Tidal and streaming competitors 2 Channel
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Member 99 posts Stranraer Member 99 posts
Stranraer
As a follower of up n coming bands, it's becoming clear that my chosen media, CDs, are often not produced by The Youth so I'm looking at finally taking the plunge and investigating hifi quality streaming to access their songs.
For reasons I'm not really clear on I've got it in my head that Tidal might be the one for me.
I want access to a vast library of past rock, jazz, all genres of modern music at CD(ish) level quality or better if that's possible, and a provider that The Kids are using to broadcast their music too, which I guess means accessing Bandcamp etc ?
Any thoughts on Tidal as a pick, or reasons to consider others ?
i know literally nothing about this or what questions I should be asking so all opinions welcome.
With thanks.
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Stranraer Member 99 posts
Stranraer
 
You will be able to use the Qobuz app on your laptop or phone and then stream to the Primare using Google Cast which is Chromecast. It limits hi-res to 24/96.  
 
See this from Primare
 
The following is from Gemini
AI Overview
To connect your Primare I15 MK2 (Prisma) to Qobuz, you cannot stream directly through the Primare Prisma app itself, as Qobuz is not directly embedded. Instead, you must stream directly from the Qobuz app on your phone, tablet, or computer using Chromecast built-in, AirPlay 2, or Roon. [1, 2, 3]
Follow these steps for the best setup options:
Option 1: Chromecast Built-in (Best for Hi-Res Audio)
Chromecast allows you to stream up to 24-bit/96kHz Hi-Res audio directly from the Qobuz app to your amplifier. [1]
  1. Ensure your Primare I15 and your mobile device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
  2. Open the Qobuz app on your smartphone or tablet and play a track.
  3. Tap the Audio Output / Cast icon (usually a small speaker with sound waves, located in the bottom-left corner of the "Now Playing" screen).
  4. Select your Primare I15 Prisma from the list of available devices.
  5. The music will now stream directly to your amplifier. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Option 2: AirPlay 2 (For Apple Users)
If you are using an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, AirPlay offers a quick, seamless connection. [1, 2, 3]
  1. Swipe down from the top right of your Apple device's screen to open the Control Center.
  2. Tap the AirPlay icon (a triangle with concentric circles) in the audio playback widget.
  3. Select your Primare I15 Prisma.
  4. Open the Qobuz app and press play.
Option 3: Roon (For Ultimate Library Management)
If you subscribe to Roon, the Primare I15 MK2 is fully Roon Ready. [1, 2]
  1. Open the Roon app.
  2. Link your Qobuz account within Roon’s settings.
  3. Select the Primare as your active Roon Zone/Endpoint.
Helpful Tips
  • You will need to use the Primare Prisma app for initial network setup, firmware updates, and managing physical inputs, even though you will be using the Qobuz app to play your music. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
If you want, I can:
  • Provide troubleshooting steps for your Primare's Wi-Fi connection
  • Explain how to use the Primare Prisma application for adjusting device settings
  • Guide you on setting up Google Home for the amplifier [1]
Let me know what you'd like to do next!
Thanks Firefuocco.
 
I think I might have a complete IT misunderstanding here.
I'm assuming that any app can be downloaded onto a mobile phone or a PC. Is this right ?
I've got Qobuz working via my mobile to the Primare, and mighty nice it sounds too, but I would prefer to be doing this on my laptop instead.
I've tried downloading the Primare Prism app (which I think I need ?) onto my laptop.
I've selected it on Google Play but it offers a dropdown box with my mobile as an option, not the laptop itself.
Is there any way to get the Primare app onto my laptop or is there any other way to get my laptop talking to the Primare wirelessly ?
 
I need to get a USB-A to USB-B cable to see if it works hardwired. That's a job for tomorrow.
 
Any advice appreciated.
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Ultrasonic Member 402 posts
Ultrasonic
I've tried downloading the Primare Prism app (which I think I need ?) onto my laptop.
And what happens?
 
