Apple Lossless? Do I need Tidal now. Is it better with my Node 2i?


I thought i knew...turns out I dont.

Have been using Apple Music (legacy) and Tidal for the last 2 years.

- Apple Music (for legacy iTunes) via AirPlay to my Node 2i.
- Tidal for HiRes via Tidal app to my Node 2i.

Now that Apple has Lossless and Hi-Res, and most music I listen to, I have questions and seek your help:

1. Do I still need Tidal?
2. Is "Tidal Connect" to my Node 2i better than AirPlay?

I have a Chord Qutest DAC with external LPS, Belles Aria Sig amp and Dynaudio S-40s with Audience AU24 cables.
Thanks,
Ian
ianrmack

Showing 1 response by toro3

I think tvad is correct in his last post. Listening quality is completely subjective. Recently, some people have been saying that they believe Spotify is more musical than Tidal even though the resolution is lower in Spotify. Other people have said that Tidal adds a bit of sparkle on the top end and increases the bottom end, which I agree with.


One of the big reasons why I’ve stayed with Spotify and Tidal vs Apple Music, Deezer, and Quboz is because of Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect. There’s lower battery drainage from my device (typically an iPhone) due to bypassing Bluetooth. With Connect, the iPhone is simply the remote while my NAD and your Node are streaming directly from the unit and not from your iPhone, computer, or tablet via Bluetooth.