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Help with streaming Tidal's Master tracks

Hi folks, new guy here so please bear with me. 

I would like some advice about what exactly I would need hardware wise to enable Tidals master music. Right now I am streaming their cd quality with either apple airplay from my airport express output or from dish music through dish hopper output.

I realize I must use my computer to get the master tracks but am a little confused as to what additional hardware I need. My IMac is in a different room but I can run cables if need be. My equipment right now is a Jolida 3502p amp and a Schitt Freya preamp, my speakers are Paradigm studio 60'sv3. So as you see not real high end stuff but what I can afford. I'm pleased with the sound quality but would like to try the master tracks from Tidal. I don't have a dac. Would you folks explain to me what I would need to do to use Tidal at its full potential. I appreciate any advice you can offer. Thanks, erik

petware

Showing 6 responses by petware

petware OP
26 posts
 
Thanks Ghosthouse, that seems simple enough! I was under the impression that I needed some kind of mqa liscensed special box or such to get the full benefits from Tidal. I like your solution and it fits my budget as well. Are you aware of any way I can use an iPhone or iPad as a remote to control the iMac in a different room? I appreciate the help
erik
petware OP
26 posts
 
Being a new member, I wasn't aware of wildly conflicting opinions regarding mqa. I guess it comes with territory and proves how subjective this hobby is. I do appreciate all opinions as I haven't formed one yet...
petware OP
26 posts
 
Sage advice, thank you. I'll give the red a go just to satisfy my curiosity. 
petware OP
26 posts
 
Thank you Ghosthouse, you’ve been a big help! I do have an airport express for wifi, I’ll see if I can get it to work. You mention you’re not hung up on mqa playback. I’ve never heard better than cd quality except old DVD audio discs on my system. Is the difference in your opinion worth it or negligible in sound quality? My magic bullet chasing can be futile sometimes so I like to hear others opinions

edit
i guess what I'm asking is should I skip the mqa stuff and maybe get a dac rather than relying on the airport express that will make my streaming sources sound better or will the tidal masters really sound much better?
petware OP
26 posts
 
Thanks Kalali for your thoughts. One question if I may. To make Tidal master tracks available do you hook up an Ethernet cable between the blue sound node and the computer or does the blue sound node not need to be hooked up to a computer? This is where my confusion comes in regarding the various solutions available. 
petware OP
26 posts
 
Thanks guys, I'm looking forward to comparing for myself and see what conclusion I come to
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