Amazon just killed Tidal

Lalitk

Well you might be able to get to talk to a live person quickly but getting to talk to a live person who understands your problems?
Different matter altogether!
Maybe better luck tomorrow during " normal hours"

Well Amazon might not have "Killed Tidal" but I am suitably impressed after actually getting it to play on the " big rig".

Streaming to my two vintage rigs was easy as the android app saw the 2 Chromecast units instantly and played to them perfectly and it sounded good.

But my Ayre EX8 did not show up as a source and mconnect does not support Amazon yet.

On the iPad it was at first considered even worse as NOTHING showed up as a source.

However with perseverance and the help of 2 members ( thx Rick and Robert) I got it to work on the big rig.
Out of the iPad, Lightning to female USB adapter, USB audio cable to a powered reclocker, USB audio cable into the EX8.
The EX8 does not have a powered USB audio input so the reclocker is essential to the party to supply good clean 5v USB power.

Ok so with this setup I was able to play same album on Amazon and Qobuz switching between USB audio and Ethernet inputs to compare the SQ.

I have to say I might just give the nod to Amazon atm.
Although a lot of variables, maybe the reclocker is really helping out?
Maybe my Ethernet is hampered by being 75 ft from the router and running through a switch?

Tough call but I now have options.

I get Tidal HiRes @ $9.99 with student discount (no actually my son is a student). I am fortunate to own an Oppo205 with a build in MQA decode. Guess MQA even has a 384khz/24bit MQA recording. I can download to my Pioneer XDP100-R (which also has an MQA decoder) off-line. I can't think Amazon could beat Tidal. I had Qobuz which sounds even better than MQA but cost 2X. I guess I would stay with Tidal until my son graduate from college.

Amazon also has student pricing at just $4.99 per month......

I have been subscribed to Tidal for well over 3 years now . I tried spotify and (amazon when it first came out) and was not satisfied with the sound quality . Tidal has gotten better over time although I still dislike it's push on hip hop.. Furthermore I dislike even more it's push on MQA.
It's nice to finally have an alternative. 
 I dislike Amazon's misleading "HD" terminology regarding standard "CD" quality sound . Unfortunately the average dummy will buy into it cause they were also happy with the previous mp3 format.. 
This being said I'm extremely happy that they (Amazon) are not utilizing MQA.  MQA should have been dead on arrival and hopefully this may be a final nail in its coffin. 
More choice is always better for the consumer.. For now Im sticking with Tidal but it'll be interesting to see how this plays out..