High quality streamer that can do direct from Tidal?

[Brucemck2]

Over the last 18 months I’ve found myself largely using Tidal for music exploration - the sound quality is decent and the user interface for playlist management (creating playlists, adding/subtracting titles while listening to tracks, etc.) fits my needs.

My current streamer (Antipodes K50) accesses Tidal playlists via Roon (or similar) rather than directly from Tidal’s app. It’s on Antipodes’ roadmap to allow direct connections from services like Tidal so I’m looking for an “interim” device that outputs USB and/or SPDIF and/or Toslink that I can connect to one of the unused digital inputs on my Cascade.

Any recommendations?

 

[Brucemck2]

Since it’ll only be temporary until my K50 gets the capability, I went with a low-price but well-engineered unit from ifi. I’ll configure it for Tidal only (via the Tidal app) and use the USB output to my Cascade.

ZEN Stream - iFi Audio

Connect your Hi-Fi to your Wi-Fi. Designed from the ground up to modernise your Hi-Fi, the ZEN Stream wirelessly casts Hi-Res PCM and DSD to your DAC, all while being fully controllable from your smartphone. Note : For Apple devices, click here to download the Stream-iFi app. For Android...

ifi-audio.com

 

[ConG2]

Have a look on Lumin and Linn devices. Both have Tidal intigrated. You can use the Linn or the Lumin App for controlling your Tidal contest.

 

[emyyl]

Check out the Nagra Streamer. The sound from its Tidal streaming (via MConnect app) is edging out my Laufer Teknik MP64 server! Very reasonably priced for high end.

The streamer also has a proprietary optical link to a newer Nagra DAC for best sound.

 

[matthias]

Tidal streaming (via MConnect app)

IIUC, the question of the OP was streaming directly from Tidal app and the Nagra offers this via Tidal Connect.
Another streamer which offers Tidal Connect is the Wadax Studio Player but MUCH more expensive than the Nagra.

 

[Brucemck2]

IIUC, the question of the OP was streaming directly from Tidal app.

Correct. I don’t use it for critical listening but do use it to explore new music and manage my playlists.

 

[emyyl]

IIUC, the question of the OP was streaming directly from Tidal app and the Nagra offers this via Tidal Connect.
Another streamer which offers Tidal Connect is the Wadax Studio Player but MUCH more expensive than the Nagra.

Thanks for pointing this out. IFi Zen Stream looks like the way to go as it's a temp solution....... Although, I would say, the Nagra Streamer changed my view of what a streamer is capable of......

 

[2fastdriving]

Love my Esoteric N-01XD. They have an SE version out now.

 

[Brucemck2]

Love my Esoteric N-01XD. They have an SE version out now.

Can you connect to it directly via the Tidal app, or do you have to use some other user interface?

 

[Dancause]

Moon Mind streamers do Tidal Connect to (Moon 891 streamer/DAC/Preamp in my case). Qobuz Connect should also be there soon.

 

[2fastdriving]

Can you connect to it directly via the Tidal app, or do you have to use some other user interface?

Yep you can.

 

[audiobomber]

Since it’ll only be temporary until my K50 gets the capability, I went with a low-price but well-engineered unit from ifi. I’ll configure it for Tidal only (via the Tidal app) and use the USB output to my Cascade.

I bought an iFi Zen Stream as an interim solution when my old exaSound PlayPoint died. Powered by the supplied iFi iPower SMPS, the sound was pretty ugly. An iPower X was better, but still not satisfactory. Adding a Teddy Pardo 12/2 LPS was a huge improvement.

I believe that any 9-15V 2A linear power supply will be an upgrade over the supplied wall wart. If possible, disable the volume control software (Mixer Type - None) in the Playback Options menu. That gave another bump in sonics.

I have a new exaSound Delta server now, and the Zen Stream has been relocated to a less demanding secondary system, where it's doing a great job.

 

[matthias]

I have a new exaSound Delta server now,

As you mentioned exaSound, do you or audiophile friends have experience with the exaSound Sigma streamer Mk2?
IMO, it is a quite interesting device, but it seems that they don't sell it to other countries outside Canada.
Can it be used also with other USB-DACs than exaSound DACs?
Thanks

 

[audiobomber]

As you mentioned exaSound, do you or audiophile friends have experience with the exaSound Sigma streamer Mk2?
IMO, it is a quite interesting device, but it seems that they don't sell it to other countries outside Canada.
Can it be used also with other USB-DACs than exaSound DACs?
Thanks

I tried to buy a Sigma Streamer, but I was told it is no longer available due to supply issues. The Delta Streamer/Server I received was specially built for me. It is smaller and less costly than the regular Delta, but with the same internals. Not sure if this will be generally available in the future.

 

[Rexp]

I bought an iFi Zen Stream as an interim solution when my old exaSound PlayPoint died. Powered by the supplied iFi iPower SMPS, the sound was pretty ugly. An iPower X was better, but still not satisfactory. Adding a Teddy Pardo 12/2 LPS was a huge improvement.

I believe that any 9-15V 2A linear power supply will be an upgrade over the supplied wall wart. If possible, disable the volume control software (Mixer Type - None) in the Playback Options menu. That gave another bump in sonics.

I have a new exaSound Delta server now, and the Zen Stream has been relocated to a less demanding secondary system, where it's doing a great job.

I demoed the Zen Stream, sound was meh, good to know your upgrades lifted it's performance, assume you also tweaked the ethernet feed too?

 

[audiobomber]

I demoed the Zen Stream, sound was meh, good to know your upgrades lifted it's performance, assume you also tweaked the ethernet feed too?

The Zen was dropped into my usual chain: oMD v3, smf and Finisar modules to ER, Audio Sensibility Signature ethernet cable to the streamer (at 100Mbps). Linear power supplies on all devices.