2. pc-audio
  3. 162500-153106

Why do I "need" Audirvana, Roon or the like versus just Tidal App?

Hi, I stream Tidal MQA and their hifi via my Macbook Pro. I use the Tidal app on the MBpro which unpacks MQA, contains my playlists etc. In the future, I may also stream ripped cds on very rare occasion from a connected hard drive, as well as any hi res audio files I may purchase. However, 99.9% is an is likely to continue to be Tidal streaming. Maybe, just maybe adding Quboz or Amazon in the future...


I feed this from my MAC via USB out to my integrated amp and DAC (Peachtree Nova 300). I have no plans to have a separate server etc in the short term, …but may do so in the future.


I cannot understand what, if anything, Audirvana (or Roon and the like) would bring to.the table in my scenario. Perhaps better MQA unpacking? Slicker interface? Better sound quality?

I would greatly appreciate you all's thoughts on this! Thank you very much.


bogbeat

Showing 3 responses by bogbeat

bogbeat OP
33 posts
 
Thanks fuzztone.  What do you mean by "driver?"
bogbeat OP
33 posts
 
Thanks everyone.  Hi Sandstone!  FYI, I am currently evaluating Audirvana with their trial.  I haven't gotten around to trying the mobile app yet, but sounds like you have it rocking!

Re b): no, the DAC is not unpacking downstream, so to your point, it needs to happen in the Macbook Pro.  I was wondering what did this better, the Tidal app or Audirvana.  Thanks for sorting that out for me.
bogbeat OP
33 posts
 
Hi phcollie,

I tried to like Audirvana.  I downloaded the latest demo (Mac) and it was a frequent source of random noise, distortion and hiss.  It didn't matter if I was streaming Tidal or Qobuz through it.  Same result.   Damien had me send him logs, etc.  But no solution for me.  So, I bought into the ROON thing.. Sonore Optical Rendu Lite and Small Green Computer Sonic Transport.   So far I am happy. 
More to discover