Usability Issues with Tidal

The sound quality is better than other streaming services, but that ain’t saying much. On my tenth try I was eventually able to recover my password and connect Tidal to my Bluesound box. My initial impression of the sound quality was positive, but my point of reference was mp3s downloaded from iTunes.
I was surprised that masters were available on my iPad since I had read they were only available on the desktop version of Tidal.
I did A/B testing between these MQA tracks and the same song on CD. The CD blew the MQAs out of the water in terms of dynamics and the proper balance of the mix.
I don’t think the UI is anywhere near best in class. I do like having access to the library and I suppose it’s worth the $20 per month, but I am not delighted by Tidal.

@wakethetown, I am streaming Tidal using an Aurender N10 Music Server and their Conductor App running on my iPad is very easy to use.  My sound quality is excellent.   The MQA Coded albums are available in the Master Tab.

I am surprised your CD’s are sounding much better than the same album on Tidal.   As I understand it, you are using the Bluesound Node 2 with Tidal. My Aurender is using an Ethernet line connected to my Apple Extreme router connected to my Arris modem.   

How is your Bluesound Node 2 connected to your router?   What router are you using?   As I described above, my Linksys router was having major signal problems and the resulting distortion prevented me from listing to anything from Tidal.  

I doubt your ISP is the problem but it might be worth while to ensure your signal strength is okay (call your ISP and request this test).  My Arris modem FAILED its signal testing meaning the ISP had to replace my outside junction box (entire neighborhood issue).   An out of range signal distorts the signal and causes all kind of problems.  You should also run a speed test on your modern to ensure your speeds are okay.  

This type of trouble shooting is not easy and maybe others can add their suggestions.    

 @hgeifman thanks for your reply. I’m using a high-end business grade Cisco router. I have plenty of bandwidth. I am using wi-if rather than Ethernet, and I wonder if that is affecting the sound quality. Running a hardwire to the Node 2 is not super practical due to location constraints. 

I chose the Bluesound box for its wireless capabilities, the price point, and good reviews. If I need to hardwire it I may choose a different solution, such as a music server and better DAC. 

The troubling thing is that I don’t have a great CD player, an old OPPO 83, and MQA should equal or best this quite easily if I’m to believe the marketing. 

I guess the pertinent question is what cd player do you have? And are you using the analog outputs of the Node2? To really get the best sound you should invest in a good DAC you will be stunned at the improvement you get.

@wakethetown, Based on my experience, steaming Tidal requires an Ethernet connection (hard wired) since Wi-Fi is not good enough.   If running an Ethernet cable is not possible, it is my understanding your signal will have problems meaning that Tidal may not sound the best.  

Are you sure you cannot run an Ethernet connection?    If not, you could try running Ethernet over power.   This means buying connections and running the Ethernet signal over your power lines.  This is not the best but is certainly better than Wi-Fi.   

@jond, I agree that a better DAC will improve his sound quality.