Tidal Sound Quality

[STC]

Finally, I have decided to stream music and choose Tidal HiFi. However, the sound quality was not as good as playing my original CD rips through the JRiver. The classical master version sounded good but Norah Jones Don't go away (master) did not have the bite that I was used to. Here are the measurements which probably explains why I find the CD rips through JRiver sounded better.

 

 

The HiFi version is slightly louder than the master. Having said that I preferred the "Master" version. 

 

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Both files did not extend beyond 20 plus KHz.

 

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This is the final output (in digital domain). The original file in my library was ripped from Norah Jones SACD album. The version in the JRiver library is the PCM layer ripped with iTunes. It is 16/44.1kHz version. All files were streamed through 24/96 project setting of Reaper. The DAC was set at 96000 sampling rate. One thing is clear from this that all three files were differently mastered. I will attempt another measurements with EQ'ing the Tidal output to match the JRiver and see if the SQ is to my liking.

 

 

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I haven’t tried Qobuz. So far the classical collection looks ok with Tidal. Will give it a try next week. 

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1. Comparing the Tidal MQA version with the CD rip, there is about 20dB increase at 20KHz. The progressively increase slope begins around 2000Hz. That explains why I found the Tidal version sounded rather mellow. 
 

2. There is a possibility that a mellower SQ version was uploaded to Tidal for audiophiles mainstream music. it could be a way to encourage audiophiles to buy the better version in physical format. 
 

3. The MQA version had less smoother peaks comparing the lossless version of the same. 
 

4. I think I was listening to unfolded MQA because the Tidal app most likely will be doing the job. Can anyone confirm this?

 

5. The biggest surprise was identical files stream through two different digital cable sounded different. They are supposed to send the data to the DAC and wasn’t expecting any difference. 

[STC]

Anyone want to take a blind test?  

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1 minute ago, sandyk said:

 

Wouldn't you rather go to a Dentist and have root canal therapy ?

Dentist will be a good way to limit the number of the people who could see the holes unlike blind tests where many could see holes in some of the extraordinary claims made by them. 

[STC]

7 minutes ago, sandyk said:

 

 That would be far from a surprise to numerous members .

I will be surprised if they knew what a virtual connection is and doubt any of them using one or ever will.  Pro audio members exempted. 

[STC]

Bigger soundstage with MQA? Phase manipulation? Showing left channels only of 4 different version of the digital file. The top is Tidal MQA streamed using the desktop app to Reaper. 

 

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21 minutes ago, Rexp said:

Was it this album:

https://tidal.com/album/151824

 

These two. 
 

https://tidal.com/track/151825

 

 

https://tidal.com/track/77599452

 

[STC]

It is difficult to reliably do AB test as far music is concerned. If you take few seconds sample and compare them you will notice the difference. Once you know the track by heart it is hard to unhear the best version in your brain and we will fill in the missing info in the inferior version.