Usability Issues with Tidal

@wakethetown, The Ayre Codex DA is excellent and, yes, I own one.

https://www.ayre.com/codex.htm

My Tidal streaming service is working fine and it is highly recommended. Yes, I did have connectivity problems but they were caused by my Linksys router. This router was dropping packets and a repair was not available. I replaced it with an Apple Extreme Router and it is working perfectly. My other connectivity issue was caused by my ISP’s junction box outside my home. It was replaced and everything has been fine since.

My emails to them have been answered in 24 hours or less. Their service has been excellent.  

I like Tidal’s album selection and the sound quality is superb. I also like their MQA Masters selection.  

I agree with lalitk that Tidal is easily worth $20 per month. Tidal Streaming is recommended. 

@wakethetown, I am streaming Tidal using an Aurender N10 Music Server and their Conductor App running on my iPad is very easy to use.  My sound quality is excellent.   The MQA Coded albums are available in the Master Tab.

I am surprised your CD’s are sounding much better than the same album on Tidal.   As I understand it, you are using the Bluesound Node 2 with Tidal. My Aurender is using an Ethernet line connected to my Apple Extreme router connected to my Arris modem.   

How is your Bluesound Node 2 connected to your router?   What router are you using?   As I described above, my Linksys router was having major signal problems and the resulting distortion prevented me from listing to anything from Tidal.  

I doubt your ISP is the problem but it might be worth while to ensure your signal strength is okay (call your ISP and request this test).  My Arris modem FAILED its signal testing meaning the ISP had to replace my outside junction box (entire neighborhood issue).   An out of range signal distorts the signal and causes all kind of problems.  You should also run a speed test on your modern to ensure your speeds are okay.  

This type of trouble shooting is not easy and maybe others can add their suggestions.    

@wakethetown, Based on my experience, steaming Tidal requires an Ethernet connection (hard wired) since Wi-Fi is not good enough.   If running an Ethernet cable is not possible, it is my understanding your signal will have problems meaning that Tidal may not sound the best.  

Are you sure you cannot run an Ethernet connection?    If not, you could try running Ethernet over power.   This means buying connections and running the Ethernet signal over your power lines.  This is not the best but is certainly better than Wi-Fi.   

@jond, I agree that a better DAC will improve his sound quality.   

@wakethetown, I am not familiar with the Cambridge Audio CXN DAC.   I suggest you go to the digital forum of Audiogon and search for DAC's.  Schitt makes several lDAC's at various prices points.  See:
http://www.schiit.com/home

You need to determine your price range and then research DAC's in your price range.   It is my opinion that spending a little extra for a high quality DAC is worth the money for improved sound quality but you need to make that decision.  I suggest you not rush a decision, and audition some DAC's in your price range.  

I agree that hardwiring is a pain, and expensive, but it is worth every penny.  I hired my audio retailer to help me install an under my house Ethernet cable.  We ran a cable to my family room where I already had a cable connection.  We installed the Luxul XGS-1008 switch box and plugged the new cable into the Luxul.  It works perfectly.