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 2 responses by sandstone

sandstone
358 posts
 
* Forgot to add, I use Audirvana mobile app on iPad tablet to control everything remotely.  - Sandstone
sandstone
358 posts
 
Hi Bogbeat,
There are two good reasons why you will want to consider streaming Tidal via Audirvana:
a) Tidal as of now does not provide a mobile app to allow remote control of your MPro-installed instance of Tidal.  Audirvana does, and its interface for Tidal is different but very useable. 
b) Unless your DAC is unpacking MQA downstream, you are reliant upon a software unpack on your MPro.  Audirvana not only unpacks MQA MUCH better, but also plays your resident albums exceptionally well. I am running from a PC, but the difference here is mind-bending.  All for a free trial, and then purchase price is less than $100.
I cannot speak to Roon, etc., but chose this route from the intercomparison reviews out there.

For the record, I'm running Laptop PC -> Audirvana-> Tidal -> Ayre QB-9 Twenty ->Ayre AX-5 -> Paradigm Persona 3F's.
Good luck.

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