Tidal on NDX: first impressions

Posted by: phosphocreatine on 06 October 2015

I installed the new firmware on my NDX, checked in to Tidal with my account (HIFI) and started.

 

App. experience on Ipad:

the Tidal app. is cleverly integrated into the Naim app and response times are very fast. In the main screen are placed playlists, albums and so on as for the application that you usually run on your PC or IOS. The search for artists, songs or albums is responsive as in general is the general user experience. The thing I find most interesting is the possibility to create a playlist that include both songs from Tidal and from the local network (in my case a NAS Qnap with Minimserver): Well done Naim and the beta testers !

Sound quality:

Basically I noticed a general sound quality that is lower to the one obtained from my NAS: the bass is more boomy and details are lower. This phenomenon is not, however, constant and to explain what I have in mind I take two examples that represent the extremes: on the one hand "Summertime" by Patricia Barber where the difference between NAS and Tidal is most audible: the sound performance of the contrabass and and the general sound atmosphere is in strongly favour of the NAS (the same can be said for some pieces by  Antonio Forcione or Keith Jarret). On the other hand hits of the moment such as "Cheerleader" or "Ain't Nobody" where the differences are quite modest if not imperceptible.

 

Cheers

 

Posted on: 06 October 2015 by GraemeH

Upgraded seamlessly this time. Giving 'Physical Graffiti' a blast on Tidal.

 

It will be great to ditch the Sonos!

 

Thanks Naim!

 

G

Posted on: 06 October 2015 by gmischol

This was not working for me. Invalid code message :-( so i have created new account for 90 days of testing

I just put my code into my existing Tidal hifi subscription screen on my web tidal access under the voucher logo , and three free months added, next payment confirmed 10/1/16

so I can keep my existing account with all my playlist favourites. Excellent :-)

 Can please somebody explain, where to get the code for the free trial

 

thanks

Posted on: 06 October 2015 by Clive B

I did it! I actually did it! And it worked (almost) seamlessly! I now have version 4.04.003 installed on my NDS. I say 'almost' seamlessly because just after launching the updater it immediately stopped with an error code 740 and saying that it needed to be "raised to a higher level". So I lifted up the laptop, put the box from my Naim Aro under it and launched it again. All went swimmingly this time (clearly a 4" height difference makes all the difference!!).

 

I've not yet signed up to Tidal as I need to move from n-Serve to the new Naim app (it's a sad moment and I'm steeling myself against the tears). But it won't be long. 

 

MANY THANKS TO ALL THE NAIM AUDIO TEAM FOR SUCH EXCELLENT INSTRUCTIONS!! They're the best yet. 

Posted on: 06 October 2015 by Phil Harris
Originally Posted by phosphocreatine:

I have read what Phil has written, but I can assure you it works; the only thing is you have to have a "running" Tidal account (In my case I reactivated the account and then used the voucher that I found on the Naim site)

 

The arrangement that we had with Tidal was that it (the code) was valid for the creation of new 'trial' accounts only - and that they (the accounts) were for the use of existing and new Naim streamer users only ...

 

If the codes work in other situations (adding three months subscription to existing accounts) then consider it a lucky oversight on Tidal's behalf.

 

Phil

Posted on: 06 October 2015 by Camlan
Originally Posted by gmischol:

This was not working for me. Invalid code message :-( so i have created new account for 90 days of testing

I just put my code into my existing Tidal hifi subscription screen on my web tidal access under the voucher logo , and three free months added, next payment confirmed 10/1/16

so I can keep my existing account with all my playlist favourites. Excellent :-)

 Can please somebody explain, where to get the code for the free trial

 

thanks

Go into the app. Click on TIDAL and then create new account. This will take you to a web page that will give you a code. If you are new there is a link to the TIDAL site to get registered. If not follow other posters advice above and on other threads - see particularly Simon in Suffolk.

