Who has tried "TIDAL" vs other streaming applications?


Hello, I'm new to Audiogon, this is my first posting into Forums.

I enjoy streaming audio from my PC and have been using Spotify for a number of years now (college student discount to premium $5 a month). I just recently stumbled upon a App called TIDAL, that streams Lossless 16/44.1FLAC with their "HI-FI" subscription (Student $10 a month). Since I can queue up Spotify and Tidal at the same time, I was able to do an A/B and used Dire Straits Brothers in Arms. I noticed that TIDAL indeed sounds better to me but am convinced none of my family members could tell a difference. I then did an A/B with TIDAL and the actual Brothers in Arms CD, to my surprise TIDAL sounded scary close, if not just as good as the CD! This is hard for me to believe, I think I'm just trying to justify the extra cost of TIDAL on a crazy tight student budget, maybe its a placebo effect? I need to drop one of the services, but which one? I would appreciate your thoughts please... Thank you!
My system:
PC = Gaming Rig I built myself, using dedicated high quality audio card.
Krell KAV 400xi integrated
Sonus Faber Electa's with Sunfire HRS Sub
Cambridge AZUR 840C CDP/DAC
Luxman T117 Tuner
Sony SCD - C2000ES SACD Player
Kimber Silver Streak throughout  


grm

Showing 4 responses by marktomaras

Roon and Tidal are a deadly cool combo.  I am getting outstanding results on my system.  Roon is by far the best audio software I have used from a user experience - nothing comes close.  If anyone is using JRiver or iTunes add-ons, take of the shackles and step into a larger world!
Bob, Roon is easy to use, even if you have limited software experience.  The interface is uncluttered and intuitive, and highly enjoyable I might add.  There is an integration between Tidal and Roon so you will use Roon to control your own digital music library as well as your access to Tidal music.  Give it a try!
Cerrot, I use a Mac with Roon and Tidal, and I don't have to download anything.  I just point to a tidal based track, and play...

Another vote for tidal.  I love it.  I use it on the browser in my office, and I use it via Roon on my hifi system.

killer system, student!  My system in my student years paled in comparison!