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Post by Boomzilla on Oct 25, 2018 5:07:22 GMT -5
I think I'm finally going to ignore my former attempt to try TIDAL, and give it a second chance. My questions have to do with the user interface. Is the TIDAL interface sufficient by itself to provide functions such as search, cover art, and playlists, or is a "front end" such as jRiver or Roon preferable? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each (naked-TIDAL vs another front-end)?
Oh and one other important question - I currently control my jRiver program via an iPad with j-Remote app. This allows me to search, play, and volume-control from the couch. Does the TIDAL program offer a similar iPad remote app? If not, then this choice is being made for me.
Also, your opinions, please, on which TIDAL subscription option is "best?"
Thanks - Boom
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Post by wilburthegoose on Oct 25, 2018 6:30:41 GMT -5
No - you can use Tidal without Roon. But IMHO, Roon significantly adds to the experience (great metadata, ability to integrate with your own collection of music).
Tidal has a fine iOS app. Works great - I use it in my car all the time.
PS - I'm definitely not a fan of JRiver for anything. I don't like their business model/leadership.
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klinemj
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Post by klinemj on Oct 25, 2018 6:49:57 GMT -5
If you want Tidal to play directly from a device to your system, you don't need anything else. If you want to play it from one device to another (using DLNA for example), it's a no-go unless you have a front end that enables that...which Roon does and which jRiver claims to but does not.
As far as Tidal w/o a front end - it has decent search capability...not the best but it works. I never paid attention much to its album art - but it has it, and I believe you can make playlists but I never did. One little thing I didn't like is that when there are multiple versions (like an MQA one and another), there is a tiny little icon there that shows it. But, it was hard for my eyes to see...small and low contrast. It's much more evident when using Roon to get to Tidal.
Mark
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Post by Boomzilla on Oct 25, 2018 7:37:14 GMT -5
Hi klinemj - jRiver does stream via DLNA. That said, it sounds like (from what you and wilburthegoose are trying to tell me) although TIDAL doesn't absolutely require a front end interface program, I'd be better off using one. Correct? |
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Post by gld3gld3 on Oct 25, 2018 8:46:07 GMT -5
A recent update to the Tidal desktop app and Android app (assume iOS too) significantly improved the search functionality in the app. This was one of my frustrations with Tidal before the update. Just FYI. The only reason I use Roon is because I want to send music from my server to multiple endpoints and I want control via my phone. If I was going direct from computer to one playback system, then I would just use Tidal's app. I don't have enough local digital music files to make it worth it on that alone, though Roon's integration in that regard is great. Just my experience.
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Post by creimes on Oct 25, 2018 8:52:19 GMT -5
I am not willing to pay for Roon, that just isn't in the cards for me so i use the Tidal app on it's own, I use it on my Android phone and cast it to my chromecast audio or Sonos Play 1, I also use the desktop version on my Mac Mini on my main system and/or my PC where my headphone setup resides, I spend my money on hardware so software takes a backseat when it comes to spending.
Chad
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KeithL
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Post by KeithL on Oct 25, 2018 9:48:24 GMT -5
For simply listening on a computer Tidal has a free client program.
It is worth noting that the various different Tidal clients sometimes offer different options.
You should always check out the exact features supported by the particular app in whatever product you're considering.
For example, the last time I checked, the Tidal COMPUTER app, for Windows and Apple computers, does the main MQA unfold in software. However, as of the last time I checked, none of the other versions of the app did (this could have changed by now - I don't really keep track).
Likewise, some probably support high-res files in general, while others probably do not.
I think I'm finally going to ignore my former attempt to try TIDAL, and give it a second chance. My questions have to do with the user interface. Is the TIDAL interface sufficient by itself to provide functions such as search, cover art, and playlists, or is a "front end" such as jRiver or Roon preferable? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each (naked-TIDAL vs another front-end)? Oh and one other important question - I currently control my jRiver program via an iPad with j-Remote app. This allows me to search, play, and volume-control from the couch. Does the TIDAL program offer a similar iPad remote app? If not, then this choice is being made for me. Also, your opinions, please, on which TIDAL subscription option is "best?" Thanks - Boom |
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klinemj
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Post by klinemj on Oct 25, 2018 10:29:50 GMT -5
Hi klinemj - jRiver does stream via DLNA. That said, it sounds like (from what you and wilburthegoose are trying to tell me) although TIDAL doesn't absolutely require a front end interface program, I'd be better off using one. Correct? jRiver does indeed stream via DLNA HOWEVER...despite what jRiver says - Tidal will NOT stream through jRiver to a DLNA device. jRiver does have "Tidal integration", but when I last used it ~1 month ago - it was wonky and barely played without stuttering. I had to modify settings to extremes to get it to play mostly well and even then I think I was hearing some little odd noises. And, that was playing directly out...not streaming. So, in other words, I could get it to play through my PC to a USB output to my DAC (and again...barely). HOWEVER, when it came to sending the output of that PC via my intranet to a DLNA device...Tidal is a 100% NO GO...it will NOT do it. I talked with the 2 head honchos from jRiver and at first one said it worked, then he back pedaled and said it does not and claims he never said it would. Their Wiki sure makes it sound like it would, but it does not work. I had upgraded to v24 solely for that capability (combined with the "fix" to the WDM driver) and when it didn't work - I asked for a refund. They said "no", so I challenged the charge to my CC and won and got my refund. If you use a front end, use Roon. Period...end of story. It works and brings many other benefits. Mark |
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klinemj
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Post by klinemj on Oct 25, 2018 10:32:04 GMT -5
And PS - when I say it doesn't work...it's not that there's stuttering. There is zero sound and more often than not, jRiver locked up so bad I had to do a hard shutdown on my PC.
