Streaming Audio: Getting Started with Style
Joseph ParveyA Beginner’s Guide to High-End Audio Streaming: TIDAL, Qobuz & the Gear You Need
Welcome to Streaming: The Modern Way to Experience High-End Audio
If you're just getting started in the world of high-end audio, you’ve probably heard terms like streaming, Hi-Res audio, Qobuz, or TIDAL. But what does it all mean — and how do you actually begin listening?
At House of Stereo, we meet a lot of people who love music but haven’t yet explored streaming beyond their phone and Bluetooth speaker. This guide is for you — the curious listener who's ready to step into a richer, more immersive world of sound.
Streaming, simply put, means accessing music over the internet instead of playing it from a physical source like a CD or record. But in the hi-fi world, streaming is so much more than just convenience — it's about accessing studio-quality sound instantly, from millions of albums, right from your fingertips.
And here’s the best part: with the right gear, streamed music can sound every bit as good as — and often better than — a CD.
Whether you're looking to simplify your setup or expand your musical horizons, we'll walk you through the services, hardware, and steps to get started with streaming — the hi-fi way.
What Is Audio Streaming?
Streaming is the modern way to listen to music - instead of playing a CD or vinyl record, your music is delivered over the internet in real time, straight to your audio system. With a high-speed internet connection and the right equipment, you can access millions of songs instantly, with high-resolution sound that rivals or exceeds physical media.
Think of it like Netflix, but for music. You don't download every album you listen to. Instead, services like Qobuz and TIDAL let you search, browse, and stream entire discographies from your favorite artists with a tap or click.
If you've been using Spotify, Apple Music, or playing songs over Bluetooth, you're not hearing the full potential of your music. Most mainstream platforms compress and pare down music files (lossy audio) to save bandwidth - which strips out detail, depth, and dynamics.
HiFi streaming services use formats like FLAC or MQA that preserve all the original information from the studio recording - and with the right setup, it sounds phenomenal. One of the best features?
FUN FACT: A turntable guru caught selecting music on a tablet at an audio show responded to a stunned show-goer, "I've been getting up and down every 30 minutes for fifty f****n' years, sometimes I just want to push a button and hear the music play!"
Streaming Services for Audiophiles
Not all music streaming services are created equal. While Spotify and Apple Music are popular, their standard audio quality is compressed. For those seeking true hi-fi sound, platforms like Qobuz and TIDAL offer a dramatically better experience.
Qobuz is a favorite among audiophiles for its lossless FLAC streaming at resolutions up to 24-bit / 192kHz. That's better than CD quality - and it's not just marketing.
TIDAL uses MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) to deliver studio-grade sound in a compact package. TIDAL also offers immersive Dolby Atmos and Sony 360 Reality Audio tracks.
Many listeners use both services, and both are compatible with Roon and the majority of high-end streamers.
Other services such as Apple and Amazon Music are out there, but cater mostly to their own devices and (in my opinion) exist because it they already had access to the data and a user base to sell it to. You will not find widespread industry support for Apple or Amazon amongst the streamers out there today. That could change in time.
