Streaming

TIDAL Connect

TL;DR

TIDAL Connect is Tidal's wireless streaming protocol - same concept as Spotify Connect. Casts hi-res FLAC from the Tidal app to compatible receivers over Wi-Fi. Streams up to 24-bit / 192 kHz on hi-res tiers.

TIDAL Connect is Tidal’s equivalent of Spotify Connect. Lets you cast from the Tidal app on your phone/tablet/desktop directly to compatible network audio devices.

Quality

  • HiFi tier: 16-bit / 44.1 kHz FLAC (CD quality)
  • HiFi Plus: 24-bit / up to 192 kHz FLAC (hi-res)

vs Spotify Connect

TIDAL Connect delivers lossless hi-res; Spotify Connect maxes out at 320 kbps Ogg Vorbis (until Spotify Lossless rolls out fully). For hi-fi listeners, TIDAL Connect quality is meaningfully higher.

Where you’ll find it

Fosi Audio S3, WiiM Ultra/Pro, most modern Bluesound/NAD/Cambridge streamers. Requires TIDAL HiFi or HiFi Plus subscription.

Related terms

2-way vs 3-way speakers

A 2-way speaker splits the audio between two drivers: woofer (bass + midrange) and tweeter (highs). A 3-way adds a dedic…

Read →

24-bit / 96 kHz (hi-res sample rate + bit depth notation)

"24-bit / 96 kHz" is the shorthand notation for a hi-res audio file: 24 bits per sample (144 dB dynamic range) at 96,000…

Read →

3.5mm Jack (mini-jack)

The 3.5mm jack (also called mini-jack, 1/8-inch, aux) is the most common consumer audio connector - used for headphones,…

Read →

48V Power Supply (for TPA3255 amps)

The 48V power supply is the rail voltage that lets TPA3255 amplifiers reach their full rated power. Most budget TPA3255 …

Read →

5.1 / 7.1 surround sound configurations

5.1 and 7.1 are speaker configurations for surround sound. 5.1 = 5 main speakers (front L/R + center + rear L/R) + 1 sub…

Read →

AAC codec

AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) is a lossy audio codec best known as the default Bluetooth codec on Apple devices. Quality i…

Read →

Active vs Passive Speakers

Active speakers have built-in amplifiers - just add a source. Passive speakers need an external amp. Active is simpler; …

Read →

AirPlay 2

AirPlay 2 is Apple's wireless audio streaming protocol built into iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV. Supports lossless str…

Read →

AKM AK4493SEQ

The AKM AK4493SEQ is a premium 32-bit Delta-Sigma DAC chip from Asahi Kasei Microdevices. Audiophiles often describe AKM…

Read →

aptX Adaptive

aptX Adaptive is Qualcomm's newest Bluetooth codec. Variable bitrate (279-420 kbps) automatically adjusts based on wirel…

Read →

aptX-HD

aptX-HD is Qualcomm's hi-res Bluetooth audio codec that transmits up to 576 kbps at 24-bit / 48 kHz. It's the second-bes…

Read →

Balanced XLR

Balanced XLR is a professional audio connection that uses 3 wires (signal+, signal-, ground) instead of the 2 used by RC…

Read →

Bass Reflex Port

A bass reflex port (or "port") is a tuned tube in a speaker cabinet that extends low-frequency response by using rear-ra…

Read →

Bi-amping

Bi-amping uses two separate amplifier channels per speaker - one for the woofer, one for the tweeter. Requires speakers …

Read →

Bit Depth (16-bit vs 24-bit)

Bit depth determines the dynamic range of a digital audio signal. 16-bit (CD quality) has 96 dB dynamic range. 24-bit (h…

Read →

Bluetooth 5.x (5.0/5.1/5.2/5.3/5.4)

Bluetooth 5.0-5.4 are the current-generation wireless audio standards. Each revision improves range, energy efficiency, …

Read →

Bookshelf vs Tower Speakers

Bookshelf speakers are compact 2-way designs meant for stand or shelf placement. Tower speakers are large floor-standing…

Read →

Chromecast Audio (Google Cast)

Google Cast (formerly Chromecast Audio) is Google's wireless audio streaming protocol. Casts from Android, Chrome browse…

Read →

Class-A amplifier

Class-A is the traditional analog amplifier topology where transistors conduct continuously. Legendary for smoothness an…

Read →

Class-AB amplifier

Class-AB is the traditional linear amplifier topology in vintage receivers and most non-Class-D integrateds. Roughly 50%…

Read →

Ready to see this in action?

Browse honest, hands-on reviews of budget hi-fi gear that puts these concepts to the test.

Read our latest reviews → Back to Wiki