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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 5 responses by tvad

tvad's avatar
tvad
11,585 posts
 
So, if I get this right, I can use Apple Music and stream cd quality Lossless now via airplay to my node 2i then onto my chord Qutest?

Correct on CD quality Lossless from Apple Music via Airplay.

I don’t have an answer about Node 2i then onto the Chord Qutest.
tvad's avatar
tvad
11,585 posts
 
@hilde45, Apple’s AirPlay 2 protocol downsamples audio files to 24-bit/44.1 kHz (Lossless).
tvad's avatar
tvad
11,585 posts
 
@hilde45

In other words, to listen to Apple Music Lossless, I now have to bypass my streamer?

No. You’re conflating Lossless with High Resolution. You are listening to Lossless using the method you employ. You aren’t listening to Apple High Resolution.

The article you linked explains that BlueOS plays AAC 256, which is lossless, but is limited to 44.1kHz (CD quality). Lossless (AAC) does not equate to high resolution (24bit/96kHz or 24bit/192kHz), which is possible using Darko’s technique.

However, as I mentioned previously, high resolution (24bit/96kHz or 24bit/192kHz) doesn’t necessarily translate to preferable sound. The DAC (and streamer) matters.

Many folks prefer 18bit/44kHz content via a well designed DAC.



tvad's avatar
tvad
11,585 posts
 
Any clues appreciated. I can re-read the Darko, but I'm just checking that it's pertinent.

My advice is to read the Darko article. He does a great job of explaining what I might unintentionally botch. Bottom line, unless you're connecting an iPhone or iPad to a USB DAC using a Lightning-to-USB connector or CCK (camera connection kit), then you're not getting 24bit/96kHz or 24bit/192kHz from Apple High Resolution.
tvad's avatar
tvad
11,585 posts
 
No one can tell you what you should subjectively prefer, but the facts are these:

1) AirPlay and Apple TV OS are limited to 24bit/48kHz. There is one way to tap Apple Music’s ‘hi-res lossless’ content: an iPad or iPhone, connected to a USB DAC with Apple’s Lightning-to-USB adapter.

The details are in this article. (click the link)

2) If you subscribe to Tidal Master Quality, then Master Quality can stream up to 24Bit/192kHz (typically 24Bit/96kHz).

So, Tidal offers higher resolution than Apple AirPlay in most set-ups, which may or may not sound better.

Some of the world’s best sounding DACs play only 16Bit/44Khz content.

It’s up to you to decide which music service sounds better in your system with your equipment, and which service offers features you prefer.


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