Digital USB streamer general question - Oppo 105D


HI, I am trying to maximize use of my Hifi Tidal subscription using an Oppo105D. I have some unresolved issues with tracks skipping midway through playback and missing last 4-5secs when playing Tidal Hifi resolution using the Tidal/ Oppo media app. No problems using  lower resolution (Normal/High) . I've not been able to resolve the issues and am looking to stream through the Oppo USB DAC connection and hence the question ?. Is there a good USB streamer (without DAC) for <1k$ ? I presume a dedicated USB streamer will also sound much better than just connecting a laptop USB connection ? I already tried to connect widows laptop via USB DAC and determined there are no issues playing Tidal Hifi resolution but it sounds poor/harsh compared to the Tidal/Oppo app direct stream (ie when it works). Also tried streaming Tidal via my TV using the Arc HDMI function and it is even worse than the laptop USB connection. I did not realize how important the digital part of streaming was until I made these trials over the last week.  I'm not ready to go for a combo streamer/DAC quite yet as I wish to continue to use my Oppo/DAC as it has a Modwright Truth Tube upgrade that I really enjoy and I wish to continue to benefit from this for another few years. Thoughts , opinions and guidance for a good USB streamer <1K$ are welcome to help expand my limited digital streaming knowledge. 
mdempster

Showing 2 responses by yage

A Bluesound Node ($549) might be a good fit.

Personally, I use a Raspberry Pi for streaming, but it can require some technical knowledge to get up and running. You can put together a streamer for less than $100 though.


Caveat - I’m not a TIDAL subscriber.

https://www.bluesound.com/products/node/
The iFi looks nice - great price too. I think the key is to get a device that has TIDAL Connect. Otherwise you're fighting an uphill battle to get it to work reliably.