Some server/streaming BASICS ...
1. I subscribe to Tidal, but this is a "wired" system, meaning that you can either play the tunes from the App directly from your PC/phone/table. But if you want to send the Tidal tunes from your PC to your external DAC, you will have to use a "wire" like a USB connection to your DAC.
2. From #1 above, if you connect your USB directly to your DAC, there will be much of the Jitter/distortion that is described above. That is why I use a USB converter from April Music (used, $250, new $500). I plug the USB into that, then I can run a S/PDIF, XLR, or BNC to my DAC. This GREATLY reduces distortion/jitter.
3. Roon is designed to send music over wifi, from your computer to your DAC/Server, and Roon tells the NAS what to play.
4. I signed up with JRiver, and I have a MAC. Since I subscribe to Tidal, I looked for a plug-in on JRiver for Tidal, to play Tidal music thru JRiver. I did a small search, and I think that JRiver still does not have a plug-in for Mac owners to used Tidal. Bummer.
will check out the Miniserver and Lynn server that Steve suggests.
5. I had an Oppo, the jitter control is .... OK, but you can do better. I would start there to improve sound. If the music quality coming out off the Oppo is compromised, then that distortion will go through the entire system to your speakers, and you will hear it. the point: start with the cleanest signal possible. E.g, consider a renderer or reclocker, like Steve's company above.
1. I subscribe to Tidal, but this is a "wired" system, meaning that you can either play the tunes from the App directly from your PC/phone/table. But if you want to send the Tidal tunes from your PC to your external DAC, you will have to use a "wire" like a USB connection to your DAC.
2. From #1 above, if you connect your USB directly to your DAC, there will be much of the Jitter/distortion that is described above. That is why I use a USB converter from April Music (used, $250, new $500). I plug the USB into that, then I can run a S/PDIF, XLR, or BNC to my DAC. This GREATLY reduces distortion/jitter.
3. Roon is designed to send music over wifi, from your computer to your DAC/Server, and Roon tells the NAS what to play.
4. I signed up with JRiver, and I have a MAC. Since I subscribe to Tidal, I looked for a plug-in on JRiver for Tidal, to play Tidal music thru JRiver. I did a small search, and I think that JRiver still does not have a plug-in for Mac owners to used Tidal. Bummer.
will check out the Miniserver and Lynn server that Steve suggests.
5. I had an Oppo, the jitter control is .... OK, but you can do better. I would start there to improve sound. If the music quality coming out off the Oppo is compromised, then that distortion will go through the entire system to your speakers, and you will hear it. the point: start with the cleanest signal possible. E.g, consider a renderer or reclocker, like Steve's company above.