The manual presumably tells you if this should work? I would expect it should...
miniDSP SHD → SMSL VMV D1se DAC → Hypex Nilai 500 Monos → ATC SCM40 speakers & Power Sound Audio S1510 subwoofer.
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Ultrasonic Member 402 posts
Ultrasonic
Hmm... this page says the Prisma app is for streaming locally stored files rather than from online streaming services like Qobuz. Is there maybe another app?
 
miniDSP SHD → SMSL VMV D1se DAC → Hypex Nilai 500 Monos → ATC SCM40 speakers & Power Sound Audio S1510 subwoofer.
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Ultrasonic Member 402 posts
Ultrasonic
Just had a bit of a look at the user manual which is not super-helpful. I'd be tempted to ask Primare directly if it's possible to control Qobuz streaming via a PC app in the same way that your phone can, and if not consider seeing if you can return the unit to exchange for one with the functionality you want.
miniDSP SHD → SMSL VMV D1se DAC → Hypex Nilai 500 Monos → ATC SCM40 speakers & Power Sound Audio S1510 subwoofer.
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Tim (AKA timster) TJC Member 6,647 posts
Tim (AKA timster) TJC
A lot of apps available on android or Apple devices aren't available on Windows. Mainly down to Windows discontinuing its support for apis that made it easier for developers to port them. It requires significant development and for most it's just not worthwhile.
It's unfortunate but you can blame MS for it.
"I'd rather lead a life than follow one around" Carrie Fisher
"A strong conviction that something must be done is the parent of many bad measures" Daniel Webster
"I know my own mind…The trouble is, my mind changes and then I have to get acquainted with it all over again" Lucy Montgomery
 
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Stranraer Member 99 posts
Stranraer
A lot of apps available on android or Apple devices aren't available on Windows. Mainly down to Windows discontinuing its support for apis that made it easier for developers to port them. It requires significant development and for most it's just not worthwhile.
It's unfortunate but you can blame MS for it.
Ah, thanks Tim.
That explains a lot. As Ultrasonic suggests, I'll give them a buzz tomorrow but looks like I'll be stuck using the phone.
Not the end of the world by any means. I just assumed that these days any old laptop would instantly be able to talk to any old wireless device.
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Ultrasonic Member 402 posts
Ultrasonic
Ah, thanks Tim.
That explains a lot. As Ultrasonic suggests, I'll give them a buzz tomorrow but looks like I'll be stuck using the phone.
Not the end of the world by any means. I just assumed that these days any old laptop would instantly be able to talk to any old wireless device.
Hopefully this can be resolved OK but one of the general issues with streamers is that established HiFi companies are not historically IT specialists. As such, functionality and support has been decidedly variable.
miniDSP SHD → SMSL VMV D1se DAC → Hypex Nilai 500 Monos → ATC SCM40 speakers & Power Sound Audio S1510 subwoofer.
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Ultrasonic Member 402 posts
Ultrasonic
A lot of apps available on android or Apple devices aren't available on Windows. Mainly down to Windows discontinuing its support for apis that made it easier for developers to port them. It requires significant development and for most it's just not worthwhile.
It's unfortunate but you can blame MS for it.
This suggests there may indeed only be Android and and iOS apps (not Windows):
 
miniDSP SHD → SMSL VMV D1se DAC → Hypex Nilai 500 Monos → ATC SCM40 speakers & Power Sound Audio S1510 subwoofer.
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Asmodeus Member 54 posts
Asmodeus
Am I correct in thinking that I’m better off using the tidal and qobuz connect options on the Azur 851n then? I’m new to streaming so advice is appreciated.
Luxman L509x & Luxman D07x .Marantz TT15s1 . Cambridge Audio Azur 851N . Triangle Genese Lyrr.
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Ultrasonic Member 402 posts
Ultrasonic
Am I correct in thinking that I’m better off using the tidal and qobuz connect options on the Azur 851n then? I’m new to streaming so advice is appreciated.
If they work OK it's probably what I'd use. Partly just depends how you like their apps vs an alternative app you may have access to?
 
On my own streamer I use Volumio to stream Qobuz but would rather use Qobuz Connect as the Qobuz app is better. Unfortunately, whilst Qobuz Connect is technically supported it has a bug affecting high-res streaming that doesn't look like getting fixed any time soon.
miniDSP SHD → SMSL VMV D1se DAC → Hypex Nilai 500 Monos → ATC SCM40 speakers & Power Sound Audio S1510 subwoofer.
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Blacksabbath Member 2,499 posts
Blacksabbath
Just had a bit of a look at the user manual which is not super-helpful. I'd be tempted to ask Primare directly if it's possible to control Qobuz streaming via a PC app in the same way that your phone can, and if not consider seeing if you can return the unit to exchange for one with the functionality you want.
The other way is ROON and connect to Qobuz that way if the Primare can be used as endpoint .
Yamaha A-S3000 , Yamaha CD2100 , Dali Epicon 6s 
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