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Post by davidl81 on Feb 21, 2018 9:19:21 GMT -5
Guys,
Well I now realize that I have been doing it all wrong since I have Spotify and I did not know about the difference in quality that Tidal offered over other streaming options. Right now I have installed the Tidal app on both my iPhone and my Apple TV. The Apple TV goes directly into my SR7009 (will be replaced with either the RMC-1 or XMC-1 once the Atmos board is ready). Is this an adequate way to get good quality from Tidal? Should I look at some other hardware setup? I'm sure the DAC in the Marantz is not as good as the XMC or RMC, but I hate to buy a stand alone DAC since (hopefully) we are only a month-ish away from the RMC being available. Also is the Apple TV the best source to use for Tidal, or should I be looking at some other source?
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Post by mgbpuff on Feb 21, 2018 9:29:00 GMT -5
Buy a Cary Audio AiOS and use it in the line out mode. For sub $2000 you will have a MQA renderer and complete unfolding DAC, which will present MQA files in their ultimate finality. Later, if and when something better comes along, you can use this as a complete integrated amplifier (150w/ch class A/B) / music server to power speakers in another space.
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Post by creimes on Feb 21, 2018 9:29:31 GMT -5
I have it running on either a ATV Gen 3 and a NVIDIA Shield TV and also my Mac Mini, the Mac Mini uses the Tidal APP which allows listening to the Master(MQA) tracks which I still haven't been able to notice a difference on even on my headphones setup, but maybe I just don't care enough haha as I find even the HIFI tracks sound really good. Between all those devices I'm using the DAC in my Anthem for all them so I notice no difference between them, I say just keep doing what your doing until you get the XMC or RMC and you'll have a better processor then.
Chad
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Post by pedrocols on Feb 21, 2018 10:56:22 GMT -5
I use a microrendu to my dac and control Tidal from my iPad mini. Simple and amazing sound! Total spent is under $1,000.
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Post by mgbpuff on Feb 21, 2018 11:12:21 GMT -5
I use a microrendu to my dac and control Tidal from my iPad mini. Simple and amazing sound! Total spent is under $1,000. Nice, but no MQA |
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Post by pedrocols on Feb 21, 2018 11:48:57 GMT -5
I use a microrendu to my dac and control Tidal from my iPad mini. Simple and amazing sound! Total spent is under $1,000. Nice, but no MQA He can just get a cheap laptop and use that instead of the iPad mini. |
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Post by mgbpuff on Feb 21, 2018 11:58:18 GMT -5
He can just get a cheap laptop and use that instead of the iPad mini. You would still only get the first MQA unfold. But if he doesn't want MQA, how about the Oppo DAC which also is a notwork / internet player for under $800. |
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Post by bluemeanies on Feb 21, 2018 12:00:49 GMT -5
I recently changed from the APPLE TV to the MAC MINI connected to a THETA dac using a GRACE DESIGN m920 pre.
The Theta makes a difference but the GRACE is no slouch with its SABRE dac.
I use my iPad or monitor to control TIDAL.
I do not listen to 2channel thru my HT system...I have two systems...one for HT the other for 2channel, however I use the same L,R channel speakers in both systems.
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Post by davidl81 on Feb 21, 2018 12:10:47 GMT -5
I recently changed from the APPLE TV to the MAC MINI connected to a THETA dac using a GRACE DESIGN m920 pre. The Theta makes a difference but the GRACE is no slouch with its SABRE dac. I use my iPad or monitor to control TIDAL. I do not listen to 2channel thru my HT system...I have two systems...one for HT the other for 2channel, however I use the same L,R channel speakers in both systems. Were you running the Apple TV directly into your Grace before you made the change to the Mac Mini? |
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Post by novisnick on Feb 21, 2018 12:23:29 GMT -5
I recently changed from the APPLE TV to the MAC MINI connected to a THETA dac using a GRACE DESIGN m920 pre. The Theta makes a difference but the GRACE is no slouch with its SABRE dac. I use my iPad or monitor to control TIDAL. I do not listen to 2channel thru my HT system...I have two systems...one for HT the other for 2channel, however I use the same L,R channel speakers in both systems. Two systems employed as well! Mac Mini for Tidal web based so I can utilize full MQA decoding with my Explorer2. I use a wireless keyboard and monitor to control Tidal. I can use my Apple Tv or Oppo 103 through my DC-1 but I give up full MQA decoding. HT and two channel both use my Studio 100’s, flip two switches to control input to speakers. |
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Post by codyjenkins on Feb 21, 2018 12:45:31 GMT -5
Bluesound Node 2
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Post by goodfellas27 on Feb 21, 2018 12:59:50 GMT -5
I have an Intel NUC with both XMC-1 and Oppo 205 connected via USB cable. I am using Audioquest JitterBug for USB Data & Power Noise Filter. Can't have the cheap power supply in the NUC compromise the DACs'. This setup allows me to enjoy MQA or "Master" as Tidal calls it.   |
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Post by Loop 7 on Feb 21, 2018 13:11:37 GMT -5
At risk of starting a fire and detracting from this thread, have you considered Roon? It would expand the TIDAL "end point" possibilities.
