TOPIC: Tidal has launched Tidal Connect

Just putting this out there since I haven’t seen any discussion on it:

Tidal has launched Tidal Connect, which works just like Spotify Connect for supported devices. They already have a group of launch partners like KEF, BluOS, NAD, Cambridge Audio, etc.

tidal.com/connect

Tidal’s current implementation on the SHD via Volumio is obviously awful. In contrast, the Spotify Connect plugin is seamless and it’s so much better to use the native app to explore new music and build playlists.

Hoping that @devteam and the SHD series community can make sure a Tidal Connect plugin reaches our devices. I have zero idea what’s involved in all that, but I think it’s a win-win for everyone. More incentive for people to buy into MiniDSP, Tidal, and Volumio.

+1

It would indeed be a huge improvement if Tidal Connect could be implemented on the SHD series.

I bought and like my SHD because of the subwoofer integration capability it has. For the vast majority of people I'd have to recommend the NAD C658 as a better product though, due to huge superiority of BluOS over Volumio. I may yet buy a separate streamer to connect to my SHD purely to improve the streaming interface but improving Volumio would obviously be preferable.

I would never buy another NAD product, I didn't even know you could get such low quality PCB material. Admittedly this was a while ago and maybe recent products are higher quality but without seeing a teardown I wouldn't trust the build quality. As for design problems, I still need to repair my NAD amplifier after it failed due to a stupid design fault. I just hope the PCB survives the repair.
Having taken an SHD apart I can only say it is one of the highest quality builds I've seen. OK, Volumio runs on a little ARM PCB in the corner and I don't use it for much but yes, its the weak point of the SHD I suppose.

entripy wrote:
I think the fact that you don't use Volumio much is key. Where I was coming from in terms of suggesting products to others is that what most people tend to be looking for is a streamer first, and the other features are secondary. For people who do fall into this category the UI and what services are supported are key considerations. Obviously I'd advise anyone to demo units and decide what they like most as an overall package. I've not heard a NAD C658 to compare myself.

The key point is that anything that can improve the streaming interface performance of the SHD series would improve the experience of many existing users, and I strongly believe would make the product appeal to more potential new customers.

(For myself I'm half-tempted to buy a Bluesound Node 2i at its currently cheaper price to use as the streaming interface with my SHD.)

Don't forget the audio quality of the streamer. The SHD Studio as a streamer has a better sound quality than most sub 1000 euro streamers.

jaaptina wrote:
What have you compared it to out of interest?

I don’t see the point of turning this into a debate on the audio or build qualities of the SHD or any of its competition. The point is that Tidal Connect exists now and is already being supported by many devices.

This is about raising awareness for the new Tidal Connect functionality within the SHD user base and voicing to miniDSP a desire to receive a plugin. That can stand on its own, since having more options for streaming is always a good thing, especially if it’s a plugin that allows us to use native apps with no hiccups like the Spotify Connect plugin already does.

Unfortunately, Volumio and miniDSP were not launch partners, so they’re starting from behind. That sucks but is understandable. I just hope they’re dedicated to getting this done. Starting now, I can’t imagine many people in the market for a hi-fi streamer will look the other way on Tidal Connect functionality, especially after they’ve seen Volumio.

^Fair comments @notman. In case it wasn't clear I just made mention of an alternative product to try to help emphasise the significance of trying to make improvements in this area.

It would be great if SHD got Tidal Connect. I'm streaming Tidal 90% of the time I'm listening to music. Now I use the Tidal app to find and bookmark new music Bubbleupnp to stream the music. You can use Bubbleupnp to search Tidal for new music but that's a bit of a hassle.

jaaptina wrote:
And those of us on iOS don’t even get an alternative like BubbleUPnP!

quote="Ultrasonic" post=51394]^Fair comments @notman. In case it wasn't clear I just made mention of an alternative product to try to help emphasise the significance of trying to make improvements in this area.[/quote]

I hear you on that. That’s definitely my point too. This functionality is going to be available to all of the competition and in some cases already is.

notman wrote:
Have a look at an app called "mconnect"

I too would really appreciate it if miniDSP was able to integrate this service.

Just in case, moderators, here is the link to apply to be a Tidal connect partner:

docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScMEDJ3...2DqZ-DAaO3g/viewform

They are making it as easy as possible to integrate. Let's hope miniDSP listens to its customers.

Same here. Using Tidal via Volumio is a pain in the arse.
I strongly hope that this Tidal Connect news could be of some use for the developer team.

dishio wrote:
Thank you, friend! I gave up after all my google searches only turned up options for Android users.

Mconnect is far from perfect but the Tidal interface is much better and it connected to my SHD without any trouble.

Glad to see everyone thinks similarly on Tidal Connect. Hope we get some sign of life from miniDSP themselves.