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How to properly stream TIDAL, Qobuz, Deezer, et cetera?

Preston8452

Preston8452

New Member
Hi guys,

So I've been meaning to ask if there's an optimal way to stream these streaming service, if you know what I mean..., like some players which directly support TIDAL or Qobuz or Amazon Music and stuff, but what if I stream TIDAL through Roon, would the sound quality get better? and why?
I know that Roon does a lot of signal purification jobs during the whole transmitting process, still, I'm very much confused hahaha, since the cloud service is the original place of the music files, no? how come during the transmission the sound could be optimized!?

If that's a true fact that it's possible to level up the sound quality better than the original, so the theory can also be applying on the hardware parts I presume, like I can buy an real nice hi-end router to upgrade the network quality from the beginning, then the DC power supply, audio grade network switch, specialized cables, all the way to speakers, is that right?

Best,
 
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Unless I'm misunderstanding the question, I just have a DAC that accepts the USB from my cell phone and converts it to RCA, which I put on AUX1...
 
Might have changed, but,
A few years ago I heard that Google Chrome has the best delivery capabilities.
 
As a long timer Tidal "customer", I'd always prefer to listen it via a good standalone player supporting it, going through a fine DAC.
Anyway, if I correctly understood the meaning of the question, I am not sure that a streaming service, even if very well performing, could be worthy of a so extended effort.
Imho, obviously.
 
Dedicated streamers are convenient.
Otherwise lossless through a good dac is the path. Some feel you need usb purifiers (I tend to think that's a basis by basis consideration, but possibly fodder for a separate thread).
As far as Roon purifying source. I tend to be skeptical when it comes to digital medium.
It's gets very good with what's already been suggested.
 
Preston8452 said:
Hi,
If that's a true fact that it's possible to level up the sound quality better than the original, so the theory can also be applying on the hardware parts I presume,
like I can buy an real nice hi-end router to upgrade the network quality from the beginning, then the DC power supply, audio grade network switch,
specialized cables, all the way to speakers, is that right?
Best,
Click to expand...
I don't believe it's possible to make the sound quality better than the original sound at the point of transmission.
BUT, that said, i DO think its possible to avoid adding noise or degrading the received signal in any way with better DACs, better power supplies, etc.
I don't believe high end optical or USB cables make a difference, but some folks here DO, so I won't argue that in this thread.
Such personal preference vary.
 
I stream right from my phone but my phone has a very good quad dac in it (not all phones are created equal in that regard). I stream using either a wired connection or Bluetooth using a BlueDento HD streaming receiver directly into my amp/receiver. In that case Im using the BlueDento DAC which is also very good but I also configure my bluetooth audio quality to HI on my phone and I've used developer options to enable AptX bluetooth streaming because the BlueDento supports that. The SQ is quite good either way. There are probably many ways to skin that proverbial cat.
 
In the end, regardless of your source, the quality of the files and the capabilities of your DAC are what will make the difference.

The highest resolution files won't sound much better than average using the DAC built into most devices. You can find DAC's from around $100 or less that can be quite impressive at that price point. You can also spend many, many times more(as you can with anything in this hobby) and end up with negligible improvements. $100 will get you an upgrade, $300 - $500 will be a major improvement, $500 and up only makes sense if everything else downstream makes that level of investment worthwhile.
 
I use an iDevice, usually an iPad, with an Apple camera adapter. This allows me to connect to my DAC. I can't see how a dedicated player would be better. I get 24/192 with my Topping D30, an interface and apps that are updated regularly, and the option to use whatever service is supported by iOS. It's a great use of an older, seldom used iPad or iPhone.
I do not use Bluetooth unless it's to a portable speaker. If I want wireless, I'll use Airplay, which I think is limited to CD quality (16/44) but is definitely better than BT. I use an old Apple TV3 as my Airplay receiver, but an old $10 Airport Express will do the same; both have optical digital outputs.
 
Plus one on the Bluesound node. Could not be simpler. Bluesound node has a DAC built in, or connect it to an external DAC or a built-in DAC in your pre amp or integrated. It is controlled by an app you download onto your phone. The Node will recognize pretty much most streaming services. I use Deezer. Huge library and can stream CD quality.
 
I use a modest laptop for all of my streaming and playing locally stored lossless files. IME/O the major advantage of a laptop or PC based system is, when a new streamer appears or the old one changes its operating parameters I just download the latest whatever and "Keep On Truckin'" (thanks to Eddie Kendricks).
 
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