Q: "I'm looking for a Tidal Connect streamer. The most important feature for me is reliability and stability. In the distant past, I had an audio chromecast that occasionally had disconnections or an unstable connection." - from Reddit.
When talking about Tidal, you might think of its MQA or HiFi music. Many people want to buy a nice streamer for playing Tidal Master or HiFi music. However, there are many streamers for Tidal in the market and which one is the best? Take a look at our list below and you might pick the best Tidal streamer you like. Most of the options below support HD music, which should be enough to satisfy most audiophiles.
📢 Tips: If you already own a streamer but it doesn't support Tidal, you can try exporting Tidal songs to your computer and then importing them to your music streamer. The tool you need is AudFree Tidal Music Downloader. Please go to Part 4 to see the related introduction.
Part 1. How to Choose the Best Tidal Streamer
A music streamer can provide you with many innovative and convenient functions to play music. To choose the best streamer for Tidal, you are advised to consider the following factors.
🔑 Audio Quality: A core factor that you should focus on is its audio quality. If you plan to play Tidal Hi-Res music, please look for a streamer that supports Tidal's HiFi or Master quality.
See Also: How to Download Tidal Hi-Res Music
🔑 Price: The price of a streamer for Tidal is also an important reason that can influence whether people buy.
🔑 Compatibility: Ensure the Tidal streamer is compatible with your devices, such as smartphones, tablets or audio systems.
🔑 Features: Consider its additional features like offline playback, playlist management and integration with other music services.
See Also: How to Download Music from Tidal to Play Offline
🔑 Easy to Use: Choose a streamer with a user-friendly interface for easy navigation and control.
🔑 Reviews and Recommendations: Read reviews and seek recommendations from other users or websites to find a satisfying and reliable Tidal music streamer.
See Also: Best Tidal Music Player Review
These factors are for informational purposes only. The best Tidal streamer depends on different standards and preferences.
Setting Up and Optimizing Your Tidal Streamer
Once you've chosen your Tidal streamer, it's important to set it up correctly to get the best possible sound. Connect your streamer to your audio system via the most suitable method (e.g., Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or optical cable) and configure the settings to support Tidal's HiFi or Master streams. Regularly update the firmware and apps to ensure optimal performance.
Part 2. Top 10 Best Tidal MQA/HiFi Streamers
Here is a list of the top 10 streamers for Tidal. It includes the best Tidal Connect streamer and the best Tidal HiFi streamer. To save time, you can skip to Part 3 to view the complete and concise chart which compares the following top 10 best options.
💥 1. Sonos Amp
Price: 💲699.00
For streaming Tidal music in high quality, you can count on this best MQA streamer. As a powerful and versatile home audio amplifier, Sonos Amp allows you to connect and power your favorite speakers to stream music from your favorite sources with 125 watts/channel of power. And different from other Tidal streamers, this best streaming amplifier can be controlled using the Sonos app or a variety of voice assistants. It also includes an HDMI ARC port for connecting to your TV and supports Tidal Connect and AirPlay 2 for streaming music from your Apple devices.
However, users might face some connectivity issues despite having a flawless internet connection. Moreover, this Tidal HiFi streamer fails to support MQA with up to 24-bit/192kHz.
See Also: How to Play Tidal on Sonos without the Tidal App
Pros | ✔ Excellent sound ✔ Beautiful design ✔ One of the best Tidal HiFi streamers ✔ With a variety of voice assistants ✔ With an HDMI port to connect to TVs ✔ Support AirPlay 2 |
Cons | ❌ Limited input and no internal storage ❌ Wi-Fi dropout ❌ Without MQA support ❌ Not compatible with Tidal Connect |
See Also: Top 20 Best HiFi Songs on Tidal
💥 2. NAD C 658
Price: 💲1,999.00
NAD C 658 is an all-in-one music streamer for Tidal. It supports over 15 music streaming platforms giving users a massive music resource to choose from. This intuitive device can be the best Tidal Connect streamer. The sleek device design is also an attraction for most users. As one of the best streaming devices for Tidal, it is compatible with Tidal HiFi and MQA music. Besides, Tidal Connect can be used to cast music on this streamer. Streaming at up to 32-bit/192 kHz, it uses the most popular formats, including WAV, FLAC, AIFF, MP3 and AAC.
