With so many streaming apps right now, it’s easy to understand why consumers are not sure which one to use. Simplicity needs to be a thing. You can’t tell people to download control apps for every single streaming component and music platform that they use and not expect people to get frustrated. Some apps are still not ready for prime time and we can understand why people find the entire process a huge waste of time. One brand that has received that message loud and clear is Cambridge Audio. We’re huge fans of their network streamers and it’s a very positive step that they have introduced a new firmware update that makes their streamers compatible with TIDAL Connect.
TIDAL Connect allows users to control music playback on their Cambridge Audio network streamers directly using the TIDAL iOS and Android app. Before the firmware update, consumers were forced to stream music from the Cambridge smartphone app. The addition of TIDAL Connect creates a direct stream from the network audio player and TIDAL’s servers resulting in a better sound quality experience.
With every new firmware update, there is always a wrinkle. We hate to burst that bubble but we’re not sure that Tidal Connect is actually working properly with MQA Masters right now and Cambridge hardware. We’re hearing about issues with the firmware update and hi-res MQA versions of albums being downsampled to 16-bit/44kHz CD quality. We’ve reached out to both Tidal and Cambridge for an update. [Updated on 03/24/2021]
TIDAL Connect support is now available on Cambridge Audio’s current line-up of streamers that use the company’s StreamMagic streaming platform. Cambridge Audio is not leaving users of its older network players out in the cold; TIDAL Connect will be available on older products such as the CXN (V1), StreamMagic 6 (V2) and CXR120/CXR200 models. A wise move by the brand to say the least.
Cambridge Audio are not alone in this new direction and we’re hoping that other brands get the message and get onboard the TIDAL Connect train. Not everyone can afford to use Roon and this free app provides for better sound quality with the equipment that people already own.
A free firmware update is now available on the following Cambridge Audio streamers:
- Edge NQ
- CXN (V2)
- 851N
- CXN (V1)
- StreamMagic 6 (V2)
For more information: Cambridge Audio TIDAL Connect Update
