How to connect Tidal to DAC wireless via iPad

The Node2i is a well respected piece, and should do just fine. To be honest, I just don’t do ‘critical’ listening via streaming to warrant even that cost (usually use Tidal to check out stuff I’m curious about, or might consider purchasing), but what I do stream sounds just fine, in fact very good via my iPad, Tidal, or my server connected by my inexpensive wireless ‘streaming’ unit. I just prefer physical media first and foremost, and that will probably never change.

Good luck, you can’t go wrong with that purchase as a starting point.

Check out the Dayton Audio WBA28. Very inexpensive, but works. I have an older model which allows me to connect my iPad/iPhone Tidal app wirelessly to this unit, and it then connects to my older PS Audio DAC that has no wireless connection. I use the optical connection available.

It also has an app which allows you to connect to a wireless server if you have one, which I also do, but more rare. You can also use their app to connect to Tidal, but I never do, and connect directly with my Tidal app on my iPad. Just select the WBA as your source on the iPad and you are ready to go.

In this way you can keep what you have. If you decide on a dedicated streamer down the road, not much of a loss.

With the Dayton Audio device I use, and it looks like the Arcam unit also mentioned, you can connect wireless via your wireless router. In my case, my router is upstairs, my system down, with no good way to connect directly via cat5 for internet connection. Of course if you can, great. Thus, the very small unit I have can sit in my rack (somewhat hidden actually) connected wirelessly to my router upstairs in my office, and yes, then ‘hardwire’ connected to my DAC. I use the digital RCA to my DAC from my CD player, so for me, the optical is the only other choice, as my old PS Audio DAC only has optical and RCA inputs. The Dayton unit also has USB output, so you could use that as well.

I connect my router to my little wireless streamer wirelessly. No physical connection to my router required. Just connects via my wireless network as an ‘access point’. It can connect via cat5, but I don’t use it that way. Doubt it is required with the Node2i either. A wireless internet connection is just fine for streaming, but you want to stay away from Bluetooth for a quality home system. 

I went with node 2i...was within my budget and pulled the trigger last night. We will see how it works. Thanks everyone..

Congrats, that unit gets very good reviews, and should serve your purpose well.