 

Posted on: 06 October 2015 by Simon-in-Suffolk

Indeed, it worked well... I was a little concerned as I have worked up 10s of playlists and even more favourite tracks and albums in Tidal over a few months and I didn't want to loose them..it kind of ends up being an extension of your CD collection..

i ensured I deleted the TestFlight Naim app (from the beta trial) and downloaded the release version.. And got the new account setup code from that app.. and then placed that code into the voucher field on my existing hifi Tidal account (via the Tidal account screen on their website).. It said the code was accepted, and then confirmed when my next regular payment would be.. Which was three months after my current month expires.... all simple and straightforward... 

Simon

Posted on: 06 October 2015 by Camlan

I have to echo the appreciation of other posters and say this is much much better than I thought it was going to be. Excellent integration with the app and the available catalogue is much better particularly on Classical than I assumed it would be.

 

In terms of SQ, I find the TIDAL stream to be a bit more lean than a CD rip but there is not a lot in it and it may just be the difference between WAV and FLAC.

 

Overall an excellent job by Naim and kudos also to the Beta team. Given the angst on here at times over the last 12/18 months it has to be said that it was worth the wait!

Posted on: 06 October 2015 by GraemeH

I went from the naim app through to the page with the code on it and set up a Tidal account. I was asked how I wanted to pay and noted 'paypal' thinking I would be asked to redeem the code but this request never came.

 

The account is set up and running fine but am I getting the 90 day free trial? Have I done something wrong through the set up?

 

Thanks,

 

G

Posted on: 06 October 2015 by Mike-B
Originally Posted by Clive B:

I did it! I actually did it! And it worked (almost) seamlessly! I now have version 4.04.003 installed on my NDS.  

........  & with that painfully slow laptop with Vista 

I agree 100% on the new instructions,  I didn't see them before this evening as I have been updating the beta changes on autopilot for over a year.      

 

ENJOY

 

 

Posted on: 06 October 2015 by Simon-in-Suffolk

Graeme, log into tidal with your web browser, and go to the account screen. You will see a "voucher" diamond shaped icon .. Click on that, and enter your code from the Naim app/referral web screen, it should then say accepted or otherwise, and then confirm when your next payment will be.. If your next payment is in a month or less, it hasn't accepted the code...

Simon

Posted on: 06 October 2015 by Camlan
Originally Posted by GraemeH:

I went from the naim app through to the page with the code on it and set up a Tidal account. I was asked how I wanted to pay and noted 'paypal' thinking I would be asked to redeem the code but this request never came.

 

The account is set up and running fine but am I getting the 90 day free trial? Have I done something wrong through the set up?

 

Thanks,

 

G

Graeme

 

Go into the TIDAL web site and log in with your user name and password. You will then be able to access your account details which will tell you when the first payment is due. Hopefully that should put your mind at rest.

Posted on: 06 October 2015 by GraemeH
Originally Posted by Simon-in-Suffolk:

Graeme, log into tidal with your web browser, and go to the account screen. You will see a "voucher" diamond shaped icon .. Click on that, and enter your code from the Naim app/referral web screen, it should then say accepted or otherwise, and then confirm when your next payment will be.. If your next payment is in a month or less, it hasn't accepted the code...

Simon

Sorry Simon - I can't seem to see the 'voucher' diamond icon in the app...or find the account screen!

 

Cheers,

 

Graeme

Posted on: 06 October 2015 by Clive B
Originally Posted by Mike-B:
Originally Posted by Clive B:

I did it! I actually did it! And it worked (almost) seamlessly! I now have version 4.04.003 installed on my NDS.  

........  & with that painfully slow laptop with Vista 

I agree 100% on the new instructions,  I didn't see them before this evening as I have been updating the beta changes on autopilot for over a year.      

 

ENJOY

 

 

Yes, thanks Mike. Actually the only issue with the laptop was when I had multiple windows open checking I had the right driver installed (it was already there from when I did 3.22). But the instructions this time were much better. I wish I'd printed them, but instead I kept Alt-Tabbing between Windows as I went. I've now switched from n-StreaM to the Naim Audio app and am getting used to that with tracks from the NS01. The server stopped responding for a while, but now I have to create the Tidal account. 

Posted on: 06 October 2015 by GraemeH
Originally Posted by Camlan:
Originally Posted by GraemeH:

I went from the naim app through to the page with the code on it and set up a Tidal account. I was asked how I wanted to pay and noted 'paypal' thinking I would be asked to redeem the code but this request never came.

