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Tidal/MQA Streaming Question

Vinyl Rules!

Vinyl Rules!

Well-Known Member
I’m interested in adding Tidal MQA streaming to my system without using a computer. I’ve never streamed before so my knowledge of streaming is nil.

I’ve learned Pro-Ject has released a $400 Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 Digital box that decodes and unfolds MQA files, but only through it’s USB input on the back of the Pro-Ject box. So, can I access the Tidal stream using just the Pro-Ject box, or do I need another box to access the Tidal stream to feed to the Pro-Ject box?

I have an iPad Pro tablet and a Galaxy Note smartphone. I recently dropped by a local dealer for a Tidal/MQA demo and they were pushing me to buy their $12,000 Naim system or their $20,000 Mark Levinson box that does what I want & they used a mini iPad to control the Tidal/MQA streaming demo. I was very impressed with how they navigated the Tidal/MQA menu and I would like to have this functionality in whatever solution I pick.

My question(s) are can I “tune in” the Tidal/MQA stream on this new Pro-Ject box and feed the Tidal/MQA output to the Pro-Ject’s analog Outputs?

If this is not possible, is there a good inexpensive way to capture the Tidal/MQA stream and feed it to the USB input of the Pro-Ject box. I’ve looked at Google’s ChromeCast but I don’t see a way to feed its digital output to the Pro-Ject’s USB input. And vatious Internet audio forums have mixed opinions about the audio quality of ChromeCast audio.

In my limited knowledge of how to accomplish what I want to do, I know I can opt for a BlueSound Node 2 for $500 that will do everything I want, but the dealer who tried to sell me the $12,000 Naim or the $20,000 Mark Levinson was very dismissive of the BlueSound’s Node 2’s sound and build quality: He stated their $400 Pro-Ject box would “blow away” the BlueSound Node 2 on Tidal’s MQA tracks.

I would greatly appreciate thoughts from those of you who’ve gone down this path.

The Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 Digital box looks very interesting, especially since it includes dual ESS 9038 DAC’s.

TIA for your responses.
 
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Despite what your dealer said, the Bluesound Node 2 sounds very good, even in the context of a high-end system. I guess your dealer doesn't sell them:rolleyes:
 
I had a Bluesound Node 2 for a while before returning it. I am currently using a PSAudio Directstream DSD DAC with the Bridge II card that streams Tidal MQA. I control it via Roon software. Honestly, you are not going to be "blown away" by anything MQA unless your system is extremely resolving. PSAudio also has the Directstream JR that streams directly without a computer as well. You still need to control it with some type of computer, but you don't play it through a computer.
 
+1 Bluesound Node 2

I’m enjoying mine. If you order from Crutchfield (no affiliation), I think you have 60 day return policy if you don’t like it.
 
FWIW, there is a digital out on the CC Audio. You need something like this :

https://www.monoprice.com/product?p...MItKmrhIfi2QIVlUwNCh28oAH3EAQYAyABEgID5vD_BwE

It goes into the output of the CC Audio disk with a TOSLINK cable.

I do not know if the CC Audio does MQA though.

I use the CC Audio in my "upstairs" system. It sounds okay but is somewhat fussy to use.

I have a Bluesound Node 2 in my other system. It works without issue and sounds great as a stand alone streamer/ DAC. I hope add one in the coming months to my "upstairs" system.
 
I purchased a bluesound vault 2. One of my reasons being to remove the computer out of the chain.
 
For MQA, if youre not using the PC app to a MQA enabled DAC you can only get 24/96 MQA. That's over USB. And no MQA from the phone app, just 16/44 max.

So it looks like you need a MQA enabled player, Like the Bluesound or a Meridian.

I use a Topping D30 non MQA DAC via USB from a laptop and enjoy 24/96 a lot.

Eric
 
CKDC said:
So, you are still using a computer. I thought you might have some other method I was unaware of.
Click to expand...

Yes I am. But only serving as a core for Rune. I really dont have too. I could just go with the Bluesound device and a phone or tablet as the control. The Vault allows me to rip CDs to flac and has 2 TB of storage on board. I also have a NAS (2 actually) that also have some media on them including lower rez files from my old digital music set up and Itunes library. I decided to re-rip my CDs to FLAC and file the music neatly this time around. Took me a while but it got easier as time went on and having the Vault as well as my MAC ripping at the same time cut down on the task tremendously. So the laptop in this case is not in the chain. It is on the same network though and acts as a control for the Vaults playback in this instance.

So You could use the bluesound with a tablet or phone and no computer using Tidal.
 
CKDC said:
So, you are still using a computer. I thought you might have some other method I was unaware of.
Click to expand...


The Node 2 is set up to be controlled from a tablet or phone. You can control Tidal through the phone that way. There are tons of radio stations and other sources available to the Node as well.
 
barefootbrew said:
The Node 2 is set up to be controlled from a tablet or phone. You can control Tidal through the phone that way. There are tons of radio stations and other sources available to the Node as well.
Click to expand...


^^^Tablets and smartphones are computers.

How else does one control a Bluesound Node 2? (Using the buttons on top would be a total PIA.)
 
CKDC said:
^^^Tablets and smartphones are computers.

How else does one control a Bluesound Node 2? (Using the buttons on top would be a total PIA.)
Click to expand...


There isn't another way. You really must have a tablet or smartphone for it to work. The buttons on top wouldn't help with setup.
 
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