I really should raise this as a question in another thread, but I wanted to mention it here in case this is somehow of some help to you.
I was using HEOS to stream Tidal - supposedly Hi-Def - to my Marantz SR6013. It sounded terrible. And I don't know why. Note that
- Playing a CD via an optical connection (using receiver DAC and Amp) sounds fine
- Playing a CD via an analog connection (using the receiver amp) sounds fine
So, I'm not saying "the DAC sucks" or "the amp sucks."
I got Tidal because I think internet streams at 128kbps or below sound terrible, and 192 is often tolerable, but easily noticeably less good. But I don't have magic ears, and find that 256 (and especially above 300) actually sounds pretty darn reasonable.
So I'm not trying to split magic hairs here. If HEOS/Tidal/Marantz are actually doing what they're supposed to be doing, what they SAY they're doing - streaming Tidal at CD quality - it should sound completely fine. But it most definitely does NOT sound fine, and I don't know where to point the finger...
My sample size is only "1 receiver," but I can't recommend streaming Tidal with HEOS on Marantz based on my experience. I hope this data point is helpful.