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Suggestions on Best Way for Me to Stream Tidal HiFi?

155.229.163.122
Posted on March 13, 2017 at 16:30:43
Jim Hodgson
Audiophile

Posts: 399
Location: New York City
Joined: March 9, 2006
 For a couple of years, I've been streaming Spotify from my iPhone to a 16/44.1 DAC via a Cambridge Audio iD100 dock. Let's just say that it was an OK way to enjoy the convenience. I recently switched to Tidal HiFi -- with DragonFly Red connected to iPhone -- for my portable setup, and now I'm starting to see the possibilities. So, I'd like to continue making upgrades at home while still keeping things pretty simple.

I've been considering replacing my iPhone dock with a more legit USB converter. I'm eyeing the Singxer SU-1, as it is iPhone compatible (just barely -- but it works); and it has AES/EBU digital output, which greatly simplifies my connection scheme. But, I'm wondering if I should look into a purpose-built streamer instead and relegate my phone to remote control duties. I understand that the various Auralic models have a nice iOS interface. The Aries offers AES/EBU, but $1600 seems like a lot for my very limited use. Should I consider the much less expensive Aries Mini?

The thing that I want to avoid is spending even more time in front of a full-blown computer. At least for now, that's just not for me. So, suggestions for both a SQ-oriented and straightforward way to stream Tidal HiFi would be much appreciated. Thanks!

 

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RE: Suggestions on Best Way for Me to Stream Tidal HiFi?, posted on March 14, 2017 at 09:32:32
bullethead
 Hello, I have the Auralic Aries proper model, it is great, besides tidal not much else going on with it unless you rip your c.d.s. I would suggest the wyred 4 Sound modified Sonos. Much more apps on there to listen to the whole world of music when you want to switch it up. I put a link below,

It is $890 having them provide the Sonos Connect, you'll need a good DAC. Keep in mind it only does CD quality, not high res,

I am a weathered veteran in this war, I tried selling the Aries and couldn't even sell it, don't bother with it, it is my best transport but who knows if Tidal will be in business in a few months, better to stick to Sonos.

 

RE: Suggestions on Best Way for Me to Stream Tidal HiFi?, posted on March 15, 2017 at 06:40:54
Jim Hodgson
Audiophile

Posts: 399
Location: New York City
Joined: March 9, 2006
 Thanks for the helpful suggestions! I'm now a bit stuck between the Aries and the modified Connect, as they both have some unique advantages.

The Aries seems to have an amazing Tidal interface, which is important to me. On the issue of Tidal's potential demise (which I guess I see as well?), what alternatives do you think Auralic can/will make available via software updates? Anyway, if you're still trying to sell your Aries, you're welcome to contact me -- either through forum e-mail or directly (just take my user name, put a period between first and last, and ship it off to yahoo.)

The modified Connect seems lovely ... and it has the added advantage of Pandora access (which would be huge for my fiancee). It lacks the AES/EBU output that I so desperately want, however. I guess I could utilize Toslink. As I'm still in the throes of a love affair with a 16/44.1 DAC, I guess that's the configuration selection I would make when ordering?

 

RE: Suggestions on Best Way for Me to Stream Tidal HiFi?, posted on March 15, 2017 at 07:02:37
bullethead
 Hi, Auralic streaming services support seem to be stagnant.

I wouldn't even sell you the Auralic as I thought about it and really all it is useful for me is playing high res files nowadays as I cancelled tidal.

Yes, choose the 16/44.1 clock option for the sonos if that works. I'll send you a note from Audioasylum just in case you want to call me because I have some experience with all of this, nothing is for sale but I'm glad to discuss my experiences so far via voice.

 

Question About the Aries, posted on March 14, 2017 at 17:34:19
Dynobot
 Do you think it would be possible to flash it with another OS?

From what I read its a quad core ARM board.

Maybe its possible to flash it with Debian etc.

 

RE: Question About the Aries, posted on March 15, 2017 at 05:44:49
bullethead
 I'm sure it is possible, maybe need an eprom burner?

 

SONOS will work for TIDAL..., posted on March 14, 2017 at 08:44:26
Ivan303
Audiophile

Posts: 48887
Location: Cadiere d'azur FRANCE - Santa Fe, NM
Joined: February 26, 2001
 and QOBUZ as well, if you claim to live in Europe when you register the SONOS. ;-)

That said, the SONOS Connect as stock does not sound NEARLY as good streaming TIDAL or QOBUZ 16/44.1 as a stock MacBook Air with the TIDAL or QOBUZ player installed.