 

The account is set up and running fine but am I getting the 90 day free trial? Have I done something wrong through the set up?

 

Thanks,

 

G

Graeme

 

Go into the TIDAL web site and log in with your user name and password. You will then be able to access your account details which will tell you when the first payment is due. Hopefully that should put your mind at rest.

 

Originally Posted by GraemeH:
Originally Posted by Simon-in-Suffolk:

Graeme, log into tidal with your web browser, and go to the account screen. You will see a "voucher" diamond shaped icon .. Click on that, and enter your code from the Naim app/referral web screen, it should then say accepted or otherwise, and then confirm when your next payment will be.. If your next payment is in a month or less, it hasn't accepted the code...

Simon

Sorry Simon - I can't seem to see the 'voucher' diamond icon in the app...or find the account screen!

 

Cheers,

 

Graeme

Thanks folks - Got it.  If using an iPad it keeps deferring to the app where you can't access account subscription. I found a work around and it appears the free trial has been acknowledged automatically.

 

Cheers,

 

G

Posted on: 06 October 2015 by JSH

Graeme, you are not alone!  I couldn't find this stuff either and was concerned that I might be charged for something I might not want.  I went to my Paypal account and I haven't been charged.

To put your mind at rest, go to "Settings" at the bottom of the LHS and your account details should come up.  Go to Subscriptions and it will tell you when your subscription runs out (4 January).  At the bottom of that page there's an end subsription hyperlink.  Click that and you can cancel your subscription from there.  I've just done it because you can re-activate it later if you want and I don't want to forget it and then be charged.  At the moment, the Walton album is still playing and I guess this will work until 4 January.  SQ very average

PS I couldn't find the voucher icon Simon refers to either; they probaly don't want people to use it or it may be unnecessary if you go in via Naim

Posted on: 06 October 2015 by GraemeH

Cheers JSH - I got there in the end.

 

G

Posted on: 06 October 2015 by hungryhalibut
Originally Posted by Camlan:

I have to echo the appreciation of other posters and say this is much much better than I thought it was going to be. Excellent integration with the app and the available catalogue is much better particularly on Classical than I assumed it would be.

 

In terms of SQ, I find the TIDAL stream to be a bit more lean than a CD rip but there is not a lot in it and it may just be the difference between WAV and FLAC.

 

Overall an excellent job by Naim and kudos also to the Beta team. Given the angst on here at times over the last 12/18 months it has to be said that it was worth the wait!

It's been something of a challenge to keep schtum on this, as we've been playing with it for months. All's well in the end. 

Posted on: 06 October 2015 by KRM
Originally Posted by JSH:

Graeme, you are not alone!  I couldn't find this stuff either and was concerned that I might be charged for something I might not want.  I went to my Paypal account and I haven't been charged.

To put your mind at rest, go to "Settings" at the bottom of the LHS and your account details should come up.  Go to Subscriptions and it will tell you when your subscription runs out (4 January).  At the bottom of that page there's an end subsription hyperlink.  Click that and you can cancel your subscription from there.  I've just done it because you can re-activate it later if you want and I don't want to forget it and then be charged.  At the moment, the Walton album is still playing and I guess this will work until 4 January.  SQ very average

PS I couldn't find the voucher icon Simon refers to either; they probaly don't want people to use it or it may be unnecessary if you go in via Naim

Some say the bass is more boomy, others that it is leaner. The rest can't tell the difference. I have heard it sound very slightly worse and exactly the same, depending on the album. If you're finding that it sounds "very average" in the sense that sounds bad then I can't agree. If you mean that on average it sounds like a ripped CD then I do agree.

 

Keith

Posted on: 06 October 2015 by JSH

Graeme

Great

I'm just listening to NPO4 radio - one positive side effect of having to re-install all my radio stations - and the SQ is better than I got with Tidal earlier this evening.  It's another 320 freebie for we Classical people

Posted on: 06 October 2015 by JSH
To my ears, it lacks dynamic range and oomph (attack) compared with a ripped CD or a 24/96.  Fine as background music, but you hardly need Naim for that; an iPod would do!  It seems to lack the clarity of a good BBC concert too. But, I've only listened to two albums so I need to give it a better chance than that.
I still can't quite get my head round why a streamed service is "better" than a ripped CD.  I can see if you buy 3 or 4 CDs a month then Tidal might be cheaper, if Tidal has got what you want.  For we classical people, that's debatable; the range is pretty lamentable
I appreciate that streaming is so "now" of course!
 
