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


I hard wired my modem located in my family room using Cad6 cable to my Apple TV and direct wired my Apple TV to my ARCAM AVR550.  I have an OPPO 203 connected by both an RCA cable and by HDMI to my ARCAM.  

The dealer I purchased my ARCAM from told me to play my CD’s through my RCA connection and to watch DVD’s through HDMI.  If I listen to CD’s through the RCA, aren’t I using the DAC on the OPPO player rather than the DAC on my ARCAM and wouldn’t the DAC on my ARCAM be a better DAC.  My friend told me I should use a digital cable rather than an RCA to improve sound quality to utilize the DAC on my ARCAM?  If this is the case, wouldn’t the HDMI be the same as by using a specific digital cable?  I listened to my CD’s through the RCA Vs the RCA cable and I thought it sounded better through my HDMI cable.

i will be looking forward to your responses.

Thank you,
128x128larry5729

Showing 3 responses by pcc67

I have not a/b CD vs tidal.  I use tidal hifi, my rig is above 10k, digital cable from bluesound node 2i to anthem mrx 720. My system is ht/music.  The sound is excellent to me and the convenience makes me forget about my cds. I packed my cds away and haven't looked back. Like many mentioned you need to hear for yourself and you can bring tidal to your car.
For the price of tidal premium,  I'm very happy with just tidal. Convenience,  cost, selection and no cludder from empty CD cases. Just easy to take with me on my phone. Create different play list and add songs as I experience different selections. I used to be into cds big time in the 90s. This just saves me money and taking cds in and out to my car. So I believe the sound is great with tidal/blue sound. Suits my needs perfectly.  Had a great system in my truck that I sold, dont want to go that route again.  About 3k into it.