By the numbers: Hi-Res Streaming Services Compared
Looking for better-than-CD sound from your streaming music? TIDAL and Qobuz are the industry favorites, but there are other platforms pushing the boundaries of hi-res digital playback. Here’s how they compare:
Qobuz
- Max Quality: 24-bit / 192kHz FLAC
- Format: Pure FLAC (no compression)
- Best For: Classical, jazz, indie, pure audiophile fidelity
- Works With: Roon, HiFi Rose, Cambridge, T+A, Aurender
TIDAL HiFi Plus
- Max Quality: 24-bit / 192kHz (MQA & FLAC)
- Extras: Dolby Atmos Music & Sony 360 Reality Audio
- Best For: Modern genres, immersive formats, playlists
- Works With: Roon, HiFi Rose, Naim, Cambridge, Bluesound
Apple Music Lossless
- Max Quality: 24-bit / 192kHz ALAC
- Platform: Apple-only (iPhone, iPad, Mac)
- Best For: Apple users with external DACs
- Note: Not supported by most hi-fi streamers
Amazon Music HD / Ultra HD
- Max Quality: 24-bit / 192kHz
- Format: Proprietary, no download option
- Best For: Casual hi-res with Amazon ecosystem
- Drawback: Not Roon or streamer-integrated
📊 Quick Compare
| Service | Max Resolution | HiFi Compatibility | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qobuz | 24-bit / 192kHz FLAC | ✅ Most hi-fi streamers & Roon | Pure high-resolution music playback |
| TIDAL | 24-bit / 192kHz (MQA & FLAC) | ✅ Most streamers, Roon, MQA DACs | Modern music, immersive audio |
| Apple Music | 24-bit / 192kHz ALAC | ❌ Limited to Apple gear + DACs | iOS/Mac users with headphone rigs |
| Amazon Music HD | 24-bit / 192kHz | ❌ Limited hi-fi streamer support | Mainstream hi-res library |
| Presto Music | 24-bit / 192kHz | ❌ Niche integrations | Classical & jazz collectors |
Need help choosing a streamer that supports your favorite service? Contact House of Stereo for expert advice →
A word on the preferences of House of Stereo: We wholeheartedly prefer Qobuz to any other streaming platform. Tidal has (slightly) more music, but Qobuz cares about Hi-Fi, they care about our industry, and are accessible to regular people.
What You Need to Start Streaming in High Fidelity
You don't need a complicated setup to start enjoying high-quality streaming, but the gear you choose makes a difference:
- A reliable internet connection (wired preferred for Hi-Res, but not mandatory).
- An audio streamer or DAC/streamer.
- A streaming service like Qobuz or TIDAL.
- A stereo system or headphone system to connect it to
Controlling the Music - The Streaming Apps
Streaming is only as good as the app that controls it. Few things kill the mood faster than clunky navigation or poor search results during a listening session. Fortunately, the streaming landscape has evolved — and so have the expectations of audiophiles. Today’s users demand more than just sound quality; they expect a seamless, intuitive experience. App design has come a long way from the clunky Winamp-era interfaces, with modern streamers now employing professional UI/UX designers to create visually rich, responsive control platforms. A device can sound phenomenal, but if it’s frustrating to operate, the magic quickly fades.
The software you utilize is NOT a-la-carte. Apps are specific to the device you are using. StreamMagic is for Cambridge devices, AGD is for Aavik and Axxess. You can not mix and match. There are universal uPNP apps out there like mConnect, but that is a larger discussion. Contact us for more information.
These are some of the best in the business:
- StreamMagic by Cambridge: Clean interface, wide compatibility.
- Focal & Naim: Unified control with stunning UX and multiroom features.
- RoseConnect: Touchscreen control and deep integration with HiFi Rose devices.
- Aurender Conductor: Built for detail lovers with serious music libraries.
- BluOS: One of the original, ubiquitous apps out there
- AGD (Audio Group Denmark) - powerful, sleek with good connectivity options
- Roon: One of the most powerful and beautiful out there, but requires specialized hardware
Each offers its own flavor of interface and control - you can try them all in store and see what feels right.
All of the apps discussed above support Qobuz and Tidal, while some bring lossy options to the streamer as well. Pandora, Spotify, Deezer can also be found on the offerings such as BluOS and StreamMagic.
The Gear
Entry-Level (Under $1,000):
Bluesound Node. Feature-rich and budget-friendly.
NAD CS1 Ultra-compact with basic Hi-Res support.
Cambridge MXN10 - Clean sound and native Qobuz/TIDAL support.
Arcam ST5 - Excellent pairing with Arcam integrated amps
Enthusiast ($1,000-$4,999):
Cambridge CXN 100 - Popular all-rounder with StreamMagic control.
Cambridge EXN 100 - Taking it up a notch from the CXN, big sonic step-up
Naim ND5 XS 2 - Superb detail and timing with Focal integration.
Reference ($5,000-$12,500+):
Note: some of these Streamers are 'Transport' only, meaning you must utilize an external DAC. Questions? Call us!