The difference is SO noticeable that I no longer use my SONOS Connect and we're talking internet streaming yet, not streaming from ripped CDs and a decent computer.




First they came for the dumb-asses
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a dumb-ass

 

RE: SONOS will work for TIDAL..., posted on March 14, 2017 at 09:00:32
bullethead
 I have the Wyred 4 Sound modded sonos, it is reference class when used as a transport into a good DAC.

 

RE: SONOS will work for TIDAL..., posted on March 14, 2017 at 10:44:03
double28
Audiophile

Posts: 3229
Location: Greensboro, NC
Joined: February 20, 2008
 I have a Sonos Connect and am thinking seriously about having the Wyred mod performed.

What sample rate did you choose and why. Sort of new at this.

Will

 

RE: SONOS will work for TIDAL..., posted on March 14, 2017 at 14:01:07
bullethead
 hi double28,

I chose the 96 option, all it is is the sample rate the clock locks at, no upsampling involved. I chose 96khz because it was the highest compatible with my cables using an exact setting on my clock.

 

Might end up going that route..., posted on March 14, 2017 at 09:05:43
Ivan303
Audiophile

Posts: 48887
Location: Cadiere d'azur FRANCE - Santa Fe, NM
Joined: February 26, 2001
 SONOS Connect is just sitting at the moment and I'd like an alternative to my Macbook Air into my Audio-GD DAC/Headphone amp (4 ea. PCM1704U-K at $70 each) ;-)


First they came for the dumb-asses
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a dumb-ass

 

RE: Might end up going that route..., posted on March 14, 2017 at 09:15:04
bullethead









I'm using a $1k quartz fused silica toslink cable with mine. Audioquest diamond.

Nice, $70 DAC chips :)

 

So my 'BlueJeans' S/PDIF cable might be the problem? , posted on March 14, 2017 at 10:19:45
Ivan303
Audiophile

Posts: 48887
Location: Cadiere d'azur FRANCE - Santa Fe, NM
Joined: February 26, 2001
 Who knew?


First they came for the dumb-asses
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a dumb-ass

 

RE: So my 'BlueJeans' S/PDIF cable might be the problem? , posted on March 14, 2017 at 14:31:38
bullethead
 Lol, I love Bluejeans spdif cable, you see I use one too right next to the toslink. I like to switch between toslink and the Bluejeans when I want a friendlier sound I use the Bluejeans, the expensive toslink was an impulse buy as I have no wife or kids to feed, it does sound great but nothing beats the value of the Bluejeans cables.

The mods do an upgraded power supply, etc, all the details are on the Wyred 4 Sound web site. Night and day difference, I have an unmodded connect collecting dust too, want to build a second system and when the time comes I'll get it moddded as well.

 

For 24/96 TOSLINK I might just go with a Lifatech Silflex cable,,,, posted on March 14, 2017 at 19:01:18
Ivan303
Audiophile

Posts: 48887
Location: Cadiere d'azur FRANCE - Santa Fe, NM
Joined: February 26, 2001
 I use one between my Mac Mini and my Audio-GD Master 7 (8 ea. SCM1704U-K @ $70 ea.) and it seems to work fine.

Haven't decided whether I like USB or TOSLINK better with the Mac Mini but am guessing that any differences would likely be more of a function of the AMANERO USB card in the DAC rather than the computer or the cable.






First they came for the dumb-asses
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a dumb-ass

 

RE: For 24/96 TOSLINK I might just go with a Lifatech Silflex cable,,,, posted on March 15, 2017 at 05:18:43
Dynobot
 Same here, I think both sound very good although slightly different.

I could listen to either one everyday and be happy.

Those $70 chips work wonders!

 

RE: For 24/96 TOSLINK I might just go with a Lifatech Silflex cable,,,, posted on March 14, 2017 at 19:10:03
bullethead
 I have no opinion as your DAC chips are $20 or above :)

 

RE: Suggestions on Best Way for Me to Stream Tidal HiFi?, posted on March 13, 2017 at 22:10:40
PaulN
Audiophile

Posts: 1412
Joined: January 13, 2000
 You might look into the Oppo HA-2. That would be a very simple and also portable playback arrangement that would not be embarrassed by some significantly more expensive gear. As a bonus, you could use the Onkyo HF player to play hirez files from the iphone too.