Pros | ✔ Support complete streaming services ✔ Intuitive and powerful apps ✔ Dirac Live and BluOS ✔ One of the best Tidal MQA/HiFi streamers ✔ One of the best streamers for Tidal Connect ✔ ESS Sabre DAC ✔ Support up to 32-bit/192 kHz |
Cons | ❌ A mismatch between appearance and price |
See Also: How to Save Tidal MQA Downloads Free on Desktop/Mobile
💥 3. Arcam ST60
Price: 💲999.00
The Arcam ST60 is not just a streaming product. It can also accommodate external sources with its dual coaxial and optical inputs. It also comes with a USB drive that plugs into its USB socket. Additionally, it provides users with AirPlay 2, Google Cast, uPnP playback, and internet radio. Apart from those features, it also uses analog and digital connectivity and supports MQA and Roon. Therefore, it is also considered one of the best Tidal MQA streamers, supporting up to 32-bit/192kHz.
See Also: How to Listen to Tidal on Chromecast
Pros | ✔ Clear and impressive sound ✔ Well made, easy to use ✔ Powerful MQA and HiFi streaming support at up to 32-bit/192kHz |
Cons | ❌ No DSD ❌ Apps not so sophisticated |
💥 4. Mytek Brooklyn Bridge
Price: 💲1,995.00
Another top-notch Tidal music streamer is the Mytek Brooklyn Bridge. It offers high-quality sound output and is also perfect for headphones. The streamer design is also eye-catching. Loaded with a decoder, Mytek enables users to stream Tidal music at the original sample rate. Serving as a high-end streaming DAC, it supports a wide range of audio formats including MQA, PCM, and DSP (up to DSD256).
See Also: Top 10 Best DAC for Tidal MQA
Resembling Cambridge Audio, this best Tidal HiFi streamer plays HiFi music but with higher music quality up to 32-bit/384kHz. It is provided with an Apple remote for easy control. But, despite the impressive features offered, Mytek is not easy to set up. And the antenna might look unappealing to some.
Pros | ✔ Superior clarity ✔ Support feeding high-definition files ✔ Compatible with FLAC, Apple Lossless, MP3, AAC, AIFF, etc. ✔ Stream both Tidal HiFi and Master music up to 32-bit/384kHz |
Cons | ❌ Not easy to set up |
💥 5. Cambridge Audio CXN (V2)
Price: 💲999.00
If you're looking for the best streamer for Tidal, Cambridge Audio is your best bet. With a sleek and stylish design, it plays songs in excellent quality. Apart from being compatible with Spotify and Apple, it is also a great Tidal network streamer. Plus, it is effortless to set up owing to its intuitive interface. Moreover, CXN also has a built-in Chromecast feature making it a highly versatile and impressive streamer. Both Tidal MQA and HiFi music can be streamed on this best Tidal music player.
See Also: How to Play Tidal on Cambridge Audio
Pros | ✔ Impressive sound quality at up to 24-bit/384kHz ✔ Sophisticated design ✔ Wide wireless connectivity range and file support ✔ Best Tidal connect streamer that supports Wi-Fi connection ✔ Supports streaming both Tidal Master and HiFi music ✔ Compatible with Tidal Connect |
Cons | ❌ No significant improvement over its predecessor, the V1 |
💥 6. Naim ND 555/Naim 555 PS DR
Price: Naim ND 555 - 💲22,999.00; Naim 555 PS DR - 💲13,499.00
Naim is famous for its high-performing network streamers with a sound quality that stands unparalleled. Most of the major and commonly used formats are supported by amazing Naim ND 555 and Naim 555 PS DR. Even though they are pretty expensive, the user gets his penny's worth. Plus, some major streaming platforms other than Tidal, such as Spotify, are also supported. The Chromecast feature further makes them an impressive Tidal HiFi streamer compatible with Tidal Connect.