Meitner MA3i - 2nd Gen Streaming DAC/Pre from DSD Guru Ed Meitner
Teac UD-701N - USB DAC/Network Player
Aavik S-280 - Exceptional audio performance through innovative engineering and design
Aurender N200: Reference-grade transport for external DACs
Aurender A200: Built-in DAC and spacious presentation.
Aurender N20: Streamer/Server with serious sonic credentials. Great app
Naim NDX 2 - serious digital front-end with extensive streaming capabilities
Naim NSS333 - Latest technology from digital pioneer Naim Audio. Beauty and the beast.
Hifi Rose RS130 - Amazing features, exquisite sound, beautiful display on device and in-app
Wolf Audio Systems Alpha 3 SX - Ferrari engine of audio delivery. All the features.
Electrocompaniet ECM 1 MK II- Traditional DAC/Pre with internal hard drive support and a well-developed app.
Ultimate Reference ($12,500+)
T+A SD 3100 HV - No-compromise streaming with extreme clarity.
Aurender N30SA, flagship reference music server and streamer
Esoteric Grandioso N1T - flagship network audio transport introduced in early 2025
Where to Start - Our Recommendations
If you're ready to dive in, we've curated the best streamers at each price point:
Entry-Level: Start with a Bluesound Node or Cambridge MXN10 - plug and play.
Enthusiast: Look at the HiFi Rose RS250A, or Naim ND5 XS 2 for an elevated experience.
Reference: T+A, Meitner, and Esoteric offer unparalleled musicality and precision.
Still unsure? Reach out to House of Stereo or visit us in Jacksonville for a personalized demo.
Final Thoughts – Music, Rediscovered
Streaming in high resolution isn’t just about convenience — it brings your music to life. Rediscover albums you thought you knew. Explore new favorites through advanced discovery tools that connect sonic similarities and even relationships between artists, guiding you on a deeper musical journey.
Hear the emotion. The texture. The space between the notes.
This is what music was meant to sound like.
Whether you’re starting small or building a reference-level system, we’re here to help you make the most of it. Visit House of Stereo, ask questions, or explore our curated collections online.
Your music deserves this.
Explore Our Streamer Collection
How Streaming Works: The Technical
🔧 Under the Hood: How a Network Streamer Works
For all its simplicity on the surface — tap, play, listen — high-fidelity streaming involves a sophisticated chain of processes and precision engineering. Here's what actually happens behind the scenes when you hit \"play\" on a track from Qobuz, TIDAL, or Roon:
1. Requesting the Music (Cloud → Streamer)
Your streamer sends a request to the streaming service’s servers (e.g., Qobuz). The music file — typically in FLAC, MQA, or WAV — is transmitted over the internet in data packets via TCP/IP.
2. Streaming Data Enters Your Local Network
The data flows through your modem, router, and switch into the streamer. Audiophile-grade switches or fiber isolation may reduce network noise here.
3. Data Buffering in the Streamer
The data is buffered in memory (RAM or flash) to smooth out network inconsistencies and prepare for accurate playback.
4. Clocking the Digital Signal
A precision internal clock (e.g., femtosecond or OCXO) re-times the data to minimize jitter before digital-to-analog conversion.
5. Digital Signal to DAC
The timed digital stream is sent to the DAC (internal or external), where it is converted into a smooth, continuous analog voltage signal.
6. Output Stage
The analog signal passes through an output stage that buffers, filters, and presents the signal to your system via RCA or XLR.
7. Preamplifier
The preamp sets volume, selects input, and matches impedance and gain for your amplifier.
8. Power Amplifier → Speakers or Headphones
The amp boosts the voltage/current to drive your transducers and create sound.
🔁 Optional Advanced Stages
- External master clocks
- Room correction DSP
- Galvanic isolation
- Fiber Ethernet or reclocking stages
📊 Signal Path Overview:
[Cloud Service (Qobuz/TIDAL)]
↓
[Internet] → [Router] → [Switch] → [Streamer]
↓
Buffer + Precision Clock
↓
[DAC (Internal or External)]
↓
[Analog Output Stage]
↓
[Preamplifier]
↓
[Power Amplifier]
↓
[Speakers / Headphones]