Is there a difference in sound quality when streaming TIDAL Vs CD player

“Tidal HiFi is superb for playing from cars, mobiles, and up to 2000$ fixed gear”

This is the most absurd opinion I ever read anywhere on these forums. The difference in sound quality varies due to the original master used for a CD or Tidal streaming and playback hardware.

Majority of the content available on Tidal HiFi is of CD quality or better. I won’t comment on MQA due to various controversies surrounding the process.

I am now listening to Qobuz and their content in 24/192kHz or 24/96kHz is definitely sounds better than MQA, IMO.

I’ve managed to trim down my CD’s and SACD’s collection to now 250 (from 900) that apparently source from superior master than what’s currently available on Tidal or Qobuz.

@larry5729,

DSD stands for Direct Stream Digital (Sony digital audio format). It is a trademark used by Sony and Philips for their system of digitally recreating audible signals for the Super Audio CD (SACD). DSD uses pulse-density modulation encoding, a technology to store audio signals on digital storage media which are used for the SACD.

Red book CD is another acronym for standard CD. In technical terms, Red Book refers to a set of professional specifications for audio CD’s. The reason it’s called is very simple - They are so named because the colour of the cover of the book that contains all these technical specifications for the standard audio CD is red.

The Qobuz is another competing streaming service that is becoming popular in US (it’s a French company).

You should be able to stream Qobuz through your Apple device once you download their app. But I am not sure if you are able to steam high resolution (24bit/192khz) files through Apple TV.

When I stream Qobuz through my iPhone in my car, the resolution max out at 16bit/44.1khz (which is same as cd resolution) even though I have high resolution subscription plan.

In my home setup, I hear full high resolution 24bit/192kHz through my Aurender N10. 

@fleschler,

Thank you for your recommendation on GroverHuffman cables. They are reasonably priced and appears to be a well thought out design. With 60 days return policy I will try them in very near future.

“Why is the party selling them getting rid of them?”

I wouldn’t be worrying about this too much. People change / upgrade / downgrade components for various reasons. The key is to read available specs and reviews for the component or speakers you’re considering before you make a purchase. Next thing you need to make sure that used item has no operational or cosmetic flaws and what’s being included in the sale. 

SALK Audio makes great speakers and are reasonably priced. I am not sure about the analogy of $6K vs $60k....i think this kind of broad generalizations ( like any Focal speakers ) is too vague and carries no weight. I personally don’t care for low end Focals but once you get upto mid to high range they are pretty good. 

You find Focal’s overpriced, no argument there but so is everything else that carries ‘fat’ dealer margins. Plus Focal’s are being made overseas, so one must account for import duties and freight costs.