See Also: How to Listen to Tidal on Naim
However, these two Naim streamers do not support MQA. Instead, these best HiFi streamers for Tidal use their own high-resolution audio format covering WAV, AIFF, FLAC, ALAC, OGG Vorbis, AAC, MP3, and DSD. Although it isn't a tidal MQA streamer, you can still enjoy high-quality audio playback with a variety of other file formats at up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD128.
See Also: How to Stream Spotify Music to Mu-so Qb Speaker
Pros | ✔ Impressive clarity and dynamics ✔ Sophisticated rhythmic coherence ✔ Wide range of supported audio formats ✔ Streaming quality can reach up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD128 ✔ Fine structure ✔ One of the best Tidal Connect streamer |
Cons | ❌ High price ❌ Not compatible with Tidal MQA |
Price: 💲5,499.00
💥 7. Cambridge Audio Edge NQ
Edge NQ is regarded as the best streamer for Tidal by many users. The attractive design and support for high-quality audio make it an impressive streamer. Other than Tidal, Spotify, Deezer, and other apps are also supported by this streamer. The streaming experience is refined, and almost all major audio formats are compatible. It is one of the best MQA streamers and HiFi streamers for playing Tidal at up to 24-bit/384kHz and DSD 256.
The only drawback is the loose volume dial, which can be ignored if you want high-resolution music.
Pros | ✔ Clear, bold, and spacious sound ✔ Unchanged characteristics of different sound sources ✔ Support Tidal HiFi and MQA while streaming at up to 24-bit/384kHz ✔ Fine structure |
Cons | ❌ The volume dial is not so taut |
💥 8. Aurender A10
Price: 💲5,500.00
Aurender is one of the most expensive and best Tidal MQA streamers. Laced with the MQA decoder, it allows users to stream Tidal music seamlessly. The best part is that it has the biggest storage available. With 4TB of storage, users can store a massive library and stream all the popular songs. The downside to Aurender is that the Conductor app can only be accessed on the iPad and is unavailable on iPhone or Android.
As for streaming quality, it is capable of playing high-resolution audio files up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD256. Additionally, it is an MQA compatible streamer that supports MQA decoding, which allows you to play back MQA-encoded files with full resolution.
Pros | ✔ MQA encoding ✔ Huge hard drive with 4TB ✔ Play high-resolution audio files with up to 32-bit/384kHz |
Cons | ❌ Bad screen ❌ Only available for apps on iPad |
💥 9. Linn Selekt DSM
Price: Selekt Classic DSM Hub - 💲6,370.00; Selekt Edition DSM Hub - 💲12,940.00
If you are searching for the best streamer for Tidal that can support all your apps and also connect to the TV, Selekt DSM is your best bet. This best Tidal streamer is a high-end music streamer and network player known for its exceptional sound quality and versatility. It supports FLAC, WAV, MP3, AIFF, AAC, OGG, etc. at up to 24-bit/192kHz resolution. You can use it via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and AirPlay 2. It integrates seamlessly with popular streaming services like Tidal, Spotify, Qobuz, and more, allowing users to access a vast library of music and playlists directly from the device.
Pros | ✔ Well-made, neatly finished ✔ Easy-to-use presentation ✔ Room EQ software ✔ With HDMI and USB options ✔ One of the best Tidal Connect streamer |
Cons | ❌ Expensive |
💥 10. Melco N100
Price: 💲2,199.00
Melco N100 has 2TB/5TB of storage space. The control layout is simple, but the display is small and clear. There are three USB 3.0 sockets, two of which can be used to connect the N100 to an external storage device and the third is for use with an external DAC. This Melco doesn't have a built-in DAC, so if you want to use it as a streamer, you'll need to add one. Also, it features advanced technologies such as noise-reducing circuitry. It supports various audio formats including MQA and HiFi at 16-32 bits/384 kHz.
This best Tidal HiFi streamer has a dedicated app, but it's currently only available for the iPad. If you're using an Apple or Android phone, you'll have to use a third-party alternative.