 

RE: Suggestions on Best Way for Me to Stream Tidal HiFi?, posted on March 13, 2017 at 16:43:49
Cut-Throat
Audiophile

Posts: 18284
Location: Minneapolis - St.Paul Area
Joined: September 2, 2000
Contributor
  Since: May 16, 2021
 Raspberry Pi for around $100.



 

Where is there an easily followed set of instruction for assy. and set-up?, posted on March 14, 2017 at 08:34:18
Ivan303
Audiophile

Posts: 48887
Location: Cadiere d'azur FRANCE - Santa Fe, NM
Joined: February 26, 2001
 Been WAY too long since I've done any serious computer work even though I used to do electronic prototype work in the old days(mostly small, digitally controlled analog medical devices).

Also, if it uses LMS does it also playback QOBUZ?

I have a gigabit ethernet jack near my DAC/Headphone amp and I'd like to sub out my Laptop as a streamer for internet music (TIDAL/QOBUZ,etc.).

I could run LMS on any other computer on the network, as I understand it.




First they came for the dumb-asses
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a dumb-ass

 

Follow this thread ............................, posted on March 14, 2017 at 08:39:53
Cut-Throat
Audiophile

Posts: 18284
Location: Minneapolis - St.Paul Area
Joined: September 2, 2000
Contributor
  Since: May 16, 2021
 It's really not too difficult

1.) Buy the Hardware (Fits together in minutes
2.) Visit the PiCorePlayer site for the Software....

I gave these instructions to E-Stat, and he was up and running in a short time......

http://www.audioasylum.com/forums/pcaudio/messages/16/163240.html


Also, spend some time with this site.... They have a How to for the software.

https://sites.google.com/site/picoreplayer/home





 

Are you running it with LMS?, posted on March 14, 2017 at 08:48:11
Ivan303
Audiophile

Posts: 48887
Location: Cadiere d'azur FRANCE - Santa Fe, NM
Joined: February 26, 2001
 LMS is good, right?

'Cause I don't use ROON.




First they came for the dumb-asses
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a dumb-ass

 

Yes running LMS..............................nt, posted on March 14, 2017 at 09:02:22
Cut-Throat
Audiophile

Posts: 18284
Location: Minneapolis - St.Paul Area
Joined: September 2, 2000
Contributor
  Since: May 16, 2021
 nt



 

Did you have a chance to do a direct comparison with the SBT?, posted on March 15, 2017 at 07:13:03
Ivan303
Audiophile

Posts: 48887
Location: Cadiere d'azur FRANCE - Santa Fe, NM
Joined: February 26, 2001
 and did you keep them?

My first instinct is to get a used SBT and LMS running just see if I even have enough synapses still firing to try such a project.

THEN build the HiFiBerry which should be pretty much plug and play IF I can figure out how to get it running with the right firmware, etc.

What did you use for a Power Supply? HiFiBerry sells a power supply with the 'bundle' which is 5V and I thought that you might have said 7V (same as uRendu?) or perhaps same as SBT?





First they came for the dumb-asses
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a dumb-ass

 

FWIW, posted on March 16, 2017 at 06:51:29
E-Stat
Audiophile

Posts: 37568
Joined: May 12, 2000
Contributor
  Since: April 5, 2002
 Assembling the RPi components is mere plug 'n play. No wiring or soldering required. Just a likely need for an adapter for whatever PS you acquire since the use of a microUSB connector is unusual for that kind of device.

The SBT is great if having a touchscreen provides value. Otherwise, the RPi will sound marginally better, especially at the frequency extremes. I use an iOS app called iPeng to control my streamers which works great. It also allows them to be players as well as remotes.

The Touch comes with a 3A 5V power supply while an RPi requires 1A. I use an inexpensive Jameco linear with mine. Indeed, it is the uRendu that requires (at least) 7V.

edit: If you plan to use WiFi like I do with mine in the garage, note that the SBT is far better in that regard. The RPi 3B offers it, but is far less sensitive requiring me to move an access point much closer to it.

 

Lucky to have the whole house wired in Cat-5..., posted on March 16, 2017 at 07:35:03
Ivan303
Audiophile

Posts: 48887
Location: Cadiere d'azur FRANCE - Santa Fe, NM
Joined: February 26, 2001

with all of the phone jacks now RJ45 with ethernet. Solder is not a problem as I left the bench about the time surface mount 42 pin chips hit the market (late 70's).

