Well, allow me to introduce myself first. I'm a passionate audiophile who use high quality digital sources like Esoteric/Emm Labs/etc. When playing file from server couldn't match the quality of flagship CD transport, I developed my own solution that could be considered very close and satisfying enough for me to enjoy.
Then I signed up for Tidal streaming CD quality, it was a disappointment comparing to tracks I ripped from CD with Plextor Premium2 drive. Many of my highend audiophile friends and vendors also told me in private that Tidal sounds unacceptable for highend systems. They also sell and use with other servers too not just my products.
So, I spent years searching for promising solution to cure network inferiority hoping I can enjoy Tidal streaming with my systems. I couldn't find one that I can truly enjoy with. They usually sound more cleaner or more spatial with richer ambient or more quiet but couldn't get solid dynamics and coherent sound that can deliver good deep and tight bass with good control and expand.
Well, at least my recent product is good enough for me to deliver missing aspects and my friend who used to complain about Tidal now say he can enjoy Tidal in serious highend system even with airplay. Some also said it's like playing from hard drive directly. So I get satisfying results now.
I think having a good reference to compare will make evaluation of our systems being more rational. Going streaming only is also fine. I'm just curious if there's anyone else comparing between streaming and good quality local playback to notice the difference.
Regards,
Keetakawee