Pros | ✔ Simple operation ✔ Clean and expressive sound ✔ Huge storage space ✔ Support Tidal MQA/HiFi |
Cons | ❌ MQA streamer without DAC |
Part 3. Comparison Table of 10 Best Tidal Streamers
Cambridge Audio CXN (V2) | Mytek Brooklyn Bridge | Aurender A10 | Naim ND 555/555 PS DR | Cambridge Audio Edge NQ | Sonos Amp | Linn Selekt DSM | NAD C 658 | Arcam ST60 | Melco N100 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price | $999 | $1,995 | $5,500 | $22,999/$13,499 | $5,499 | $699 | $6,825 | $1,999 | $999 | $2,199 |
Resolution | 24-bit/384kHz | 32-bit/384kHz | 32-bit / 384 kHz | 32-bit/384kHz | 24-bit/192kHz | 32-bit/192kHz | 24-bit/192kHz | 32-bit/192kHz | 32-bit/192kHz | 32-bit/384kHz |
Playback | UPnP, AirPlay 2, Internet radio, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Chromecast | Roon, Tidal, Qobuz, Bluetooth | Tidal, Internet radio | Tidal Connect, AirPlay, BluOS, Bluetooth, Tidal, Spotify Connect, Chromecast, Roon | Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Tidal, Bluetooth, Chromecast, Deezer, Qobuz, AirPlay | Sonos, AirPlay 2, Tidal, Spotify | Spotify Connect, Tidal, Qobuz, AirPlay, Internet radio | Tidal, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, AirPlay, Bluetooth, MQA | Tidal, GoogleCast, AirPlay, uPnP, Roon, MQA | Tidal, Qobuz |
Input | USB type A x2, USB type B, optical, coaxial | x S/PDIF, 1x optical, 1x USB-B, 1x USB-A, 1x stereo RCAs | Optical TOSLINK up to 192/24 | 2 x optical, 2 x BNC, 2 x USB | USB, optical, XLR, RCA, HDMI, Ethernet | HDMI ARC, analogue | 2 x RCA, 2 x MM, 2 x MC, USB, 2x coax, 2x | 2* optical, 2* coaxials, 2*RCA, 1* USB and 1*MM | 4 x digital inputs (coax, optical, USB) | USB |
Output | XLR and RCA analogue, digital coaxial and optical | 1x stereo RCAs, 1x stereo balanced XLRs, 2x 6.35mm headphone jacks | USB Audio Class 2.0 | 1 x RCA pair, 1 x 5-pin DIN | 2 x XLR, 2 x RCA | subwoofer | SPDIF, Exakt Link, RCA, Balanced XLR | Unbalanced and balanced RCA outputs | Balanced XLR and RCA analogue; optical and coaxial | LAN RJ45 |
Connection Method | Wireless/ wired | Wired Ethernet (RJ-45) cable/Wi-Fi | Wired Ethernet connection | Wireless/ wired | Wireless/ wired | Wireless/ wired | Wireless | Wireless | Wireless/ wired | Wireless/ wired |
Tidal Connect | ✔ | ❌ | ❌ | ✔ | ✔ | ❌ | ❌ | ✔ | ❌ | ❌ |
After obtaining the result of this comparison, you can easily find the best Tidal HiFi streamer or MQA streamer if you know your requirements. Please note that not all Tidal streamers support Tidal Connect.
If you have a streamer but it cannot directly play Tidal music, please refer to the solution in the next section.
Part 4. Extension: How to Stream Tidal on All Music Streamers
Which is the best Tidal streamer after reading the above sections? These 10 streamers allow you to stream Tidal music, but you need to meet certain requirements such as having a paid Tidal subscription, Wi-Fi connection, etc. Therefore, we are here to provide you with the best method to stream Tidal on any music streamer without any limitations.
The tool you need is the AudFree Tidal Music Converter. It allows you to decrypt all types of Tidal music and download them as local audio files forever, even if you cancel your Tidal subscription later. You can also use it to convert Tidal music to multiple audio formats, including lossless FLAC, MP3, AAC, WAV, M4B, and M4A. Additionally, it allows you to customize a wide range of bitrate and sample rates. Since it features expert conversion technology, this Tidal downloader can preserve 100% original streaming quality and full metadata, including ID3 tags.
Among these features, once converted, you can transfer the local Tidal music files to any music streamer or other devices for listening without any restrictions.
