[kukkurovaca]

Do I have the best settings applied? I'm unsure about the MQA pass-through. I just created an account and have the 'TIDAL HiFi $19.99/month subscription', and my headphones are connected through an amp/dac combo

Unless the Element II does hardware MQA (I don't think it does) you should turn off "Passthrough MQA"

 

[Left Channel]

Do I have the best settings applied? I'm unsure about the MQA pass-through. I just created an account and have the 'TIDAL HiFi $19.99/month subscription', and my headphones are connected through an amp/dac combo

Turn off "Passthrough MQA", as the JDS is not an MQA DAC. The Tidal software will unfold MQA 1x and that's all most people need.

The other settings are fine. Enjoy!

 

[gimmeheadroom]

Nevermind, saw you were answered already

 

[sonitus mirus]

Do I have the best settings applied? I'm unsure about the MQA pass-through. I just created an account and have the 'TIDAL HiFi $19.99/month subscription', and my headphones are connected through an amp/dac combo

You would typically only select Passthrough MQA if you had an MQA-capable DAC. If your DAC can unfold the MQA, use passthrough, otherwise you are probably better off having the Tidal software decode the MQA up to 24/96. If you don't have a DAC that can decode MQA, with passthrough enabled Tidal will send the undecoded MQA file, which would be played as a 16/48 (bit-decimated) format.

 

[dcime]

Do I have the best settings applied? I'm unsure about the MQA pass-through. I just created an account and have the 'TIDAL HiFi $19.99/month subscription', and my headphones are connected through an amp/dac combo

Only the top one is necessary. “Use Exclusive Mode - ON”
The other 2 remaining makes no difference. I suggest to leave those set to - “OFF”
Enjoy!

 

[Recursion]

Only the top one is necessary. “Use Exclusive Mode - ON”
The other 2 remaining makes no difference. I suggest to leave those set to - “OFF”
Enjoy!

Why? You end up pushing your amp harder than you have to because the software volume isn't maximized with the "Force volume" setting disabled. There's no need to strain the amp any more then you have to, to reach the wanted volume level.

 

[Left Channel]

Only the top one is necessary. “Use Exclusive Mode - ON”
The other 2 remaining makes no difference. I suggest to leave those set to - “OFF”
Enjoy!

Why? You end up pushing your amp harder than you have to because the software volume isn't maximized with the "Force volume" setting disabled. There's no need to strain the amp any more then you have to reach the wanted volume level.

@Recursion's right: set Force Volume to "ON" when an external amp has its own volume control.

 

[dcime]

Gimme a break its America I can do whatever suits me! It's my opinion so if you dont like like it you know what to do? Or where you can go?

 

[dcime]

@Recursion's right: set Force Volume to "ON" when an external amp has its own volume control.

That's a creepy avatar old man!

 

[tomwoo]

Just received an email titled "Get 5 months of TIDAL for just $5". Not a bad deal...

 

[bigbeard]

the latest update seems to have done something to the audio.

It sounds much better on my speaker system. More detail and clarity.

Anyone else?

 

[gimmeheadroom]

Are you talking about the Android app? I just started the windows desktop app, did not see any update.

 

[Teppka]

There is specific 360 content, same as with MQA. It should be obvious when you're hearing it -- they have a sample playlist here:

https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/0250fea8-5123-4d14-aa71-58c81605a015

I gave it a listen and found that most of it sounded awful, like just someone had just messed around with mid/side sliders at best. But some of the older jazz tracks are good -- I'm guessing that those tracks are being derived from existing decent surround sound masters. When it works, it's an interesting effect, but I don't know even in those cases whether I prefer it to a well-mastered normal version of the same track.

I think it would probably be more interesting if tracks were produced from the start with its possibilities in mind? So maybe it if catches on.

I wander if 360 sound will also work if listening through portable DAC connected via lightening cable to an iPhone and then to the cans?

 

[Left Channel]

There is specific 360 content, same as with MQA. It should be obvious when you're hearing it -- they have a sample playlist here:

https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/0250fea8-5123-4d14-aa71-58c81605a015

I gave it a listen and found that most of it sounded awful, like just someone had just messed around with mid/side sliders at best. But some of the older jazz tracks are good -- I'm guessing that those tracks are being derived from existing decent surround sound masters. When it works, it's an interesting effect, but I don't know even in those cases whether I prefer it to a well-mastered normal version of the same track.

I think it would probably be more interesting if tracks were produced from the start with its possibilities in mind? So maybe it if catches on.

Agreed, most of it sounds awful. Overprocessed lo-fi. It only works in the mobile apps, and can be further enhanced by a Sony processing app for their Bluetooth headphones. This is not multichannel audio as audiophiles normally think of it. It's an abomination. But I'm sure between this and Atmos, a lot of new gimmicky hardware and apps will be sold.

 

[Broquen]

Sony WH-1000XM3 optimized (specifically for 360 Reality Audio), sound much better and natural. In another level for my ears.

BTW today I noticed Dolby Atmos optimized files too (my smartphone supports it). Have to give it a try