With my Antipodes DS streamer/server, tracks FLAC ripped into it direct from CDs and played back with Roon via my Denafrips Pontus DAC sound marginally better than Tidal streamed through Roon and the Pontus.
Which Has Best Sound Quality -- CD vs. Tidal vs. FLAC Uploaded From Burned CD
I will start the discussion noting my experience using Roon and Tidal, which enabled a direct A/B comparison between my FLAC library which I transferred from my CDs and Tidal. It was easy to A/B compare because in many instances I uploaded the same album in FLAC that Tidal had in their general mainframe for our listening pleasure.
As an example, I listened to both versions of the Ratatat album LP3. I found my FLAC version superior to the Tidal version based on being crisper, more refined and less bloated in the bass. The Roon software clearly identified that I was playing the same album from the two different sources.
I have not compared the CD, as this would require adding a CD player. What has been your experiences in this area?
As an example, I listened to both versions of the Ratatat album LP3. I found my FLAC version superior to the Tidal version based on being crisper, more refined and less bloated in the bass. The Roon software clearly identified that I was playing the same album from the two different sources.
I have not compared the CD, as this would require adding a CD player. What has been your experiences in this area?
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I suppose it was being on wireless that made the difference. I got my wire installed today and I can’t tell a difference between CD and the ripped WAV which is how I thought it should be. Some might argue being wireless shouldn’t matter but to me in my system it does. It sounded pretty good on wireless but I always had to turn the volume about 20% more to get the same level as CD which I don’t have to do being hard wired. |
I always feel that streaming lacks something. Once it is in the box, ripped or downloaded, I can`t hear a difference. BTW. This site has a couple of comparison downloads comparing one track in different formats all the way up to 352 DXD. If anything it is good to see what your DAC can handle. https://www.soundliaison.com/ |
i compared Tidal HF last night with the title track from Joni Mitchell’s Blue album. Flac file vs. Tidal steam, not even close. the Flac file had way more body and depth and harmonic richness. i streamed the Tidal from my MacBook to my Oppo 103 via HDMI out to a very good DAC. Tidal works for me on the computer, but shows it weakness on a good home system. was about to buy a Bluesound streamer |
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- 18 posts total