AudFree Tidal Music Converter
- Download music from Tidal without a paid subscription
- Convert Tidal to FLAC, MP3, AAC, M4A, M4B, and WAV
- Listen to Tidal music on all music streamers offline
- Maintain lossless sound quality and work at a 5X faster speed
How to Convert Tidal Music for Playing on All Streamers
First, please install it on your Mac or Windows. And here is a detailed user guide to help you convert Tidal to MP3 and other local format files to save on your local folder.
- Step 1Import Tidal Music to AudFree Tidal Music Converter
- Open AudFree Tidal Music Converter and the Tidal app will launch in sync. Browse for the songs you plan to listen to on Tidal. Then copy and paste the song's link into the address box at the top of the AudFree software. Finally, click the '+' button to load them automatically. Or try another quicker way: Drag and drop the single track or playlist from Tidal into this best Tidal downloader.
- Step 2Reset the Tidal Music Output Settings
- Press on the top-right 'menu' bar on Windows or the top-left 'AudFree Tidal Music Converter' option on Mac. From the pull-down menu, click the 'Preferences' and 'Convert' tabs to open the settings window. Then you are able to define the output format, channel, bit rate, etc. The default output format is MP3 and it's available for most music streamers. You can also change it into other formats such as the lossless FLAC. On top of that, you can customize the bitrate and sample rate for exported Tidal music. And the audio channel can be set to 'Stereo', which allows you to listen to Tidal Dolby Atmos with ease.
- Step 3Download and Convert Tidal Music for All Streamers
- Simply hit the 'Convert' button at the bottom-right corner and it will start downloading and converting Tidal songs. All downloaded songs will be saved to your computer's target 'Output' folder. To find them, please touch the bottom 'Converted' tab labeled with a red spot. You can then get Tidal music to play forever.
- Step 4Stream Downloaded Tidal Music on Any Streamer
- Now you have Tidal music on your computer locally. You can easily transfer the downloaded Tidal songs to a USB drive and then import them to your music streamers. Then, you can stream Tidal music on your music streamer offline even without a Tidal subscription.
- Video Guide Downloaded Tidal Music for All Streamers
- This is a video teaching you how to use AudFree Tidal Music Converter to rip Tidal music on computers for music streamers.
Part 5. More FAQs about Streamer Tidal
Q1: What Is the Best Wi-Fi Streamer for Tidal?
A: From the 10 best Tidal streaming devices, Cambridge Audio CXN and Linn Selekt DSM are the two best network streamers supporting Wi-Fi connection. If your Wi-Fi is not stable, you can use AudFree Tidal Music Converter to save Tidal tracks locally for offline listening.
Q2: How Do I Ensure I'm Getting the Best Audio Quality from My Tidal Streamer?
A: Use a high-quality internet connection, choose the highest available audio quality settings in Tidal, and connect your streamer via the best possible method (e.g., Ethernet or optical).
Q3: What Streamers Support Tidal MQA?
A: Several streaming devices like Bluesound Node 2i and Cambridge Audio CXN (V2) support Tidal MQA. However, Tidal HiRes FLAC replaces Tidal MQA now. It means you cannot play Tidal MQA on your streamer.
Q4: What Makes a Tidal Streamer Different from Other Streaming Devices?
A: Tidal streamers are specifically designed to support high-fidelity audio formats, offering better sound quality compared to regular streaming devices.
Q5: Which Streamer Supports Tidal Connect?
A: From this article, Cambridge Audio CXN, Naim ND 555/555 PS DR, Cambridge Audio Edge NQ, and NAD C 658 support Tidal Connect. More devices can be known here.
Q6: Can I Use My Tidal Streamer with Other Streaming Services?
A: Yes, most streamers for Tidal also support other streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, and Deezer, although the audio quality may vary depending on the service.
Part 6. Summary
Part 2 is a list of the top 10 best Tidal streamers for Tidal HiRes music. Among them, some can stream Tidal songs via Tidal Connect online. We also provide you with the best method to stream Tidal music on any streamer. That is to use the AudFree Tidal Music Converter to download Tidal music for local playback. Then you can simply use a USB drive to upload Tidal downloads to any music streamer or device for listening offline.
Miley Swift
Staff Editor