jc
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Post by jc on Mar 13, 2015 22:45:37 GMT
Has anyone given this a go? It's main boast is CD quality (flac), leaving the likes of Spotify pro in it's wake for SQ. TidalAll comments from users welcomed.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Mar 14, 2015 9:12:43 GMT
Yes, I've signed up and it sounds good. So far I have listened using my Grado SR80 'phones with my laptop and the Cambridge DacMagic XS USB DAC/headphone amp. The sound quality is unremarkable... and I mean that in a totally positive way.
I must try running the laptop into my V-90 dac's USB input on my MF amp /Spendor main system and give it a proper workout.
Derek
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Mar 14, 2015 10:15:41 GMT
I have an idea to compare the Tidal streamed data with a similar track from a CD.
Assuming you can't just capture the Tidal streamm digitally, which I bet you can't.... *
I have a USB-able Creative DAC/ADC device which I can use as a digital input to my desktop PC. I'll take the optical output from my laptop (running Tidal) into the Creative device whose digital USB output is, in turn, captured by the main PC using Adobe Audition to capture/record it. Does that make sense?
Then, when I have that copy of the streamed data I can use Adobe Audition to compare the steramed data with the equivalent CD data. I'll take the two waveforms, invert the phase of one and do a 'null test' after ensuring that the waveforms line up properly 'bit for bit'.
I'd have to take care to try, best I can, to ensure the Tidal stream is using the same mastering as the CD I have. I have a CD in mind and I'm pretty certain there's only one version. I have the CD ready and have it's Tidal version in my favourites list so I'm ready to go. Just need some quiet time 'home alone' so I can fiddle about with it, undisturbed in the man cave.
OK, not the best selection of kit for the experiment but it's the best I can do. If the compared waveforms appear identical then fine. If they don't there are too many oportunites for errors to creep in to be sure of the reason why.
Comments?
Maybe I should just enjoy the music and shut the hell up :-)
Derek
* Footnote: Have loaded up Audacity and it's possible to record with input set to DacMagicXS 'loopback'.
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jc
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Post by jc on Mar 14, 2015 16:33:25 GMT
A nice diversion Derek. It is at least of interest to know roughly how good the streams actually are. If the waveforms are at least close then it's a winner.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Mar 23, 2015 9:49:28 GMT
I did the waveform comparison and on the track I played around with there was a slight difference in level so the null test wasn't possible. Also some of the tracks I've listend too prove to have a strange sort of DSD-like noise signature. I'll post a pic later.
The other day Tidal didn't want to play at all. And on occasions there are snap or pop noises. Also I was trying to play one particular track and about half way through playback it jumped back a minute a two; wouldn't play through to the end. Next day though, played perfectly.
So Tidal's a bit random in my view. As I was saying on another forum I'm cancelling my subscription. £20 a month and no recordings to keep? Doesn't work for me.
Derek
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jc
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Post by jc on Mar 24, 2015 0:31:43 GMT
Thanks for coming back on that Derek.
I must agree £20/m seems high for what you experienced.
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