2. digital
  3. 147638-123258

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 1 response by russellrcncom

russellrcncom
305 posts
 

Great question.

I have the "CD quality" package with Tidal but I swear that I am hearing a difference.  I will look into the "loudness normalization" button.

Part of the problem may be that I'm steaming tidal via Bluetooth with an Audioengine B1.  I'm wondering if it's a waste of money based on the method of streaming.  Would appreciate some feedback if someone else has this same situation.


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