Haven't done any serious programing since the mid 80's and after that was lucky to have lots smart folks around after so I didn't have to do much more than point at problems and wait for the smart guys to do something about them.

Shelling out $100 just to discover dementia has me in its grip seems a small price to pay, considering the cost of a full medical workup, so I;m likely in.

I have 24,000mAh Powerpack capable of 5V 2A output. Would that work?

Might want to take a short break from the internet while a wallow in this project, unless you just want to lurk and laugh at my pitiful pleas for assistance.









First they came for the dumb-asses
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a dumb-ass

 

RE: Lucky to have the whole house wired in Cat-5..., posted on March 16, 2017 at 08:21:22
E-Stat
Audiophile

Posts: 37568
Joined: May 12, 2000
Contributor
  Since: April 5, 2002
 Haven't done any serious programing since the mid 80's and after that was lucky to have lots smart folks around after so I didn't have to do much more than point at problems and wait for the smart guys to do something about them.

No programming per se involved although there are numerous kernel parameters that can be tuned. Two that Soundchekk recommended involve increasing the buffer size (which can be done using the PiCorePlayer interface) and turning off the HDMI output if you plan to run it headless like most folks do.

On the Advanced Tab of Squeezelite you'll find "Buffer Size Settings". He suggests entering 20000:600000. That creates a huge output buffer that eliminates streaming.

You'll need to directly "hack" the config.txt file in the root folder of the PiCorePlayer sd card. No biggie, just add:

hdmi_blanking=2

If you're running Windows, use Wordpad as it preserves the Linux carriage returns.

I have 24,000mAh Powerpack capable of 5V 2A output. Would that work?

Absolutely. Right voltage and more than enough current. I have a collection of battery packs at 1A and 2.1A and plan to try those as well.

 

Like to turn off all of the radio eventually, as well as HDMI..., posted on March 16, 2017 at 09:26:10
Ivan303
Audiophile

Posts: 48887
Location: Cadiere d'azur FRANCE - Santa Fe, NM
Joined: February 26, 2001
 Run it on Ethernet only and save a few milliwatts.

Let me know how the 2.1A supply works as that's exactly the spec. of my 24,000mAh battery pack I'd like to try.

In many ways, firmware configuration is less intuitive and straightforward that older programing languages like Basic, FORTRAN and COBOL. Even the HEX machine language instruction set for the Motorola 68000 fairly easy to understand. Took a few steps to do any though. ;-)




First they came for the dumb-asses
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a dumb-ass

 

Batteries work fine, posted on March 17, 2017 at 16:20:52
E-Stat
Audiophile

Posts: 37568
Joined: May 12, 2000
Contributor
  Since: April 5, 2002
 Last night I listened for a couple of hours using a 1A battery and am now using the "big" 2.1A Jockery.

I'm finding these offer more resolution than my cheapie Jameco linear, albeit not as convenient. :)

 

RE: Did you have a chance to do a direct comparison with the SBT?, posted on March 15, 2017 at 10:25:04
Cut-Throat
Audiophile

Posts: 18284
Location: Minneapolis - St.Paul Area
Joined: September 2, 2000
Contributor
  Since: May 16, 2021
 I sold all my SBTs (I had 4 of them, bought 5 RPis and pocketed the extra Cash) ..... I suggest you just get a Rpi and forget the SBT... The Rpi is more stable and PiCorePlayer has more useful features.... It is so simple to run LMS, you'll wonder why you were ever concerned. And at around $100, it's not a big decision.... You'll have it going in a day.

I used some Wall warts for Power supplies as well, as a higher end PS from Swagman Labs that I was using for my SBTs.... Just had them make me a new cable.

Not a night and day difference between the SBT and RPi that I could hear (Of course I don't have 'Golden ears' though)





 

RE: "I gave these instructions to E-Stat, and he was up and running in a short time......", posted on March 14, 2017 at 08:46:37
Ivan303
Audiophile

Posts: 48887
Location: Cadiere d'azur FRANCE - Santa Fe, NM
Joined: February 26, 2001
 Yeah, but E-Stat's a smart guy. I know this because he told me so. ;-)




First they came for the dumb-asses
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a dumb-ass

 

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