Sonic Studio, the pro audio company behind mastering software SoundBlade and audiophile audio engine Amarra, has just released Amarra for TIDAL. TIDAL, the artist-owned streaming platform, has been of notable popularity among audio enthusiasts for its lossless sound quality, and for good reason; it is the only streaming service to offer this level of resolution- it is nearly equivalent to CD-quality. Now, Amarra ups the ante considerably.
Consider the difference between 320kbps MP3 and CD. Then imagine the difference between CD and vinyl. Those are the sorts of differences we are talking about when you throw Amarra into the TIDAL world. Essentially, Amarra is a bit-perfect audio engine that bypasses your Mac’s CoreAudio interface. I won’t get into details here, but suffice to say that the richness and the resolution is verg much improved when Amarra is used. This is not a subtle difference: it will blow you away. I’m addicted to listening to Amarra and TIDAL; it’s like I’m right inside the mastering studio listening through my HD800s or my UE Reference Monitors! You can try it free for 15 days here: http://www.sonicstudio.com/amarra/aft. Though the interface is less impressive than the TIDAL app, it is 100% worth it for the stunning sound! It’s one of the best $50 I’ve spent – seriously, give it a go. You won’t regret it!
MGR Audio 
For the benefit of others, I’m compelled to agree with you 100%. After reading this article among others, your short take is exemplary in its accuracy and importance.
For those who use Tidal for the HIFI option, this software is not a subtle improvement. It’s made me look at my decade old Paradigm Reference 20s v.1 and marvel if they don’t sound like new speakers. The caveat is always, your mileage may vary but here the writer doesn’t believe it. The author of this short take is not wrong. It’s the best bang for the buck you’ll likely see in your music system in this lifetime for $50. This after only trying out the Amarra for Tidal software on day one.
The trial is apparently 30 days. Take advantage, download and see for yourself. Tell me you aren’t smiling after.
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I have spent the last two days frustrated and aggrevated by Amarra for Tidal. It is buggy and slow. The remote control app will not hold data if you leave the app for something and the albums artists and playlists won’t reload without flicking up on each page so you have to sit there reloading by hand. The sound is not superior to the Tidal app and has left me wondering how reviewers can rubber stamp this rubbish. Must be to placate advertiser. I made the mistake of buying this on a one day half price sale. Wish I had tried demo before I parted with my money. Live and learn.
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I agree with you, the interface is a learning curve, but for many (including me) it is enough of an improvement in sound quality that it is worth it. Things do tend to change with each update, so hopefully the performance will improve with the longevity of both the desktop app and the remote.
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Totally agree – slow to load and unstable which is how I also found the original Amarra HiFi – the product is CRAP.
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I really wish the stability and speed of the app would improve, to be sure. The sound is paramount for me here, though, and they certainly have got that right!
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