 
Originally Posted by KRM:
Originally Posted by JSH:

Graeme, you are not alone!  I couldn't find this stuff either and was concerned that I might be charged for something I might not want.  I went to my Paypal account and I haven't been charged.

To put your mind at rest, go to "Settings" at the bottom of the LHS and your account details should come up.  Go to Subscriptions and it will tell you when your subscription runs out (4 January).  At the bottom of that page there's an end subsription hyperlink.  Click that and you can cancel your subscription from there.  I've just done it because you can re-activate it later if you want and I don't want to forget it and then be charged.  At the moment, the Walton album is still playing and I guess this will work until 4 January.  SQ very average

PS I couldn't find the voucher icon Simon refers to either; they probaly don't want people to use it or it may be unnecessary if you go in via Naim

Some say the bass is more boomy, others that it is leaner. The rest can't tell the difference. I have heard it sound very slightly worse and exactly the same, depending on the album. If you're finding that it sounds "very average" in the sense that sounds bad then I can't agree. If you mean that on average it sounds like a ripped CD then I do agree.

 

Keith

 

Posted on: 06 October 2015 by KRM

I agree it's pointless if you already have all the music you want, and I agree it's not the best for classical. Qobuz is superb for classical. I have, on occasion, listened to the CD review programme on Raudio 3 on Saturday mornings and been able to find the recordings they recommend, which I think is pretty cool.

 

There are some shocking sounding CDs out there (including classical CDs) so I you have clearly been unlucky with your choices. The worst thing about Tidal is it's not always easy to tell which master/remaster they are using, which could be a nusance with classical. 

 

So, there are number of good reasons why it might not be for you, but lack of dynamic range and sounding worse than 320 MP3 are not amoung them.

Posted on: 06 October 2015 by JSH
Not so sure about your last para KRM.
I didn't say it necessarily sounded worse than 320; to date (early days)  it has not sounded £20 a month better than Audiophile Classical, and certainly has a worse dynamic range than R3, but then BBC concert broadcasts are second to none. 
And of course if I were to subscribe to Qobuz at hifi quality I'd need to shell out £240 up front to an outfit which has been in receivership once already.  Not a wise investment.  Qobuz and Tidal together £350 - and people moan about the licence fee!
I feel like the little boy in the Hans Andersen tale, but someone needs to tell the Emperor that his underwear might just be showing!
 
 
Originally Posted by KRM:

I agree it's pointless if you already have all the music you want, and I agree it's not the best for classical. Qobuz is superb for classical. I have, on occasion, listened to the CD review programme on Raudio 3 on Saturday mornings and been able to find the recordings they recommend, which I think is pretty cool.

 

There are some shocking sounding CDs out there (including classical CDs) so I you have clearly been unlucky with your choices. The worst thing about Tidal is it's not always easy to tell which master/remaster they are using, which could be a nusance with classical. 

 

So, there are number of good reasons why it might not be for you, but lack of dynamic range and sounding worse than 320 MP3 are not amoung them.

 

Posted on: 06 October 2015 by Bart

I've been as skeptical as anyone about streaming services, but I signed up for Tidal a while ago so that I could play with it as part of the beta test.  I've not cancelled yet.  And now with 3 months....I'll keep it going.

 

Kudos to the Naim software team; this is very slick.

Posted on: 06 October 2015 by bbb111

Just updated my NDX to 4.4v.  Awesome job, Naim.  Simply terrific.  Thank you!

Posted on: 06 October 2015 by John Burrow

All up and running with TIDAL here in Sydney, Thank you to Phil and team, a wonderful upgrade.

BTW, a lot of jazz enthusiasts complain about the selection but I now have access to 128 Ahmad Jamal Albums, Heaven.