Question: Do all Oppo players offer the TIDAL app?
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Post by bluemeanies on Feb 21, 2018 13:37:05 GMT -5
I recently changed from the APPLE TV to the MAC MINI connected to a THETA dac using a GRACE DESIGN m920 pre. The Theta makes a difference but the GRACE is no slouch with its SABRE dac. I use my iPad or monitor to control TIDAL. I do not listen to 2channel thru my HT system...I have two systems...one for HT the other for 2channel, however I use the same L,R channel speakers in both systems. Were you running the Apple TV directly into your Grace before you made the change to the Mac Mini? Yes...I might mention that since acquiring the Mac mini to my listening I think the reception is much better. Absolutely no drop offs. On occasion using the APPLE TV there were a few, not many but they occurred. I use a third party APP called AIRSERVER which in turn transforms the Mac mini into having AIRPLAY capability. It cost about $15.00 A one time fee. Works perfectly and easy to install. |
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Post by goodfellas27 on Feb 21, 2018 13:43:41 GMT -5
The Oppo 205 does not have a native Tidal app, however, they said they are looking into adding it via an update. It does support Roon. I use BubbleUPnP; which has native support of Tidal, and it sends it lossless via DLNA to Oppo 205. At risk of starting a fire and detracting from this thread, have you considered Roon? It would expand the TIDAL "end point" possibilities. Question: Do all Oppo players offer the TIDAL app? |
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Post by bluemeanies on Feb 21, 2018 13:57:23 GMT -5
I have an Intel NUC with both XMC-1 and Oppo 205 connected via USB cable. I am using Audioquest JitterBug for USB Data & Power Noise Filter. Can't have the cheap power supply in the NUC compromise the DACs'. This setup allows me to enjoy MQA or "Master" as Tidal calls it. Question goodfellas27. Was the noise that apparent? In other words did you physically hear a difference before the Jitterbug and what you are listening to now? Just wondering . I am connected mini toslink to toslink using the Mac mini for TIDAL. |
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Post by novisnick on Feb 21, 2018 14:08:58 GMT -5
I have an Intel NUC with both XMC-1 and Oppo 205 connected via USB cable. I am using Audioquest JitterBug for USB Data & Power Noise Filter. Can't have the cheap power supply in the NUC compromise the DACs'. This setup allows me to enjoy MQA or "Master" as Tidal calls it. Question goodfellas27. Was the noise that apparent? In other words did you physically hear a difference before the Jitterbug and what you are listening to now? Just wondering . I am connected mini toslink to toslink using the Mac mini for TIDAL. Also, does the Jitterbug alter the signal? If so it may not be MQA at all. |
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Post by goodfellas27 on Feb 21, 2018 14:10:32 GMT -5
Yes. The JitterBug makes a difference and it is cheap to boot. USB 2.0 standard support power through USB, which PC has thought away power supply and not nice build ones like in DACs. The noise will transfer from the PC to the DAC via the USB. The JitterBug helps by conditioning the power coming to the DAC. How effective? It depends on how bad the power supply in your PC is. I have an Intel NUC with both XMC-1 and Oppo 205 connected via USB cable. I am using Audioquest JitterBug for USB Data & Power Noise Filter. Can't have the cheap power supply in the NUC compromise the DACs'. This setup allows me to enjoy MQA or "Master" as Tidal calls it. Question goodfellas27. Was the noise that apparent? In other words did you physically hear a difference before the Jitterbug and what you are listening to now? Just wondering . I am connected mini toslink to toslink using the Mac mini for TIDAL. |
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Post by goodfellas27 on Feb 21, 2018 14:12:11 GMT -5
No. The Jitterbug does not alter the signal meaning the Zero and Ones,,. just the power |
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Post by jlafrenz on Feb 21, 2018 14:19:54 GMT -5
Look at a HEOS link. It is made by Denon the partner company to your Marantz. It has the ability to integrate and even control functions such as power and volume on the Marantz from the HEOS app.
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