Is there a difference in sound quality when streaming TIDAL Vs CD player

@larry5729,

DSD stands for Direct Stream Digital (Sony digital audio format). It is a trademark used by Sony and Philips for their system of digitally recreating audible signals for the Super Audio CD (SACD). DSD uses pulse-density modulation encoding, a technology to store audio signals on digital storage media which are used for the SACD.

Red book CD is another acronym for standard CD. In technical terms, Red Book refers to a set of professional specifications for audio CD’s. The reason it’s called is very simple - They are so named because the colour of the cover of the book that contains all these technical specifications for the standard audio CD is red.

The Qobuz is another competing streaming service that is becoming popular in US (it’s a French company).

You should be able to stream Qobuz through your Apple device once you download their app. But I am not sure if you are able to steam high resolution (24bit/192khz) files through Apple TV.

When I stream Qobuz through my iPhone in my car, the resolution max out at 16bit/44.1khz (which is same as cd resolution) even though I have high resolution subscription plan.

In my home setup, I hear full high resolution 24bit/192kHz through my Aurender N10. 

None of the streaming options have many of my extensive CD collection recordings.  No Marston, Romophone, limited issue ethnic recordings, possibly 30% of my CD collection.  Plus, the source of many of my finer jazz and classical CDs can be lesser remasterings with my owning several of each with one clear superior mastering.  So, I wouldn't put all my eggs in one basket.  I have about 7,000 CDs and listen to LPs and 78s.  Again, about 40% of my 25,000 LP collection and about 50% of the 7,000 78 collection are not available on streaming or downloads and probably never will be.

I have hard wired my motem using CAD6 cable to my Apple TV and hard wired using CAD6 cable from the Apple TV to my ARCAM.  Wouldn’t that be equal to a 16 bit CD recording.  So if that is the case wouldn’t that still sound the same as if I were playing a 16 bit CD on my OPPO 203?  I needed to hard wire in order to eliminate the signal from breaking up when I tried to stream wirelessly.  Wonder also if hardwiring improved the sound quality as well.

Thanks to all for the dialogue.  You all have such incredible knowledge.

The Oppo DAC is adequate, but to get the most out of your digital sources, you need a stand-alone DAC. Mine is an Aqua La Scala, not cheap but well worth it.

Agreed, it’s all about the DAC. When I say DAC I refer to the DAC/opamp device that takes the digital signal and convert it to a usable analog signal, not the individual chip. This device might be stand alone or imbeded in a larger piece of equipment. Having done trials on many DACs I find it is very much an individual thing. A DAC is like a musical instrument, different DACs have distinctly different sounds, so the Best DAC device is the one your ear prefers. In my case since I’m older and my HF hearing isn’t as good as it once was, I prefer a DAC that is designed with high resolution and timbre that others might find bright.