lame.
Here's an odd observation; the (free) Pandora app on my Oppo plays commercial free; but the app on my Samsung BR player on the patio has occasional commercials.
I inquired with support several times regarding how to go about getting that "radio" experience, and they kept referring me to the playlists. Well, the playlists were the same selection of songs every time, and various playlists I tried all had doubling up/overlap of songs. I expected it to be able to generate a completely new playlist each time I requested, so that I could have that true random radio listening experience like I had with Pandora.
I was hoping that this was an area that they had improved on in the year since I last tried their service.
From their support page: "Change Audio Quality on the Web
Pandora on the Web plays 64k AAC+ for free listeners and 192kbps for Pandora Plus and Pandora Premium subscribers."
I prefer to make my own playlists while listening at work. Takes no extra time. Then if something cool pops up on artist radio or one of the "my mixes," I just add it to the playlist. I always nail everything I like about that genre!
Game Room HT: Denon AVR-X4200w; Definitive Technology SM350; Definitive Technology LCR2000; Definitive Technology Procinema 800; Mirage Nanasats; Sub - HSU VTF-2 MK5
Master Bedroom
Cambridge Azur 551r; Definitive Technology SM45; ACI Titan Subwoofer; Squeezebox Touch
Yes I did say that and I did say it was adequate but adequate is not a super power.
The algorithms on Pandora are just above everyone else IMO
But Tidals “go to track radio” feature does the job. And when it’s 44.1 it’s a darn sight better than 320 or less.