2. digital
  3. 174025-96382

Improvement of MacBook Air for Streaming Tidal

OK, admittedly I am a bit ignorant on streaming digital. My analogue gear and knowhow is up to par, but digital...not quite. When not listening to vinyl, for ease of use I usually stream Tidal via my MacBook Air to a DAC (Hegel HD30), then to a preamp(Aric Audio Motherlode) then to amp(Coda Model 16) to speakers(TAD CE1’s). I like how easy it is to navigate my Tidal account and library via the MacBook, but I am also smart enough(I believe) to know that I am losing a lot of the fidelity having to use the USB port out of my laptop.

I ask my audio brethren, what are reasonably priced solutions to raise my digital methodologies so that I get the most out of Tidal?

 

I thank you in advance for your assistance!

laaudionut

Showing 1 response by ghdprentice

ghdprentice
6,469 posts
 

Looking at your DAC and preamp you want to make a similar investment. I would recommend either an Aurender N100 or an Aurender N10. You have very good components, you want to chose as good or better… this is your source, if it’s not there…then the DAC or follow on electronics are not going to add it. I have experienced quit a few streamers… Aurender gets it… they are not budget… they are high end sound quality.

If you see yourself improving your system over time then definitely, get a Aurender N10… it will be your centerpiece for a decade.

 

I have a high end vinyl system and my streamer provides the same unreal, imaging, musicality, broad and deep soundstage, to all music. The streamer also brings virtually all music… via Qobuz. (Click on my user ID to see my systems)

 

Streamer —> DAC —> Preamp —-> Amp. —> Speakers

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