2. digital
  3. 187901-181583

Tidal FLAC vs. Qobuz

Does the recent change by Tidal, from MQA to FLAC make Tidal the better choice for streaming?  Or, since Tidal only seems to offer FLAC on its own app and not the BluOS defeat the purpose since you need to transmit by Bluetooth instead of ethernet?  

Currently, I stream from Tidal over direct ethernet cable to a Bluesound Vault streamer, to a McIntosh amp and Revel speakers.  I have a trial membership to  Qobuz but I find Tidal has a much better catalog.  Since Tidal added Flac I thought it would be the obvious choice moving forward, but isn't the point of FLAC defeated since you need to send wirelessly from the Tidal app over Bluetooth?

mojo771
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,417 posts
 

+1 @carlsbad2 

Qobuz for the huge classical collection and the many hires albums.

mojo771 OP
49 posts
 

@lalitk 

I  actually started looking for a new streamer but I really like the BluOS so now I'm looking for a DAC.  I test drove the Rose 150 streamer/dac but it didn't sound much different and I like the bluos better.  Many reviews on the Rose talked about the beautiful screen, but I don't need a beautiful screen since I use the Blu app.  I have received many suggestions - ranging from a $600 dac to a 10k dac, but my local dealer only has the Rose.  So I would need to buy some DACs knowing that I'm going to test drive and then return all but one.  I hate to do that.

 

billhilleary
1 posts
 

Lately I have found that the high res FLAC files on Qobuz sound way better than MQA on Tidal, for most things.  The "Studio Master" MQA often sound quite good to me, but on most of the classic rock I stream, Qobuz is far superior in my view.  I have both now but planning to move on from Tidal.  

mojo771 OP
49 posts
 

For example;  ELP -

Qobuz has 9 HiRes and 21 cd options. 

Tidal has 43 mqa, 23 flac, and 16 cd options

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,547 posts
 

@mojo771 

I really liked the BluOS app. It’s a very versatile app with plethora of options to stream. That’s one thing I missed with current App. By all means, keep the Vault and get a better DAC. As others have reported, you can also improve Vault’s performance by upgrading its power supply plus good quality SPDIF cable. 

As far as picking a DAC, search online and keep an eye on used market here and on USAM. I am confident you can find something within your budget and to your liking. It’s a bit of work but well worth it. 

Good luck! 

More to discover