Impressions of Tidal
Comments
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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.HT SYSTEM-
Sony 850c 4k
Pioneer elite vhx 21
Sony 4k BRP
SVS SB-2000
Polk Sig. 20's
Polk FX500 surrounds
Cables-
Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable
Kitchen
Sonos zp90
Grant Fidelity tube dac
B&k 1420
lsi 9's -
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
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 -
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.Just a dude doing dude-ly things
"Temptation is the manifestation of desire which equals necessity." - Mikey081057
" I have always had a champange taste with a beer budget" - Rick88
"Just because the thread is getting views don't mean much .. I like a good train wreck doesn't mean i want to be in one..." - pitdogg2
"Those that don't know, don't know that they don't know." - heiney9
"Audiophiles are the male equivalent of cat ladies." - Audiokarma Member -
Interesting. Had to get my read on of course. From Stereophile's audio glossary:
Basement: Polk SDA SRS, Cary SLP-05 Pre with ultimate upgrade,Enlightened Audio Designs CD Transport, Northstar Designs Excelsio DAC, Cambridge 851N streamer, Marantz SA-14 SACD, McIntosh MC300 Amp, Silnote Morpheus Ref2 Digital Cables, Furman 15PFi Power Conditioner, Pangea Power Cables, Wireworld Oasis 8 RCA IC's, 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, PASS ACA 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: Antique Sound Labs Wave AV-8 Monoblocks, Tisbury Mini Passive Pre, 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: Cambridge Audio 640A Integrated Amp, Project Box-E BT Streamer, Polk Tsi200 Bookies, Douglas Speaker Cables, Shunyata Power Conditioner -
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?Power Rogue M180 monos & Adcom GFA 5802
PS Audio PerfectWave Power Plant 10
Rears Salk SuperCharged Surrounds
Source PSA PWT into NSD Supremo
Pre/Pro Integra DHC 40.1
LCD Samsung LN46B750
Mains Salk HT2-TL
Center Salk HT2C
Pre Cary SLP-05
Wires WW & MIT -
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, Cary SLP-05 Pre with ultimate upgrade,Enlightened Audio Designs CD Transport, Northstar Designs Excelsio DAC, Cambridge 851N streamer, Marantz SA-14 SACD, McIntosh MC300 Amp, Silnote Morpheus Ref2 Digital Cables, Furman 15PFi Power Conditioner, Pangea Power Cables, Wireworld Oasis 8 RCA IC's, 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, PASS ACA 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: Antique Sound Labs Wave AV-8 Monoblocks, Tisbury Mini Passive Pre, 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: Cambridge Audio 640A Integrated Amp, Project Box-E BT Streamer, Polk Tsi200 Bookies, Douglas Speaker Cables, Shunyata Power Conditioner -
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 -
I use an extender with 5 ethernet inputs for my living room, works perfect- Not Tom
"No, that's silly talk. Dude, you can't possibly be this audio dumb so quit the act." - Doro -
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.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 😎
Power Rogue M180 monos & Adcom GFA 5802
PS Audio PerfectWave Power Plant 10
Rears Salk SuperCharged Surrounds
Source PSA PWT into NSD Supremo
Pre/Pro Integra DHC 40.1
LCD Samsung LN46B750
Mains Salk HT2-TL
Center Salk HT2C
Pre Cary SLP-05
Wires WW & MIT -
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
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 | -
Yes, let's convert Tidal to mp3s. Der duh der. Never heard of anything so pointless. Go away lame spammer.
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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??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.
Clearly something was done to the master files, either deliberately or it’s a result of something else they didTry 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 futurePower Rogue M180 monos & Adcom GFA 5802
PS Audio PerfectWave Power Plant 10
Rears Salk SuperCharged Surrounds
Source PSA PWT into NSD Supremo
Pre/Pro Integra DHC 40.1
LCD Samsung LN46B750
Mains Salk HT2-TL
Center Salk HT2C
Pre Cary SLP-05
Wires WW & MIT -
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??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.
Clearly something was done to the master files, either deliberately or it’s a result of something else they didTry 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 QubuzDen: Lumin D1,Wireworld Silver Eclipse RCA, KEF LS50 Wireless, Velodyne SPL1200, Technics 1200, Denon DL160, Jolida D9,
Living Room:,T+A PA 1530R,Wireworld Silver Eclipse SC, Tyler Highland H2, High Fidelity Reveal RCA, Innuos Zen MK3 , W4S recovery, LKS MH-da004,
Have but haven't used in a while: LH Labs VI Dac, Cayin SCD50T, Grant Fidelity Tube Dac11,Aries Mini -
TIDAL is damn impressive on the Lumin D2 using balanced inputs to the the slp05 , really impressed with this product.
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Sound quality is better on Qubuz
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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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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 -
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
"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 -
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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This is weird. I get this on the PC, but the same playlist works fine on the iphone. Any ideas Tidal gurus?
Basement: Polk SDA SRS, Cary SLP-05 Pre with ultimate upgrade,Enlightened Audio Designs CD Transport, Northstar Designs Excelsio DAC, Cambridge 851N streamer, Marantz SA-14 SACD, McIntosh MC300 Amp, Silnote Morpheus Ref2 Digital Cables, Furman 15PFi Power Conditioner, Pangea Power Cables, Wireworld Oasis 8 RCA IC's, 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, PASS ACA 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: Antique Sound Labs Wave AV-8 Monoblocks, Tisbury Mini Passive Pre, 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: Cambridge Audio 640A Integrated Amp, Project Box-E BT Streamer, Polk Tsi200 Bookies, Douglas Speaker Cables, Shunyata Power Conditioner -
So, I deleted that album, and added it again. All is good. Still weird, though.
Basement: Polk SDA SRS, Cary SLP-05 Pre with ultimate upgrade,Enlightened Audio Designs CD Transport, Northstar Designs Excelsio DAC, Cambridge 851N streamer, Marantz SA-14 SACD, McIntosh MC300 Amp, Silnote Morpheus Ref2 Digital Cables, Furman 15PFi Power Conditioner, Pangea Power Cables, Wireworld Oasis 8 RCA IC's, 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, PASS ACA 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: Antique Sound Labs Wave AV-8 Monoblocks, Tisbury Mini Passive Pre, 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: Cambridge Audio 640A Integrated Amp, Project Box-E BT Streamer, Polk Tsi200 Bookies, Douglas Speaker Cables, Shunyata Power Conditioner -
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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Jesse, what level vs level in the IC comparison?
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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. -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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? -
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 -
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.
