2. digital
  3. 156548-145014

Another streaming newbie

Guys, I have tried to search and figure this out, because I know this topic has been well-covered. But I am still wandering in the dark, so plz forgive my redundant questions....

First, here's my current rig,: I built a Lenco table 15 yrs ago with a JMW 10 arm/London Super Gold that I run into a phono pre that I built from a pretty high end kit  (can't see the name, have no idea what it is now!) thru a VTL tube IT-85 integrated amp and then thru some SF Electa Amator II, supported by a sub I built.  So pretty mid-fi setup, but it really works for me.  Sounds great, to my ears.  

The Covid thing has me home (no golf in Los Angeles!), listening to music more. Would love to stream something that approaches the vinyl sound quality with a music service, but being retired, budget is more a concern now... I just subscribed to TIDAL with its premium level (MQA) that I was running straight from my iphone 6 to the VTL. Meh.  Then my daughter ran same stuff through her iphone 11 and, hey, that sounded better.  So, clearly, I am in need of a streaming DAC.  

I know MQA gets mixed reviews. I have no way really to test this or to go listen to stuff. Everything is shut down here. So here's the criteria that matters most to me:
  • A great UI app because now streaming is like going to the Smithsonian.  There's a lot to organize. 
  • Great sound. (whatever that means!) 
  • One box.  Cables get expensive & messy.  
  • I'd like to keep it under $2K. I'd really like to keep it under $1K, but that may be wishful thinking.  I mean, is Bluesound Node 2 up to it? I am sure it would beat my daughters iphone 11, but ... what are reasonable streamers/DACS?  Where's the killer solution that isn't $10K?  I know it's out there....
I am not so far into TIDAL that I can't change. My system is in the same room as my router, so I can run an ethernet cable to the DAC.  As I have looked at all of this, it has occurred to me to get an older, much higher quality used DAC that I can somehow mesh with TIDAL (or another service with high quality streaming) and forget the MQA.  But this has to somehow hook into my internet directly and be able to be run by a remote UI.  So now my head is spinning.

Thanks for your input.  Chuck
chuckccs
blkwrxwgn
240 posts
 
A lot of people have an iPad, so that's where a setup like I spoke about comes into play as you're not using your phone.
big_greg
6,554 posts
 
Chuck,

My short and sweet description (or opinion if you wish) of Tidal vs Qobuz rests on a couple of things. 

Tidal seems to be focused on a younger audience.  Think hip-hop, pop, rap, etc.  It's owned by Jay-Z.  Qobuz seems to appeal to a more mature (OK older) audience, with an emphasis on classical, jazz, classic rock, etc. 

Their catalogs overlap a lot, although I think Tidal has an overall larger selection. 

Tidal uses MQA for "hi-res" files, which requires special software AND hardware to do the full "unfold" of the file (this they MQA capable DACs).  Qobuz on the other hand simply provides a lot of high resolution files (mostly 24/96 to 24/192) that play through any DAC capable of playing hi-res files, which most can. 

I keep Tidal because sometimes there are things that I want to listen to that aren't available on Qobuz, but that seems to happen less and less.  If I was forced to only keep one, it would be Qobuz for sure.
chuckccs OP
42 posts
 
Greg, yeah, hip hop isn't down the middle of the plate for me! But so far, everything except one obscure album (Ry Cooder soundtrack Paris, Texas) that i have looked for, I have found on Tidal.  But the MQA is the question and it drives hardward thinking....
blkwrxwgn
240 posts
 
If only spotify would offer a high rez service, their UI and AI for selecting music for you, are the best in the business.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
jazzman7
334 posts
 
Concerning Tidal, Qobuz, MQA, Bluesound and using Bluesound gear with external DACs.

Some history:
Been both a Tidal subscriber and Bluesound user since 2014.
Have been a Qobuz subscriber since November.
Have 4 pieces of Bluesound kit in the house, including both the original Node N100 and the Node 2i.  With respect to external DACs, started with a Bryston BDA-1 hooked up to an N100 via Toslink, then the BDA-1 moved to a second system where I already had another N100 when I picked up a Chord Qutest.  Then a Node 2i replaced the N100 in my main rig, and the N100 moved to my office.  Node 2i in main rig has been connected to Qutest by both Toslink and RCA terminated coax digital cables.  The Qutest Coax inputs are BNC, so use an Audioquest adaptor BNC to RCA adaptor which goes for something like $10. I have nothing against Tidal, and nothing against MQA, but all things being equal if I had to choose, I'd take Qobuz over Tidal overall in terms of SQ.

With respect to Bluesound devices and MQA.  Via its analog outputs Bluesound devices will do full unfold of MQA.   Via its digital outputs Bluesound devices will do the first bit of unfolding, which gets you all the way to 96K when used with a non MQA external DAC.  And I'd argue that most of the goodness is contained in that first 96K, there just isn't much material to be had above the 96K figure anyway.  If I listen to the same MQA material via Bluesound device analog outputs to that of its digital outputs hooked up to quality non MQA DAC like Bryston BDA-1 or Chord Qutest, its no contest.  Outboard DACs like these easily outperform the Bluesound internal DAC, even though via its analog outputs the Bluesound kit do the MQA full monty.   
Having said that, I still prefer Qobuz, not just for Hi res, but for Redbook as well.  And that is important, because the overwhelming amount of material out there is at Redbook (i.e. CD quality) level. 

Oh, and not knocking the sound quality of Bluesound kit via there analog outputs.  It's still good value for the money.  But when hooked up to a good external DAC, it just takes things to a whole other level.

With respect to usability. I think the Bluesound kit is the best thing going for the money.  Blu OS app is available on IOS, Android, PC, and MAC.
About the only thing that will truly beat it in my opinion is Roon, and that is a much more expensive proposition.  But then again if you do go Roon (and btw I do), all of the Bluesound gear are Roon compatible and can function as Roon endpoints.  And just keep in mind that Roon interface support is currently limited to Tidal, Qobuz and internet Radio; Blu OS supports far more streaming services. 




More to discover