Mark
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Post by Boomzilla on Oct 25, 2018 10:44:03 GMT -5
Thanks, Mark - It may be time for me to reconsider Roon as well as TIDAL...
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Post by fbczar on Oct 25, 2018 10:51:06 GMT -5
Thanks, Mark - It may be time for me to reconsider Roon as well as TIDAL... Audivana works very well with Tidal and sounds great in general. The Audirvana iPad/iPhone app is also a good one. Audirvana performs the first MQA unfold in software. |
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Post by davidl81 on Oct 25, 2018 10:58:46 GMT -5
I am not willing to pay for Roon, that just isn't in the cards for me so i use the Tidal app on it's own, I use it on my Android phone and cast it to my chromecast audio or Sonos Play 1, I also use the desktop version on my Mac Mini on my main system and/or my PC where my headphone setup resides, I spend my money on hardware so software takes a backseat when it comes to spending. Chad I also have tidal and I either run it through my apple TV or my iphone. I am not smart in these type of things, but If I run Tidal via my Apple TV into my 8802a am I still getting high res audio? Is there a way to check? |
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Post by franky on Oct 25, 2018 11:04:44 GMT -5
I see that Tidal is on my OPPO but have not tried it yet, I'm guessing it would only play on the OPPO or as a subscriber I could use the app.
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Post by fbczar on Oct 25, 2018 11:08:44 GMT -5
I am not willing to pay for Roon, that just isn't in the cards for me so i use the Tidal app on it's own, I use it on my Android phone and cast it to my chromecast audio or Sonos Play 1, I also use the desktop version on my Mac Mini on my main system and/or my PC where my headphone setup resides, I spend my money on hardware so software takes a backseat when it comes to spending. Chad I also have tidal and I either run it through my apple TV or my iphone. I am not smart in these type of things, but If I run Tidal via my Apple TV into my 8802a am I still getting high res audio? Is there a way to check? No, you will not get High Res Audio via the AppleTV. |
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Post by davidl81 on Oct 25, 2018 11:10:17 GMT -5
I also have tidal and I either run it through my apple TV or my iphone. I am not smart in these type of things, but If I run Tidal via my Apple TV into my 8802a am I still getting high res audio? Is there a way to check? No, you will not get High Res Audio via the AppleTV. Ok, what is the best way to get the high res audio? I assume if I airplay it from my iphone to the 8802a that I also would not be getting the high res audio? |
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Post by fbczar on Oct 25, 2018 11:38:16 GMT -5
No, you will not get High Res Audio via the AppleTV. Ok, what is the best way to get the high res audio? I assume if I airplay it from my iphone to the 8802a that I also would not be getting the high res audio? Correct. You could could run tidal from a computer and connect the computer to you Marantz 8805. You could also use Audirvana on a computer and stream Tidal to your 8805 and control everything with an iPhone or iPad. I use Audirvana with Tidal streamed over a WiFi network and it sounds great. Audirvana is very inexpensive, but it sounds tremendous. |
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Post by novisnick on Oct 25, 2018 11:44:28 GMT -5
I think I'm finally going to ignore my former attempt to try TIDAL, and give it a second chance. My questions have to do with the user interface. Is the TIDAL interface sufficient by itself to provide functions such as search, cover art, and playlists, or is a "front end" such as jRiver or Roon preferable? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each (naked-TIDAL vs another front-end)? Oh and one other important question - I currently control my jRiver program via an iPad with j-Remote app. This allows me to search, play, and volume-control from the couch. Does the TIDAL program offer a similar iPad remote app? If not, then this choice is being made for me. Also, your opinions, please, on which TIDAL subscription option is "best?" Thanks - Boom This would be a third attempt if you include the free coupon code I sent you. 😁🤔 |
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Post by Loop 7 on Oct 25, 2018 11:55:35 GMT -5
TIDAL is also offered in Amarra.
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Post by bluemeanies on Oct 25, 2018 12:04:43 GMT -5
Hi Boom...I myself do not feel the necessity for ROON or JRiver but everyone likes different flavors so course you have choices.
I just want to say that IMO TIDAL has significantly improve on its streaming capabilities. I live in Southeast Pennsylvania and in the beginning of my adoption with TIDAL there were drop-offs and they were annoying despite how infrequent.
When I started with TIDAL I was using APPLE TV/Airplay...that maybe could have contributed to the drop-offs..who knows. I persistently communicated with TIDAL to resolve the issue. They were very forthcoming although communication from a Norwegian company you have to be patient.
Since then I have changed my system with streaming TIDAL.
I purchased a Mac-Mini and a Samsung Monitor for a mere $532.00 and an HDMI cable from BJC. I also purchased AIRSERVER online with a one time fee of $15.00.
TIDAL is entirety different from when I first signed up..
Absolutely no drop offs.
I remember you had mentioned that was an issue when you first signed up and you were disappointed with TIDAL and BB.
I am very happy with the format...everything with TIDAL, but that's me and my experience.
Just wanted to share.
If you are a vet there is a big discount.
blue
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Post by creimes on Oct 25, 2018 13:36:37 GMT -5
No, you will not get High Res Audio via the AppleTV. Ok, what is the best way to get the high res audio? I assume if I airplay it from my iphone to the 8802a that I also would not be getting the high res audio? The Masters(MQA) are only available to play on the Tidal desktop program on a Mac or PC, you have to download it to the Mac or PC and connect the Mac or PC to the 8805. tidal.com/us/downloadChad |
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