streaming device

[sanjay.s]

Hi,
Need advice on the streaming device. I am currently using Spotify from Arcam 390 and Tidal from Apple TV. Would adding Cambridge CXN be a worth upgrade to get best SQ,

 

[lovinthehd]

Doubtful but what streaming quality does the ATV provide for these services? These days not only do units like ATV and other streaming devices, just about any phone or computer, makes a fine streaming device. If you want a separate box for it what would it need to be able to do particularly? What kind of connectivity?

 

[sanjay.s]

Doubtful but what streaming quality does the ATV provide for these services? These days not only do units like ATV and other streaming devices, just about any phone or computer, makes a fine streaming device. If you want a separate box for it what would it need to be able to do particularly? What kind of connectivity?

Thank you for your reply. I will be using Spotify and Tidal connect from mobile to AVR.

 

[Trebdp83]

If you are subscribed to Tidal HIFI and want to listen to their Masters tracks in their full bitrate, up to 192khz/24bit, you will need an MQA supporting device. Using Airplay will get you 44.1khz/16bit, Apple TV can go up to 48khz/24bit.

 

[sanjay.s]

If you are subscribed to Tidal HIFI and want to listen to their Masters tracks in their full bitrate, up to 192khz/24bit, you will need an MQA supporting device. Using Airplay will get you 44.1khz/16bit, Apple TV can go up to 48khz/24bit.View attachment 42849

Thank you for the information.

 

[PENG]

In my experience the most important factor is the recording/master quality. All those different format above CD resolution, and the newer gadget such as MQA are there to take advantage of how people can hear things because they expect to and want to, given a reason, such as the claimed theoretical advantage of MQA etc. You can play a simple CD quality digital file in any formats, if the source recording quality is good, it will sound better than one that is in the highest possible resolution such as 32/384, or DSD 512. In fact even MP3 320 can sound really good if the file is down sampled/converted, as long as the recording/mastering quality is good. Just try it and you will agree. Chasing formats, like chasing electronics, can only get you so far, because it is not that hard to get pass the point of diminishing return.

 

[BMXTRIX]

If I was looking for a top-tier audio-only streaming device, I would lean towards Bluesound based upon the reviews from them and their reported ease of use.

 

[Trebdp83]

In my experience the most important factor is the recording/master quality. All those different format above CD resolution, and the newer gadget such as MQA are there to take advantage of how people can hear things because they expect to and want to, given a reason, such as the claimed theoretical advantage of MQA etc. You can play a simple CD quality digital file in any formats, if the source recording quality is good, it will sound better than one that is in the highest possible resolution such as 32/384, or DSD 512. In fact even MP3 320 can sound really good if the file is down sampled/converted, as long as the recording/mastering quality is good. Just try it and you will agree. Chasing formats, like chasing electronics, can only get you so far, because it is not that hard to get pass the point of diminishing return.

I can’t say a disagree with you about chasing numbers. For those looking to try higher rates, Audirvana is an option for anybody with a PC/Mac and I find the Bluesound Node 2i interesting but am not really interested in spending the money to experiment with it. Tidal HIFI albums streamed directly from my AVR Tidal app in 44.1/16 sound better than the same Masters version albums that are played on a device that cannot do the “unfolding” of MQA. I found this to be the case when using my AVR, Apple TV 4K and Nvidia Shield Pro. None of them can pass MQA at 192/24. Also, anybody interested in listening to Dolby Atmos tracks on Tidal will need a device that supports Tidal Atmos streaming as well. There is no device that streams MQA 192/24 two channel music AND multi channel Atmos music at this time. And, Atmos over any streaming service is from a lossy DD+ core and not a Dolby TrueHD core as on a blu-ray disc.

 

[PENG]

I can’t say a disagree with you about chasing numbers. For those looking to try higher rates, Audirvana is an option for anybody with a PC/Mac and I find the Bluesound Node 2i interesting but am not really interested in spending the money to experiment with it. Tidal HIFI albums streamed directly from my AVR Tidal app in 44.1/16 sound better than the same Masters version albums that are played on a device that cannot do the “unfolding” of MQA. I found this to be the case when using my AVR, Apple TV 4K and Nvidia Shield Pro. None of them can pass MQA at 192/24. Also, anybody interested in listening to Dolby Atmos tracks on Tidal will need a device that supports Tidal Atmos streaming as well. There is no device that streams MQA 192/24 two channel music AND multi channel Atmos music at this time. And, Atmos over any streaming service is from a lossy DD+ core and not a Dolby TrueHD core as on a blu-ray disc. View attachment 42869

I can't dispute with anyone based on subjective impressions on what sounds better... Personally I prefer to listen to the best recording quality media I could find and purchase than to rely on streaming sites such as Tidal , Amazon HD, Apple and others (Tidal might be the best currently). That's just me and I am biased because I like to think logic rules, so the more direct the better. I wouldn't want to rely on the likes of Tidal/MQA that is great in theory in terms of preserving the original quality, but can't do better than that even if it is (I believe it is) practically 100% effective. That's just me, and if I prefer online streaming (but I don't..), I would likely go with MQA too. Sorry, I didn't mean to derail the original discussion, that is about streaming.

 

[Trebdp83]

No worries, it isn’t as simple as just streaming your favorite tunes. So many devices, applications, codecs and licensing agreements out there that it involves a considerable amount of research to find devices and services that will do what you want to do. It’s a mess out there. I use Tidal and sample lots of music. I have purchased CDs of albums I’ve listen to on Tidal because I like having a physical copy and have cars with CD players. But, buying every album I liked would be very expensive compared to streaming them on Tidal. That’s just how I do it, anyway. And, I still just stream background holiday music in MP3 format from Pandora.

 

[sanjay.s]

Hi,

I need advice on connecting the CXV v2 to Arcam 390. Which option is better. Or any other suggestions.
Option 1. - connect RCA out of CXN to arcam analog in
Option 2 - Connect to CXA81 ( would be additional purchase)